So You Want To Play College Soccer? - Why Coaches Aren't Calling: 8 Mistakes You Can Fix Today!

41 female athletes have already verbally committed to 22 programs for 2027.

August 31, 2025

Welcome to our essential weekly blog series on college recruitment! Whether you're just beginning your journey or are already deep into the process, this series is designed with you in mind. We'll delve into crucial topics like crafting an impressive highlight video, developing a strategic college list, and mastering the art of securing scholarships. Regardless of where you stand, our series is filled with essential tips and guidance to propel you towards success. Join us every week as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

In Today’s Edition

  • Why Coaches Aren't Calling: 8 Mistakes You Can Fix Today!

  • Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Schools! What’s your CSN Score?

Why Coaches Aren't Calling: 8 Mistakes You Can Fix Today!

The college recruiting process is an exciting step toward turning your athletic dreams into reality. But sometimes, despite all your efforts, the phone doesn't ring, and emails from coaches remain sparse. If you're wondering why your recruiting journey has stalled, it might be time to reflect on your approach.

Are you showcasing your talent effectively? Are your efforts aligned with what college programs are looking for? The truth is, even talented athletes can struggle to get noticed if they're making critical mistakes in their recruiting strategy.

To help reset your recruiting plan, we've outlined eight common mistakes student-athletes make that could be holding them back. More importantly, we'll guide you on how to fix them and start attracting coach interest today.

1. Your School List Is Too Narrow

One of the most frequent missteps in the recruiting process is having too small or overly ambitious a school list. Are you only focusing on Division I programs or your dream schools? Limiting yourself to just a handful of "reach" programs while ignoring realistic options can drastically reduce your opportunities.

Many athletes fall into the trap of only targeting prestigious programs they've seen on TV. While ambition is admirable, this approach often leads to disappointment and missed opportunities at schools that could be perfect fits.

Fix it: Research is your best friend. Identify colleges at all levels—Division I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO—where you could realistically compete based on your athletic and academic abilities. Use online recruiting platforms to gather insights into which schools are recruiting players in your position. A broader and more balanced school list increases your chances of finding a perfect match while expanding your opportunities.

Start with 50-75 schools and narrow down from there. Include reach schools, target schools where you fit the typical recruit profile, and safety schools where you exceed the average recruit's qualifications.

2. You Have No Online Presence

College coaches scout talent online as much as they do on the field. If you don't have a strong, easily accessible online profile, you're missing out on a critical way to get noticed. A hastily put-together social media profile or outdated highlight video can do more harm than good.

Today's coaches expect to find comprehensive information about prospects with just a few clicks. Without a professional online presence, you're essentially invisible in the digital recruiting landscape.

Fix it: Create a professional online presence on platforms like YouTube or Hudl. Your profile should include your stats, athletic achievements, academic highlights, and an up-to-date highlight video. Keep your social media clean and focused, as coaches do check profiles for personality and maturity.

Make sure your name appears consistently across all platforms. Use professional headshots and action photos. Most importantly, ensure all your information is current and accurate.

3. Your Communication Skills Need Work

Are you waiting for coaches to find you instead of taking the lead? A passive approach can make you fade into the background, especially if your communication is unclear, unprofessional, or inconsistent.

Many athletes underestimate the importance of strong communication skills. Coaches want players who can articulate themselves well, both on and off the field. Poor communication can signal immaturity or lack of preparation.

Fix it: Develop professional communication skills. Send well-crafted emails to coaches introducing yourself, explaining your interest in their program, and outlining why you'd be a great fit. Personalize each message by referencing the school's team or academic programs to show genuine interest.

Always respond quickly to any replies and show gratitude for their time. Use proper grammar and spelling. Address coaches by their formal titles unless they specifically ask you to do otherwise. Follow up consistently but not excessively—once every few weeks is appropriate.

4. Your Highlight Videos Are Inadequate

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your highlight video. Coaches don't have time to sift through entire games or low-quality footage to gauge your talent. If your video doesn't show your skills quickly and effectively, it may end up being overlooked.

A poor highlight video can actually hurt your chances more than having no video at all. Coaches form opinions quickly, and subpar footage suggests a lack of attention to detail or understanding of what programs are looking for.

Fix it: Make your highlight video stand out. Start strong by featuring your best plays within the first 30 seconds. Keep the video concise—three to five minutes maximum—and tailor it to your position. For example, include key saves if you're a goalkeeper or quick footwork and passing skills as a midfielder.

Always include your contact information and jersey number so coaches can identify you easily. Use high-quality footage with clear audio. Show yourself in different game situations and against quality competition when possible.

5. You're Not Attending Showcases or Camps

If you aren't showing up where coaches are scouting, you're making it harder for them to see you in action. Showcases, college ID clinics, and tournaments give you valuable face time with recruiters and allow you to demonstrate your talents in person.

Many athletes assume that talent alone will get them noticed, but visibility is equally important. Coaches often discover their best recruits at showcase events where they can evaluate players directly against peer competition.

Fix it: Do your homework and register for events where the schools on your list are likely to attend. Many programs post their staff's camp attendance online, so align your schedule with theirs. Be sure to introduce yourself before or after the event, showing them you're invested in joining their program.

Research which showcases have the best reputation in your sport and region. Prepare professionally by bringing recruiting packets and business cards. Follow up with coaches you meet within 24-48 hours of the event.

6. You're Not Maintaining Academic Standards

Athletics can only take you so far. Coaches want athletes who will contribute to their team but also thrive academically. A low GPA, poor SAT/ACT scores, or a track record of struggling in school can raise red flags.

Academic performance often reflects work ethic, time management skills, and discipline—qualities coaches value highly. Many talented athletes lose opportunities because they fail to meet academic requirements or don't prioritize their education.

Fix it: Put academics at the forefront. Stay disciplined about meeting NCAA eligibility requirements and work with tutors or teachers to improve in any weak areas. Highlight any academic achievements in your recruiting profile, such as honors classes or standout grades, to show your all-around commitment.

Take standardized tests multiple times if needed to improve your scores. Consider taking additional challenging courses to boost your GPA. Communicate any academic improvements to coaches—they appreciate seeing upward trends.

7. You Lack Self-Promotion Skills

Are you waiting for coaches to make the first move? If so, you could miss out on opportunities to get noticed. Recruiting is a crowded field, and those who are proactive usually have an edge.

Self-promotion isn't about being boastful—it's about effectively communicating your value as a student-athlete. Many talented players remain undiscovered because they don't know how to market themselves appropriately.

Fix it: Take charge of your recruiting process. Send personalized highlight reels, follow up on conversations, and consistently update coaches about your progress and event participation. Networking through your club coach or athletic director can also help build connections at college programs.

Create a recruiting timeline with specific milestones and deadlines. Track your communications with coaches using a spreadsheet or CRM tool. Share your achievements on social media appropriately. The squeaky wheel often gets the grease.

8. You're Ignoring Valuable Feedback

Feedback from coaches, trainers, and peers is invaluable for your growth as a player. If you're dismissing constructive criticism or failing to use it to improve, you're missing a huge opportunity to reach your full potential.

Coachability is one of the most important traits college coaches look for. They want players who can adapt, learn, and improve throughout their college careers. Athletes who resist feedback often struggle at the next level.

Fix it: Always pay attention to feedback, even when it's tough to hear. Reflect on areas you can improve, whether it's fitness, tactical awareness, or leadership skills. Coaches value players who are coachable and willing to put in the extra effort to reach the next level.

Ask specific questions about how you can improve. Keep a journal of feedback and track your progress addressing weak areas. Thank coaches and mentors for their input, even if it's critical. Show that you're implementing their suggestions through your actions.

The Road Ahead

Fixing these mistakes may take time and effort, but every step will bring you closer to your goal. College recruiting is about more than just talent—it's about presenting yourself as the complete package. Coaches are looking for athletes who can excel both on the field and in the classroom, communicate effectively, and show up with a winning attitude.

The recruiting process can feel overwhelming, but remember that you have more control than you might think. By addressing these common mistakes, you're positioning yourself ahead of countless other recruits who continue to make these errors.

Take this opportunity to evaluate your current approach honestly. Identify which of these eight areas need the most attention in your recruiting strategy. Create an action plan with specific deadlines and measurable goals.

Most importantly, stay persistent and positive throughout the process. College recruiting rarely happens overnight, but with the right approach and consistent effort, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

Start making these changes today, and you might find college coaches calling sooner than you think. Your athletic dreams are within reach—you just need to position yourself to be discovered.

Feel like you need more help on this journey? Schedule a free 15-minute call with Steve today!

🎯 Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Schools! What’s your CSN Score?

Your CSN # is the key to understanding which colleges are the perfect fit for your athletic and academic profile. It’s a precise measure that helps identify schools that recruit players with your unique resume and skills.

🚨 41 female athletes have already committed to top North East colleges for the class of 2027, with CSN Numbers ranging from 35 to 90. (Schools such as Syracuse and Penn State have already filled their 2027 rosters!)

We've developed an algorithm that accurately predicts the types of schools that will recruit you based on your personal CSN number and each college’s CSN profile. 

Want to join them? Knowing your CSN # puts you on the path to achieving your college athletics goals and finding a school that values you.

📊 Discover where YOU stand and uncover the best opportunities waiting for you.

The CSN # (College Soccer Network Number) is your personalized recruiting tool to focus your efforts on the right colleges.

Why Get Your CSN?

✅ Target Schools with Laser Focus
Identify colleges that recruit players with similar profiles.

✅ Save Time and Money
Avoid camps and schools that aren’t a fit.

✅ Data-Driven Recruiting
Understand where you stand and what to aim for.

Take Control of Your Journey

Sign up for your CSN # today and focus on schools that match your soccer resume.

👉 Click here to activate your CSN # and start targeting the right schools today! After you purchase, you'll get an email from us requesting a bit of information—once received, we'll send you your personalized number within 24 hours.

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About: Steve Coxon College Soccer Network

Steve has 20 years of college-level experience, 17+ years in D1 as the Head Recruiter. He has facilitated more than $30 million in college scholarships.

Location - Connecticut, USA