So You Want To Play College Soccer? - The No-BS Roadmap to Getting Recruited - Steps 1 & 2!

What level can you really play at? Find out for Free!

January 18, 2026

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

  • The No-BS Roadmap to Getting Recruited: Step 1 - Your Highlight Tape

  • The No-BS Roadmap to Getting Recruited: Step 2 - Create your List of Schools!

  • No more BS! What level can you really play at? Find out for Free!

  • Girls' Connecticut Winter Showcase Opportunity!

⚽  The No-BS Roadmap to Getting Recruited!

⚽ On Wednesday, we shared the “No BS Roadmap to Getting Recruited.

If you missed it, you can check it out ➡️ Here

Today, we’re breaking down Steps 1 and 2:

1️⃣ Create a Highlight Tape
2️⃣ Create your List of Schools

Stop wasting time. Stop wasting money. Be realistic. Put in the work. Don’t half-ass it.

Here’s the plan. Your job is simple: Execute.

🚨The No-BS Roadmap to Getting Recruited: Step 1 - Your Highlight Tape

Your highlight tape is your first impression, and if it’s not good, you’re done before you even start. Coaches will delete it and move on—no second chances.

Coaches don’t have time to sift through hours of footage or guess how good you might be. They need to see your talent in the first 30 seconds.

Here’s the no-BS truth:

1️⃣ Cut the fluff.


No one cares about warm-ups, celebrations, or average plays. Show your absolute best moments—explosive, game-changing plays that make you stand out.

2️⃣ Keep it short.


3-5 minutes max. Coaches don’t have time for a Netflix special.

3️⃣ Quality matters.


If your video looks like it was filmed on a potato, no one’s watching. Invest in good footage. If you can’t edit it yourself, pay someone who can. It’s worth it.

4️⃣ Start strong.


Your first clip should be a “wow” moment. Hook them immediately, or they’ll move on.

5️⃣ No logins.


Make it easy for the coach. Host your highlight tape on YouTube—no passwords, no hoops to jump through. Just a clean, accessible link.

This is your chance to grab attention and get on a coach’s radar. Don’t half-ass it. If your highlight tape isn’t good enough, fix it. If you don’t know how, find someone who does. No excuses.

This is the foundation of your recruiting journey for a reason—get it right. 💪

🚨 The No-BS Roadmap to Getting Recruited: Step 2 - Create your List of Schools!

Be realistic. Build your list. Stop chasing schools just because of the label.

Here’s the no-BS truth:

1️⃣ Get Real About Your Goals

  • If you don’t have the resume for D1, you’re not going there.

  • Ask your coaches where you truly fit—D1, D2, D3, or NAIA.

  • If players with your talent and resume are committing to D2 or D3, that’s where you belong.

  • Focus on programs where you’ll actually play, not just ride the bench.

2️⃣ Research Colleges Beyond Soccer

  • The Broken Leg Test: If you couldn’t play soccer, would you still want to be there?

  • Does it have your major? If not, move on.

  • Hate the campus vibe? Cross it off.

  • Think long-term: If it doesn’t set you up for life after soccer, it’s not worth it.

3️⃣ Be Strategic with Recruiting Efforts

  • Stop wasting time. If D1 schools aren’t responding, they’re not interested. Focus on D2 or D3 programs where you actually have a shot.

  • Don’t blow your money. Random camps and showcases won’t get you recruited. Go to events where your talent matches the level of the coaches attending.

  • Do your homework. Study team rosters. If every player is from elite leagues and you’re not, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

4️⃣ Create a No-BS Ranking System

  • Rank schools 1-10 on academics, location, social life, and affordability.

  • Be ruthless. If it doesn’t check your boxes, cut it.

  • Know your priorities: Playing time? Academics? Close to home? Stick to what matters.

5️⃣ Make Informed Decisions

  • Visit campuses. If you can’t see yourself living there for 4 years, it’s not the right place.

  • Talk to players, students, and alumni for the real story.

  • This isn’t just about soccer—it’s about finding a school where you can thrive in every part of your life.

⚽ No more BS! What level can you really play at?

Stop wasting time and money chasing schools that aren’t a fit.

Email me answers to these 5 questions below and I’ll send you a realistic "assessment" of your top 5 schools within 24 hours—for FREE!

Ready for the truth?

1️⃣ Team/League? Be specific (e.g., Stars of Mass ECNL 2010 or ECRL 2008).
2️⃣ GPA?
3️⃣ Graduation Year?
4️⃣ Playing Time? Be honest—Key player, starter, or off the bench?
5️⃣ 5 schools you’re currently considering?

#NoFluff #RealTalk #CollegeRecruiting

No excuses. No fluff. Just results. 💪

⚽ New Connecticut Showcase Opportunities For Girls This Winter!

I’ve teamed up with XG Sports to bring you an exclusive deal for their premier event in Connecticut this winter. As a reader of our newsletter, you can use the code SCN50 to get $50 off your registration!

Important!

If you’re registering for the event, please send me a quick email ([email protected]), and we can work together to invite more coaches from your ‘recruiting list.’ We’ll send coaches alerts that you’re playing and extend an invitation for them to attend.

This opportunity is open to all readers of this newsletter—don’t miss out!

📅 Event Details & Registration
👉 Register for The Event Here

Girls Event: February 7th

👩‍🎓 Girls Registered Coaches

  • NY/NJ Gotham FC (NWSL)

  • Providence College

  • Boston University

  • UCONN

  • Fordham

  • University of Rhode Island

  • Yale University

  • Fairfield University

  • University of New Hampshire

  • Quinnipiac University

  • CCSU

  • Le Moyne College

  • Southern New Hampshire

  • Southern Connecticut State University

  • Wesleyan University

  • Bay Path University

  • Smith College

  • West Conn

  • Mount Holyoke

  • Clarkson University

  • Elms College

  • Bard

  • Lesley University

  • Wellesley College

  • Dean College

  • Marywood University

  • Emmanuel College

  • Stevens Institute of Technology

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⚽ Feeling Lost? Need Guidance on Your Next Steps?

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Set up a free 15-minute call with Steve to discuss a game plan for your recruitment journey.

Free Recruiting Consultation

A complimentary 15-minute Zoom call designed to:
✅ Discuss your recruitment journey
✅ Outline the steps needed to succeed
✅ Provide clarity and direction

Take the first step toward your goals—I’m here to help! 💪

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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