'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' - Beyond the Game: The Broken Leg Test: Choosing a College for More Than Just Sports

Finding Your Fit - Destination Dream College: Build the Right List! + 2026 Male Soccer College Commitments Reveals Recruitment Timeline Gap.

October 06, 2024

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our important new blog series, where over the next 5 to 6 weeks, we will guide you through every step of the college recruiting journey. Whether you're just starting out or are well into your process, we'll cover essential topics like creating your standout highlight video, building a targeted college list, and strategies to secure that coveted scholarship. No matter where you are on your journey, our series is packed with crucial tips and advice to help you succeed. Join us each week as we empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the recruiting landscape with confidence.

  • Finding Your Fit - Destination Dream College

  • Beyond the Game: The Broken Leg Test: Choosing a College for More Than Just Sports

  • Join our FREE College Soccer Network Community!

  • Reach out today to book your complimentary 20-minute Zoom session and jumpstart your recruiting journey!

Finding Your Fit
Destination Dream College: Build the Right List!

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Embarking on the Journey

Embarking on the journey to play college soccer is an exciting yet challenging adventure. The key to success lies in finding the right level of play and the perfect college fit. Just like a GPS set to the wrong destination will lead you astray, creating an unsuitable college list can waste valuable time and resources, leaving you at an unexpected and disappointing endpoint. So, how do you ensure your college soccer aspirations take you exactly where you want to go? Here are some essential steps to guide you on this path.

Do Your Homework!

The foundation of your college soccer journey is research. Knowing where to aim starts with understanding your options and potential fits. Here’s how you can do just that:

Research Where Your Club Sends Players

Look into the paths taken by former players from your club. Where have they succeeded? This historical insight offers a realistic picture of what is achievable from your current starting point. Clubs often have relationships with certain colleges, which can be leveraged to your advantage. If your club has never sent a player to the ACC or the Big East, ask yourself, do you truly have what it takes to be the first to break into such a fiercely competitive arena?

Seek Your Coach’s Guidance

Coaches are invaluable resources in your journey. They have a wealth of experience and can provide honest assessments of your skills and potential. Your coach can guide you towards programs that suit your level and help you understand the recruiting landscape better. Their recommendations can open doors to colleges you hadn't considered.

Verify College Rosters for Your Profile Fit

It’s crucial to match your skills and profile to the right college level. By examining current college rosters, you can gauge the level of play and the type of player that the program recruits. Look for players with similar skills and stats to yours. Do they recruit players from leagues like ECNL, ECRL, EDP, GA, or MLS Next? A little bit of research will reveal a lot of the answers, helping you uncover whether you have the potential to compete at that level and seamlessly integrate into the team’s dynamic.

Conclusion

Finding the right level of college soccer requires strategic planning and thorough research. Start by creating a well-thought-out list of prospective colleges that matches your athletic, academic, and personal goals. Remember, the journey to your dream college begins with the right decisions today. Avoid the pitfalls of a mismatched list by doing your homework, leveraging your network, and aligning your aspirations with realistic possibilities. With a clear map and well-set destination, your college soccer dreams are within reach.

Beyond the Game: The Broken Leg Test: Choosing a College for More Than Just Sports

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Choosing where to play college sports is a significant decision that can shape your future, both athletically and academically. While your skills on the field are crucial, it's equally important to consider other factors that will impact your college experience and personal growth. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision by examining key factors beyond athletics and developing a strategic approach to evaluate potential colleges.

1. Some Key Factors to Consider

Location:
The geographical location of a college can greatly influence your college experience. Consider whether you prefer a college in a bustling city or a serene rural setting. Think about the climate and how it might affect your training and lifestyle. Being close to home might offer comfort and support, while studying in a different region could provide new experiences and independence.

Academic Programs:
Your education is an investment in your future. Research the academic strengths of each college and ensure they offer programs that interest you. Whether you're leaning towards a specific major or want the flexibility to explore, the right academic environment is crucial. Look into the faculty, resources, and opportunities for internships or research that align with your career goals.

Campus Culture:
Campus culture plays a vital role in your overall college experience. Every college has its own vibe, influenced by its traditions, student organizations, and social activities. Visit campuses if possible, talk to current students, and get a feel for whether you would thrive in that environment. Consider diversity, inclusivity, and the availability of support networks.

Financial Considerations:
College is a significant financial commitment. Evaluate the cost of tuition, availability of scholarships, and financial aid options. Consider the cost of living in the area and any additional expenses that might arise. Balancing your financial situation with potential athletic scholarships can help alleviate financial stress.

2. Weighing the Pros and Cons

Once you've identified these factors, it's time to weigh the pros and cons of each. Create a list of your priorities and rank them in terms of importance. For instance, you might prioritize a strong academic program over location, or vice versa. Consider both short-term and long-term benefits, and how each decision aligns with your personal and professional goals.

3. Developing a Ranking System

To systematically evaluate your options, develop a ranking system. Assign a score to each factor based on how well a college meets your criteria. For instance, rate each college on a scale of 1 to 10 for location, academics, campus culture, and financial viability. This quantitative approach can help you objectively compare your choices and make a more informed decision.

4. The Broken Leg Test: Choosing a College for More Than Just Sports

When selecting a college, student-athletes often focus heavily on the athletic program, but it's essential to consider how fulfilling the college experience would be without sports. This is where the "broken leg test" comes into play—a hypothetical scenario where you envision sustaining an injury that prevents you from participating in your sport. Would you still be happy and content at that college?

Practical Tips

  • Research Extensively: Use online resources, college websites, and forums to gather information. Attend college fairs and reach out to admissions counselors.

  • Visit Campuses: If possible, visit the campuses of your top choices to get a firsthand experience of their environment and facilities.

  • Talk to Current Students and Alumni: Their insights can provide valuable perspectives on what it's like to be a student-athlete at the college.

  • Consult with Coaches and Counselors: They can offer guidance based on their experience and knowledge of the college sports landscape.

Conclusion

Deciding where to play college sports is an exciting yet challenging process. By considering factors beyond athletic prowess, you can ensure a well-rounded college experience that supports both your academic and athletic aspirations. Use this guide to navigate the decision-making process with confidence, ensuring that the college you choose aligns with your personal values, goals, and lifestyle.

Poll Question: What is the most important non-athletic factor for you when choosing a college?

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Join our FREE College Soccer Network Community and Share your Highlight Video for FREE!

Are you enjoying our weekly newsletter but craving more in-depth insights and interactions? Dive deeper into the world of college soccer recruiting by joining the College Soccer Network! In just 10 days, we've welcomed over 75 passionate members, and we're just getting started. ⚽️

By joining our community, you can:

🔍 Get answers to your pressing questions from experienced parents, players, and our seasoned ex-D1 coach, Steve.

📹 Share your highlight videos and resumes directly with coaches, getting your talent noticed.

📚 Utilize our comprehensive guide to track commitments and stay informed every step of the way.

This is your chance to be part of a fast-growing team that's dedicated to elevating your recruiting journey. Join us today and take the next step towards your college soccer dreams!

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‘Updated 2026 Boys College Commitments’

Stark Contrast in College Soccer Commitments: Female Athletes vs. Males Reveals Recruitment Timeline Gap

The disparity in college commitments between female and male soccer athletes is striking. Over 530 plus female athletes have announced verbal college commitments, compared to just about 14 on the boys' side. This substantial gap highlights a significant difference in recruitment timelines and processes for each gender.

Challenges of Over-Recruiting

The 28-player roster limit has become a critical factor in the recruiting process. Programs that have over-recruited are at risk of having to rescind verbal offers, creating a precarious situation for athletes who thought their futures were secured. This over-recruiting often stems from the competitive nature of college sports, pushing programs to hedge their bets with multiple commitments. For athletes, this means staying vigilant and understanding the stability of their offers.

Recommendation: Explore all levels of college soccer, as the talent pool exceeds D1 opportunities.

Where are you on your recruiting journey?

If you're a 2025/26 athlete and starting to feel uneasy about the lack of interest, it's time to take action. Remember, most schools will have their rosters locked at 28 players by 2025 and 2026. This means players could face cuts or decommitments due to limited roster spaces. Don't wait until it's too late—email me now to schedule your free 20-minute analysis and get ahead in your recruiting process.

Simply send an email to [email protected]

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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