'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' - Unleashing your Potential: How Highlight Videos Can Ignite Your Recruiting Journey!

Summary of Matt’s Interview with Suffolk University Women’s Soccer – Coach Ellie McDougall

February 09, 2025

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our essential new 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. 

  • Unleashing your Potential: How Highlight Videos Can Ignite Your Recruiting Journey!

  • Just Released! Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas

  • Summary of Matt’s Interview with Coach Chris Flint, Johnson & Wales University Women’s Soccer

  • Start Your Recruitment Journey with Confidence – Enroll in Our Online Course Today!

Unleashing your Potential: How Highlight Videos Can Ignite Your Recruiting Journey!

Creating a highlight video is one of the most important steps in the college recruiting process. It’s your chance to showcase your talents and make a memorable first impression with coaches. With a strong highlight reel, you can grab attention, open doors to communication, and even secure opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your footage, this guide will walk you through everything you need to create a standout highlight video.

Why Start with a Highlight Video?

One of the most common questions student-athletes and their families ask is, “Where do I start with the recruiting process?” Without hesitation, the answer is always the same—your highlight video.

It’s never too early to start documenting your development on the field. Even as a freshman, compiling meaningful clips can give you a head start. Highlight videos are essential because college coaches are incredibly busy. They don’t have time to attend every game, but a great video can bring your skills right to them. Fun fact—recruiting profiles with highlight videos get over 10 times more traffic than those without them.

With that in mind, your goal is clear. Create a highlight reel that demonstrates your skills, potential, and ability to compete at the collegiate level. Here’s how to make it happen:

Tips for Creating an Impactful Highlight Video

1. Include the Right Footage

The quality of your footage is critical. Include a mix of real-game action and technical skills that matter most to college coaches.

  • Gameplay Footage: Show impactful moments like goals, assists, decisive tackles, or smart decision-making. Coaches want to see how you perform in real-game scenarios.

  • Technical Skills: Showcase drills highlighting your ball control, first touch, shooting accuracy, passing, or defensive discipline. These help demonstrate you’re prepared for a higher level of play.

2. Keep It Concise

A coach’s attention span is short, so aim for a video duration of 3-5 minutes. Your goal is to pique their interest, not overwhelm them. If they want more, they’ll reach out to request full-game footage.

3. Feature Your Best Clips First

The opening 20-30 seconds are the most important. Lead with your strongest plays to grab the coach’s attention right from the start. Set the tone by making a great first impression.

4. Use Freeze Frames and Spot Shadows

Before your key plays begin, add visual elements such as freeze frames or spot shadows to highlight yourself on the field. This focuses the coach's attention on you, preventing any confusion.

5. Demonstrate a Range of Skills

While it’s great to have a standout specialty—like a killer free kick—your video should highlight your versatility as a player. Show clips of defensive positioning, passing range, leadership, and tactical awareness in addition to your offensive or technical abilities.

6. Specific Tips for Defenders

If you’re a defender, showcase clips with clean tackles, interceptions, aerial duels, and composure under pressure. Don’t forget to highlight your ability to distribute the ball effectively after winning possession.

7. Focus on High-Quality Production

Your efforts on the field should be matched by the quality of your video. Avoid shaky or blurry footage. Clear, steady visuals keep the focus on your skills rather than distracting technical flaws.

8. Avoid Over-Editing

Stay simple. Flashy effects or booming background music might seem fun, but they won’t impress coaches. Stick to straightforward editing that highlights your abilities without distractions.

9. Include Key Information

At the beginning of your video, include a title screen with these essential details:

  • Your name

  • High school

  • Jersey number

  • Position

  • Graduation year

  • Contact information
    You can also add measurable categories such as height or athletic achievements, depending on your sport.

10. Learn from Examples

Look for exceptional highlight video examples to inspire your own. Great videos highlight gameplay in a clean, organized way, with smart markers like arrows or spotlights to help viewers quickly identify the featured player.

Common Questions from Parents

How Many Videos Should We Create?

Start with one main “best of” video that showcases the player’s top moments and skills. This serves as a strong introduction to coaches. From there, you can build additional videos categorized by age, high school seasons, or specific events, offering more detailed glimpses into performance as needed.

How Often Should We Update the Videos?

Update your video whenever there’s new, noteworthy footage that significantly demonstrates growth or improvement. For instance, this could mean adding standout moments from an important tournament, high school game, or recent club season. An updated video signals to coaches that you're continuing to improve, so they remain engaged.

Highlight videos are a critical tool for student-athletes looking to stand out in the recruiting process. By following the steps outlined above, you'll create a professional and impactful video that effectively communicates your talent, versatility, and potential to college coaches. With the right footage, editing, and focus, your highlight reel could be your ticket to the next level.

From Highlights to Scholarships: Your Ultimate Recruiting Roadmap!

Ready to take your highlight video — and your recruiting process — to the next level? Check out our online course for an in-depth tutorial on editing your own videos, links to trusted companies that produce professional highlight reels, tips on where to host your videos, and so much more.

This course is your ultimate guide to the entire recruiting journey. It even includes comprehensive contact lists for every college coach in the nation—boys and girls. Whether you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, our course will take you from disorganized to scholarship-ready in just a few days.

Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas!

We’re thrilled to announce a unique chance to shine in front of college coaches.This spring, we’re hosting exclusive ID Clinics for both boys and girls at the brand-new Day Hill Dome in Windsor, CT. These clinics are the perfect chance to showcase your talent and elevate your game while connecting with top college coaches.

A Premier Showcase for Aspiring Players - Your opportunity to Shine and Get Noticed!

Whether you’re a male or female athlete, these clinics are designed to help you take a confident step toward your college soccer aspirations. We’ve invited college coaches from across New England and the Northeast, representing DI, DII, and DIII programs, making this an incredible opportunity to get noticed by the best in the game.

With only 50 player spots available per clinic, space is very limited. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and make the most of this exciting event!

Don’t Miss Out – Register Now

This is your chance to shine and take your skills to the next level. Slots are filling up fast, so don’t delay! Register today to lock in your place and ensure your spot at this high-profile event.

🔗 Boys (Only 33 spots remain)- Reserve your spot now!

🔗 Girls (Only 29 spots remain) - Reserve your spot now!

Summary of Matt’s Interview with Suffolk University Women’s Soccer – Coach Ellie McDougall

Recruiting Timeline

  • Ideal timeline starts summer before a player's junior year through the junior fall.

  • Senior year recruits are considered but less common.

What Coach McDougall Looks for in Recruits

  • Must include a highlight video to showcase skills and position.

  • Information on GPA, intended major, and basic knowledge about Suffolk University is appreciated.

Key Events for Scouting

  • Focuses on major showcases like PDA (New Jersey), Disney Showcase, and ECNL events.

  • Enjoys recruiting players from across the country to bring diverse talents to Boston.

Work Rate and Player Attributes

  • High work rate and “shocking effort” are essential.

  • Players should demonstrate technical ability, strong fundamentals, and a positive attitude.

  • Observes how players interact with teammates, coaches, and their environment.

Importance of Academics

  • Focus on recruiting strong students, as academic merit directly impacts financial aid opportunities.

  • Suffolk offers merit scholarships ranging from $5K to $22K, which can significantly offset tuition.

Unique Benefits of Suffolk University

  • Prime location in downtown Boston provides unparalleled access to internships and job opportunities.

  • Fifth-largest concentration of international students among U.S. institutions, fostering a global atmosphere.

  • On-campus opportunities include a study-abroad program in Madrid.

Support for Student-Athletes

  • Biweekly individual meetings with players during the season for academic and personal support.

  • Plans to hire an associate athletic director focused on student-athlete programming and well-being.

Balanced Roster Management

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