'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' - Girls can reduce chance of ACL injury by over 41% if they do this!

Creating Your Top College List: The Foundation of Your Recruiting Journey + the 2026 Girls Soccer College Update: Over 150 Committed and Counting

August 24, 2024

In Today’s Edition

  • Girls can reduce chance of ACL injury by over 41% if they do this!

  • Creating Your Top College List: The Foundation of Your Recruiting Journey

  • 2026 Girls Soccer College Update: Over 150 and Counting!

  • Kickstart Your Journey: Take our FREE 5 Minute Evaluation.


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The Power of Strength: How Girls Can Protect Themselves from ACL Tears

This article was originally published by Erica on Girls Soccer Network blog.

It’s time for a blast from the past.

Back in the 1990s, strength training was foreign to girls soccer players. They feared getting under the iron because they thought they would become bulky, slow down in soccer, and lose their explosiveness. Too, a lot of girls idolized the societal body image of ultra-skinny as well aspired to get the absurd “thigh gap.”

Eventually, in the 2000s, Kate Upton, Sports Illustrated model came on the scene and showed girls that they don’t have to be stick thin, and they can lift weights to have athletic and robust bodies. Kate Upton posted all over her social media her dead lifting, hip thrusting and crawling with heavy weights, and everyone took notice. During this time, more performance facilities began to open up and more girls soccer players signed up for strength training programs.

Strength Is Not Enough

Now we are in 2024, and strength is non-negotiable at this point. You don’t get a gold star if you do it. It’s actually the bare minimum. According to legendary ACL researcher Dr. Tim Hewett, girls can reduce chance of ACL injury by over 41% if they strength train year-round, so every girl must be in the gym at this point. It’s mandatory.

I know more girls in the gym now than ever before, and I’m here for it! It’s incredible to see girls lifting heavy once and for all.

Consistent strength training gives girls soccer players a fighting chance against ACL injury, but it doesn’t mean they will ever fully prevent it. Yes, it’s mandatory now, but there are several other components of injury reduction and performance girls need to focus on.

This is because I’ve heard of girls being downright devastated when they are strong, yet still blow a knee. “I did my strength training and I could deadlift over 200 pounds! Why did I get hurt?!” they screech in disbelief.

There are so many factors that go into injuries occurring, such as nutritional status, sleep quality, practice and game load management, and more.

There are so many factors that go into injuries occurring, such as nutritional status, sleep quality, practice and game load management, and more. 

Creating Your Top College List: The Foundation of Your Recruiting Journey

Introduction

Embarking on your college recruiting journey begins with creating a top college list. Think of this list as a funnel that will narrow down over time to reflect your top choices. Starting with a broad list of about 30 colleges is advisable, but remember, this number is flexible and should evolve as you progress in your journey.

Key Questions to Consider

  • Academic Fit: Can you qualify and succeed academically at the college?

  • Athletic Fit: Can you compete athletically at this level?

  • Overall Fit: Would you want to attend the college even if you weren’t playing soccer?

Additional Considerations

  • Quality of Life: Consider the college’s quality of life and academic intensity.

  • Academic Priority: Academics and overall college experience should take precedence over soccer.

  • Realistic Evaluation: Be honest about your academic grades and soccer level.

  • Open-mindedness: Consider all divisions (Div I, Div II, Div III, NAIA, Junior College).

  • Preferences: Decide if you prefer a small, private, or large college. Consider geographical preferences and weather.

  • Extracurricular Interests: Are you interested in other athletic events like football or basketball?

  • Academic Programs: Ensure the college offers your intended major.

Step 1: Starting Your College List

  • Research Broadly: Explore various types of colleges—big, small, different divisions, and geographical locations.

Step 2: Narrowing Down Your Choices

  • Maintain an updated list of your top choices.

  • Write down your top list and keep it visible, such as on a vision board.

  • Regularly update your list every thee to six months, or more frequently if needed.

Conclusion

Your top college list is the foundation of your college recruiting game plan. It guides your communication with colleges and shapes your recruiting strategy. By following these steps, you can effectively navigate your college recruiting journey..

Read the full article here

2026 Girls Soccer College Update: Over 150 and Counting

There are 150 verbal commitments overall, with 101 players from the 2026 class committing to Power 4 programs, which we estimate represents 25% of the entire class. All but one of these players (except one Canadian) compete in the #ECNL or #GirlsAcademy platforms.

Data gathered by @imyouthsoccer on X

Where are you on your recruiting journey? If you're a 2026 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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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