So You Want To Play College Soccer? - The Power of a No: Why Hearing ‘No’ Can Actually Help You!

Which D1 Schools Are Still Recruiting for 2026?

April 27, 2025

In Today’s Daily Edition

Welcome to our essential daily 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 day as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

  • The Power of a No: Why Hearing ‘No’ Can Actually Help You!

  • Which D1 Schools Are Still Recruiting for 2026?

  • 10-Minute Column to Reclaim the Passion and Joy That Made You Start Playing Football

Today’s Article



Today’s article, written by Ben Carcio, dives into a topic I often discuss with players and parents. One question I’m frequently asked is, “How many times should I email a coach?” My answer is always the same: as many times as it takes to get an answer. Even if that answer is no, at least you can move forward. Of course, this is easier said than done. Ben explains why hearing a no can actually be a helpful and valuable part of the process.

The Power of a No: Why Hearing ‘No’ Can Actually Help You!


By Ben Carcio
April 25, 2025 | 2 min read

Rejecting rejection. Avoiding the dreaded no. For many of us, these instincts are almost second nature. But what if I told you that hearing “no” is one of the most valuable outcomes you can experience in any endeavor? Whether you're navigating sales, job hunting, or college sports recruitment, the power of a no shouldn't be underestimated.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve experienced it firsthand. For every yes I’ve earned, I’ve faced ten nos. It’s part of the game. If I’m not hearing no, I’m not working hard enough. And the truth is, a no isn't just something to tolerate. It’s something to appreciate and, dare I say, celebrate.

Take recruiting, for example. Hearing a no from a college coach is actually a rare gift. Silence or being "ghosted" by a coach is far more common. But when a no does come, it’s worth its weight in gold. Why? Here are three reasons every no can be an opportunity in disguise.

1. Clarity = Focus


A clear and direct no gives you something invaluable: focus.

When an opportunity is off the table, you can stop investing time and energy into chasing it. This frees you to double down on the coaches, programs, or clients who are still engaged. It's an opportunity to streamline your priorities.

Time is a limited resource in any process, and chasing every maybe can drain you. A no sharpens your focus on what really matters and ensures your time is spent pursuing opportunities with real potential.

2. It Opens the Door to Feedback


A no doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. Instead, it can be the starting point for some of the most valuable insight you’ll receive.

Here’s how to approach this moment. After receiving a no, consider responding with gratitude and a request for feedback. For example, you could say:
“Thank you for your transparency. Is there any advice you can share that might help as I continue my search? Or is there another program you’d recommend I connect with?”

This kind of question does two things. First, it shows maturity and open-mindedness. Second, it could lead to actionable guidance or even an unexpected connection. Coaches and recruiters respect individuals who show resilience and a willingness to learn. Sometimes, asking for feedback after a no can unlock your next opportunity in ways you didn’t anticipate.

3. Use It as Motivation


Rejection stings, but it also fuels growth.

Nothing drives determination quite like a no. It can challenge you to dig deeper, improve your craft, and rise to the next level. Athletes, in particular, often draw stories of success from moments of rejection. Many can point to the time they were overlooked, told no, or cut from a team as the turning point in their careers.

Coaches talk about this too. Some of their favorite success stories involve athletes they initially passed on, only to watch them grow, evolve, and eventually excel. A no can light the fire you need to keep pushing forward.

Embrace the No


Hearing no doesn’t mean the end of the road. It’s simply a tool to help you get better, sharper, and more focused. A no provides clarity, unearths valuable feedback, and fuels the drive to succeed.

The next time you face rejection, don’t fear it. Don’t avoid it. Instead, learn to respect it. Ask for it. Use it. Because with every no, you’re one step closer to the right yes.

Which 25 D1 Schools Are Still Recruiting for 2026? Find Out Here!

If you’re a 2026 female soccer player aiming for a Division 1 roster, opportunities are still out there! Some programs are actively recruiting, but spots are filling up fast!

Check out this list of schools we believe are still recruiting. Schools highlighted in yellow have been confirmed this information.

D1 Schools Still Recruiting for 2026

🟨 Penn
Penn is recruiting players for their program, offering a chance to combine elite academics with competitive soccer.

🟨 Lafayette
Lafayette is specifically seeking a Forward.

🟨 Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac is on the hunt for players to fill several key positions, including:

  • Right/Left Wing Back

  • Center Back

  • Attacking Center Midfielder

🟨 Stony Brook
Stony Brook is actively recruiting for 2026 and hosting an ID clinic on July 5-6.
Register here

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10-Minute Column to Reclaim the Passion and Joy That Made You Start Playing Football

By Selena (Quinnipiac University Women’s Soccer)
April, 2025

"Creativity is the energy that keeps us connected to our being. We shut down when we stop creating because we stop being ourselves in order to obey others."
– Selena Salas

🔥 THE SECRET TO RECLAIMING YOUR LOVE FOR THE GAME

Welcome to this week’s column, where we explore how to rediscover the passion and joy that made football your first love. Too often, we get caught up in external pressures and the expectations of others, losing sight of the simple pleasure that brought us to the game in the first place.

Take just 10 minutes to shift your perspective, unlock your full potential, and thrive—not just as a player, but as a person. Start today and feel the difference!

Win Your Week

🚀 Apply: Use the 3 strategies below to reconnect with your passion.
💥 Learn: It took me years to realize the most important goal was to play for my joy and standards—not someone else’s.
🙋🏻‍♀️ Watch: Revisit a highlight video of a player who inspired you as a kid, someone who made you dream big.
📚 Read: Living in the Sweet Spot - A guide for preparing for performance in sports and life.

Are you ready to reclaim your love for the game? Let's do this! 🔥

Reconnect With Your Passion

It’s important not to get lost in the notion that you need to play to achieve something or to prove your worth. While internal and external drives can motivate us to push forward and achieve great things, true fulfillment comes from holding onto the love and passion for football that you’ve always had, no matter the circumstances.

When we reconnect with the joy and reasons that made us fall in love with football, we find our grounding. This allows us to come back to our center—to that place where it all began. Sometimes, we go so far in life striving to reach a destination that we forget who we are and why we started. Losing touch with this can leave us feeling empty.

The best way to create more enjoyable experiences and satisfying results is to embrace playing for the sheer love of the game itself. By focusing on joy rather than pressure, we allow ourselves to reconnect with our authentic passion.

You don’t need to justify your love for the game with accomplishments. Football is meaningful because you give it meaning. Decide today that you’re going to enjoy the game, regardless of any external influences.

This is precisely what helped me reconnect with the passion and “genius” I had as a child. Back then, I wasn’t afraid of failing or disappointing anyone. I simply trusted myself. And to my surprise, that trust was all I needed to thrive. Most importantly, focusing on what truly mattered helped me claim back my love for the game, the very thing that has always made me the happiest girl on earth.

3 Strategies to Reclaim Your Love for the Game

  1. Reconnect With Your Early Joy:
    Reflect on what initially drew you to football. Write down your favorite memories from the early days.

  2. Practice Mindfulness:
    Focus on the present moment and the feeling of excitement while playing, rather than worrying about results or outcomes.

  3. Set Personal Goals:
    Define achievable goals that give you a sense of purpose and drive, both on and off the field.

(Feel free to send me your answers if you'd like to share!)

Reflection Questions

Take a moment to grab a pen and paper and think about these questions.

  • What specific moments in your football journey made you feel most alive and connected to the game?

  • How have your challenges shaped your relationship with football? What lessons can you draw from them to reignite your passion?

  • What actions can you take moving forward to deepen your love for the game and ensure it becomes a joyful experience?

(Send me your responses if you’d like to see them featured or if you want further interaction!)

Featured Article

Promotional Offer

If you’re ready to take it a step further, I’d love to work with you one-on-one! My coaching program includes a 1-hour initial session, a 1-hour follow-up session, and a 45-minute workshop specifically focused on psychology and football.

Visit www.psicologiayexito.com to get started today!

P.S. Share this column with a teammate or friend who could use a boost in performance and well-being. Thank you for being part of my purpose.

With love and a will to serve,
Selena

Your Go-To Websites/Social Media Leaders

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