'So you want to play college soccer?'

In Today’s Special Edition

• On Hold: Division 1 College Soccer Roster Limit Info Lacking Updates

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Recruiting Visits: From A Recruit and Team Standpoint

• Why School RPI Matters in Crafting Your College Choices!

On Hold: Division 1 College Soccer Roster Limit Info Lacking Updates 

It's been more than two weeks since the news about the NCAA lawsuit settlement first came out. Unfortunately, There have been no recent updates on the roster limit situation in Division 1 college soccer. Coaches are facing challenges as they receive little guidance from their Athletic Directors. Plans for recruiting in 2025 and 2026 are currently on hold, unless the team numbers are notably low (below 28).

The best advice for players and parents is to stay connected with coaches to to know how their programs are handling this uncertain time. Take the lead and be proactive!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Recruiting Visits: From a Recruit and Team Standpoint

Recruiting trips are an exciting time for high school athletes who are looking to compete at the next level, but with that, there comes a little stress and nervousness when preparing for overnight visits. Not only do recruits need to make a good first impression, but so do teams. It is important for recruits to be themselves so that they find the right fit for both their athletic and academic goals, as well as their personality.

Tips for the Recruit:

Ask questions

Asking questions is a vital part of any recruiting trip. Whether it is an official visit, or an unofficial visit, asking questions shows that you are interested in the school. Take the time before the visit to think about what is important to you and what you are looking for both as an athlete and student in your field of study. It is always good to step foot on campus with a few prepared questions to ask the coaches and team.

Stay off your phone

Be engaged with the visit. The team is taking time out of their busy week to give recruits a taste of their day-to-day lives as student-athletes. Stay off your phone and be attentive in the activities that your host has planned for you. Official visits grant recruits up to 48 hours to spend on campus with the team. Make sure to soak up every second of that time because it goes by fast!

Be humble

Overall, recruiting trips are all about getting a feel for your potential future school. The other very important part of a recruiting visit is to make a good first impression to the coaches and team. It is in poor taste to come across like you are better than the team by bragging about your times or grades in school. Stay humble and professional, but most importantly, be yourself.

Read the full article here

Why School RPI Matters in Crafting Your College Choices!

Sending a college coach a list with both top 10 teams and teams ranked in the 300s? This signals a lack of understanding of the process.

When you're on the lookout for the right college program, it's important to know about something called the Rating Percentage Index (RPI). This RPI thing might sound a bit complicated, but it's basically a way to rank teams based on how well they're doing and who they're playing against. Understanding a school's RPI can really make a difference as you explore the world of college soccer. Here's why it's worth your attention:

1. Checking out the Teams

Looking at a school's RPI gives you a good idea of how the team is doing compared to others. Understanding a school's RPI can help you see if their soccer program fits your level and what you're aiming for.

2. Looking at Your Own Team

Taking a look at the achievements of players at schools with high RPI rankings can be pretty enlightening. Do your accomplishments match up with theirs? Also, pay attention to where your teammates are planning to play college soccer. Where are the top players headed? Did they receive scholarships? Using RPI rankings can give you an idea of how competitive the schools your friends are choosing are. This can help you figure out what kind of program might suit you best. Where is the best player on your team heading?

3. Saving Time and Money

Using the RPI is not the be-all and end-all in creating a well-thought-out college list, but it certainly is a valuable tool. Keeping track of RPI rankings can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. By using this information wisely to evaluate potential schools, you can simplify your search process, focus on programs that match your goals, and make informed decisions. This way, you can find the right college program without wasting time or resources.

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

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

Join the College Soccer Network: Your Guide Through the Recruiting Process

Navigating the college recruiting timeline can be overwhelmingly complex, especially with the recent rule changes adding to this confusion. The rapid spread of misinformation often leads to misguided decisions, resulting in frustration and disappointment over time.

When is the right time to start? The sooner, the better, but it's never too late to take action. Our College Soccer Network provides extensive support and guidance throughout the entire recruiting process. We aim to help you grasp the timeline, steer clear of common pitfalls, and optimize your chances of playing soccer at the collegiate level.

Currently, we are evaluating qualified players and will be selecting 3 candidates for the month of August. If you're seeking assistance in your college soccer journey, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Interested? Book your FREE 20-Minute consultation and explore your college pathway. Simply send an email to [email protected]

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