So You Want To Play College Soccer? -The Transfer Portal Has Changed Everything. Are You Keeping Up?

Success Stories: Amelia Stephens signs for D1 William & Mary!

May 25, 2025

In Today’s Daily Edition

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  • The Transfer Portal Has Changed Everything. Are You Keeping Up?

  • Success Stories: Amelia Stephens signs for D1 William & Mary!

  • Sign up for "So You Want to Play College Soccer Daily"

The Transfer Portal Has Changed Everything. Are You Keeping Up?

The college sports recruitment landscape has undergone a seismic shift with the introduction of the NCAA transfer portal in 2018. This centralized online platform has transformed how athletes and coaches approach recruitment, fostering greater mobility for college players. However, its ripple effects are profoundly changing how high school athletes vie for their spot on collegiate rosters.

The transfer portal has created new opportunities for collegiate athletes to find the best fit for their talents, but it has also raised challenges for high school athletes aiming to secure scholarships and roster positions. Here, we’ll explore how the portal has reshaped recruitment, its implications for young athletes, and actionable strategies for them to thrive in this new age of college sports.

How the Transfer Portal Affects College Recruiting

The NCAA transfer portal is essentially a bridge between athletes and college programs. By entering the portal, players signal their intent to transfer, giving coaches nationwide the opportunity to recruit them. Once registered, student-athletes can communicate with other programs directly, negotiate their next move, and continue their athletic journeys without sitting out a season.

For coaches, this system offers a more immediate way to fill roster gaps. By targeting athletes with proven collegiate experience, teams can address pressing positional needs more confidently than taking a chance on high school recruits. While this model has streamlined recruitment for college teams, it has also introduced a highly competitive dynamic that prioritizes experience over potential.

A Numbers Game

The sheer growth of transfer portal usage paints a clear picture of its impact. With thousands of athletes entering the portal annually, college coaching staff often shift their focus to scouting seasoned players who’ve already proven their abilities at the college level. This leaves fewer opportunities for high school players, making it harder for them to rise to the top of recruitment lists.

Changes in College Recruiting Strategies

The rise of the transfer portal has profoundly influenced how college programs approach recruiting. The emphasis on transfers over high school athletes has led to dramatic changes in their overall strategies.

A Shift Toward Experience

Traditionally, high school athletes were the backbone of collegiate recruiting efforts. Coaches would dedicate significant resources to scouting high school games, attending showcases, and building relationships with prospects. However, the transfer portal has disrupted this model. Many programs now prioritize experienced college athletes who are ready to contribute immediately, rather than waiting for younger players to develop.

For example, Top Division I Soccer programs often rely on the portal to recruit position-specific talent. These transfers offer proven performance, reducing risk for coaches wary of gambling on players fresh out of high school.

Fewer Openings for High School Athletes

This shift in priorities means high school athletes now face stiffer competition for fewer available roster spots. Programs that would traditionally allocate scholarships to high school recruits may now reserve those offers for players in the portal. The result? High school athletes must work harder and smarter to stand out in a crowded field.

Challenges for High School Athletes

The emergence of the transfer portal represents a significant hurdle for high school athletes. The playing field has tilted, putting more pressure on younger players to deliver results and rank highly on recruiting lists.

Limited Opportunities

With many programs favoring transfers, there is less room for high school players. This reality can be daunting for athletes dreaming of collegiate sports. Additionally, the pressure to excel earlier in their careers has intensified. Standing out no longer requires just strong performance during senior year; recruiting now begins as early as freshman or sophomore year for most players.

High school players now compete not just against their peers but also against college athletes entering the portal. These seasoned players have an edge in experience, making it critical for high school prospects to excel in all aspects of their game—from athletic performance to academics.

Strategies for High School Athletes to Stand Out

While the transfer portal has created challenges, high school athletes are far from out of the game. Adapting to this new environment is key, and there are actionable steps athletes can take to boost their recruitment prospects.

1. Build Early Exposure

Starting early can make all the difference. Attending showcases, tournaments, and camps can help athletes display their talent to college coaches. It's no longer just about how good you are—it's about how many coaches know you're good!

2. Focus on Versatility and Development

Coaches today are looking for players who can adapt to various roles. High school athletes should work on developing diverse skill sets to increase their versatility on the field. Highlighting these attributes in highlight videos and during competitions will make them more appealing to recruiters.

Simultaneously, athletes must continually refine their athletic abilities, from technical fundamentals to overall physical fitness. Showing consistent improvement can help high school players compete with seasoned veterans from the portal. Remember, you're now competing against current college players who have spent months or even years training and developing within their programs.

3. Highlight Academic Excellence

Strong academics remain a critical component of recruitment. College coaches take academic performance seriously, as it reflects commitment, discipline, and the ability to handle the responsibilities of a student-athlete. Athletes with strong GPA scores and high standardized test results set themselves apart, especially for programs with stringent academic requirements, like those in Division III.

4. Take Charge of Recruitment

The days of waiting for recruiters to find you are gone. High school athletes must now be proactive. This includes reaching out to coaches, maintaining updated online profiles with stats and videos, and attending as many recruitment-focused events as possible. Personal initiative can make a huge impact when openings are limited.

5. Understand the Landscape

Knowledge is power. By understanding how the transfer portal is reshaping recruitment, athletes can better tailor their approach. For example, recognizing that certain positions are more likely to be filled via the portal can help players seeking those spots focus on schools with a higher reliance on high school recruiting.

Thriving in the Era of the Transfer Portal

The NCAA transfer portal has undoubtedly introduced new challenges, but it’s not all doom and gloom for high school athletes. With the right strategies and an earnest commitment to improvement, young athletes can still shine in this competitive environment.

The key lies in adapting to the evolving system. By building exposure early, honing versatility, maintaining strong academics, and taking control of their recruitment process, high school athletes can still realize their dreams of playing at the collegiate level. Success may require more effort than in years past, but the goal remains achievable for those willing to put in the work.

Ultimately, the transfer portal has changed the game, but it hasn’t closed the door. Opportunities still exist for those who are prepared to seize them. Athletes who stay informed, proactive, and dedicated to their craft will find their place in the changing world of college sports.

Success Stories: Amelia Stephens signs for D1 William & Mary!


We’re delighted to share that Amelia Stephens has committed to the Division 1 women’s soccer program at William & Mary. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as Amelia achieved this without participating in the Girls Academy (GA) or Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), which are often considered common paths to Division 1 opportunities.

Her success highlights how a combination of ability, preparation, and the right guidance can pave the way to significant achievements. Amelia’s dedication and focus on improving her game have been central to her reaching this milestone.

This is a proud moment, and we look forward to seeing her growth both on and off the field at William & Mary. Amelia’s story reminds us that every player’s path is unique, and there are many ways to achieve success in sports.

Are you ready to shape your soccer future? Visit us at stevecoxonsoccernetwork.com to set up a free 10-minute consultation and take the first step toward your own success story!

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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