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

• Warning: This Common Myth Could Cost You a Scholarship!

• 139 female athletes have already committed to 48 North East colleges for the class of 2027!

⚽ Warning: This Common Myth Could Cost You a Scholarship!

The Myth of Being "Found": A D1 Coach's Guide to Soccer Recruiting

As a former Division 1 college coach, I've seen countless talented players on the pitch. I’ve also seen a frustratingly common belief derail promising careers before they even begin. It’s the idea that, "if a player is good enough, college coaches will find them." This is perhaps the most dangerous myth in the world of recruiting today.

The landscape has changed dramatically. The days of coaches simply showing up to a ‘high school game’ and discovering a hidden gem are largely behind us. Recruiting is now a global, digital-first operation. My colleagues and I spent hours sifting through emails, online profiles, and video clips. While this opens up incredible opportunities for players, it also creates a lot of noise.

To succeed, you need a proactive strategy. Based on my years of experience, here are the critical mistakes that families make and how you can avoid them to give yourself the best shot at playing at the next level.

Mistake 1: Relying on Your Club or High School Coach

This is a logical assumption many families make. Your coach is invested in your development, so it seems natural they would handle your recruitment. While a supportive coach is a huge asset, it's a mistake to believe they are solely responsible for getting you recruited.

First, not all coaches have the connections or the time to actively promote every player on their roster. I've spoken with hundreds of club and high school coaches. The great ones are fantastic resources, but they're often stretched thin, managing their teams, training sessions, and their own lives. They simply can't be a personal recruiting agent for every single player.

Furthermore, the idea that your local coach has a direct line to every D1, D2, and D3 program is unrealistic. There are over 1,000 men's and nearly 1,500 women's college soccer programs in the United States. Add to that the high turnover rate in college coaching, and it's impossible for one person to maintain a comprehensive network. Your coach can open doors, but you are the one who has to walk through them.

Mistake 2: Waiting for Coaches to Contact You

College recruiting is governed by a strict set of NCAA rules that dictate when and how coaches can initiate contact with potential student-athletes. These regulations are in place to prevent athletes from being overwhelmed. However, many families misinterpret this to mean they should sit back and wait for the phone to ring.

This is a failing strategy. There is absolutely nothing stopping you, the student-athlete, from initiating contact. In fact, we coaches rely on it. A personalized, well-crafted email from a player shows initiative, maturity, and a genuine interest in our program. It immediately separates you from the hundreds of generic messages we receive.

The sad reality is that most families I encountered during my coaching career never reached out. They waited for a magical call that never came. The players who ended up on my roster were almost always the ones who proactively put themselves on my radar.

Mistake 3: Starting the Process Too Late

The phrase I heard far too often from parents was, "My child is only a freshman." The implication was that recruiting was something to worry about during junior or senior year. This is a critical misunderstanding of the timeline.

While direct, recruiting-specific contact from coaches is limited for underclassmen, the identification process starts early. As a D1 coach, my staff and I were building our recruiting boards with players in their sophomore, and even freshman, years. Studies from the NCAA confirm this, showing that a vast majority of Division 1 prospects are identified by the end of their sophomore year.

Think of it like this: By the time we can officially contact you, we often already have a ranked list of players for each position. If you wait until your junior or senior year to make contact, you're trying to break into a list that has been in development for years. Don't fall into the trap of thinking it's "too early." It's never too early to research schools and start getting your name out there.

Mistake 4: Not Having Quality Game Film Online

In the modern recruiting era, a highlight film is not optional; it is essential. I can’t tell you how many times a player was recommended to me, but without any accessible video, the conversation was a non-starter. Coaches are busy and have limited travel budgets. We can't fly across the country to watch every potential recruit.

Your highlight video is your digital handshake. It’s the first chance we get to see your technical skill, tactical awareness, and athleticism. Unlike sports that rely on simple metrics like a 40-yard dash, soccer is fluid and complex. Your ability to read the game, make decisions under pressure, and contribute to team play can only be evaluated by watching you play.

You don’t need a Hollywood production, but a shaky, out-of-focus video from the stands won't cut it. A stable, clear video that shows your movements both on and off the ball is crucial. Having this film readily available on a simple online profile or a YouTube link makes a coach's job easier, which means you are more likely to get evaluated.

Your Recruiting Game Plan

Feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of this process. The key is to take control. Start by focusing on these actionable steps:

1. Research Extensively: Begin researching schools as a freshman. Look beyond the soccer program. Do they have the academic programs you're interested in? Is the school culture a good fit for you? Create a list of 20-30 target schools across different divisions (D1, D2, D3, NAIA) that are a realistic match for you athletically and academically.

2. Initiate Contact: Start sending personalized emails to the coaches on your list. Introduce yourself, express specific reasons why you are interested in their program, include your academic information, and provide a link to your online profile and highlight video.

3. Build Relationships: This is a human process. Show initiative. Go on unofficial visits. Attend ID camps at schools you are genuinely interested in. These actions demonstrate determination and a proactive mindset—qualities every college coach wants in a player.

You are in the driver's seat of your own recruiting journey. It requires effort, planning, and persistence, but taking these steps will set you apart from the crowd and give you the best possible chance to continue your career at the collegiate level.

⚽ Dreaming of Playing College Soccer? We’ve got you covered!

Join The Recruiting Hub—a FREE community with insider tips on roster openings, ID clinics, and college commitments. Simplify your recruiting journey today!

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⚽ 2027 Northeast D1 commitments: We've tracked 139 commitments across 48 schools!

2027 Northeast D1 Commitments!

6 schools on this list are at or near capacity for the 2027 class (Based on the amount of juniors they have to replace) Penn State, Syracuse, Cornell, Colgate, Dartmouth and Providence.

2027s: Do your homework before attending ID clinics!

⚽ Ready to take control of your college soccer journey?

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Your Go-To Websites/Social Media Leaders

• The Steve Coxon Soccer Network - Click Here

• Join our FREE Soccer Scholarship Community and connect with like-minded players and parents navigating the same path “The Recruiting Hub” - Click Here

• Soccer Spotlight Video, run by ex-D1 player Jack Burridge, can turn your full-game footage or specific timestamps into polished highlight videos (Mention The Steve Coxon Network to receive 10% off your next order)- Click Here

• 2024 Men's NCAA Division 1 Soccer Tournament Bracket - Click Here

• 2024 Women's NCAA Division 1 Soccer Tournament Bracket - Click Here

• RPI - Check out the Women's College Soccer RPI by clicking this link.

• RPI - Check out the Men's College Soccer RPI by clicking this link.

• NCAA Eligibility Center - Click Here 

• United Soccer Coaches - Awards and Rankings 

• Twitter/X - @Imyouthsoccer

• Twitter/X - @ImCollegesoccer

• Exclusive Insights from College Coaches on the Recruiting Process - https://discovercollegesoccer.com/schools/

• The Informed Athlete - Helping student-athletes excel in sports and academics while navigating eligibility rules - Click Here

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