So You Want To Play College Soccer? - Why “D1 or Bust” is Holding You Back!

31 female athletes have already verbally committed to 14 top programs for 2027.

August 17, 2025

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

  • Why “D1 or Bust” is Holding You Back!

  • Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Schools! What’s your CSN #?

Double Down on the Divisions That Show Interest!

One of the biggest challenges in the college soccer recruiting process is figuring out which level of competition your child is ready to play at. Division I, II, III, NAIA, or junior college programs all offer incredible opportunities, but identifying the right fit can feel overwhelming. If you're unsure where to start, here's a simple, practical four-step plan to help you figure it out—and why it’s critical to remove the “D1 or bust” mindset.

Why “D1 or Bust” is Holding You Back!

For many players and parents, the dream of playing Division I soccer can overshadow the bigger picture: finding the best fit. While Division I programs are highly competitive and prestigious, they come with significant challenges, especially in today’s recruiting landscape.

  • Roster Limits: With limited roster spots, even talented players can struggle to secure a place on a D1 team.

  • Transfer Portal: The transfer portal has changed the game, with college coaches increasingly filling rosters with experienced transfers rather than incoming freshmen.

  • Competition: The pool of players vying for D1 spots is massive, and the reality is that only a small percentage of high school athletes will make it to this level.

It’s important to understand that success in college soccer isn’t defined by the division you play in. Division II, III, NAIA, and junior colleges offer incredible opportunities for development, competition, and academic success. Removing the “D1 or bust” attitude allows you to focus on programs that are genuinely interested in your child and where they can thrive.

4 Steps to Find the Right Fit

1. Write Down 10 Schools for Each Division

Start by creating a broad list of schools across all divisions. This list should include programs your child dreams of playing for, schools that align with their academic goals, and some options they may not have considered yet. Think of this as your initial research phase.

When compiling your list, be realistic but ambitious. Consider factors like your child’s athletic abilities, academic performance, and any connections you might have with specific coaches or programs. A good mix of higher-tier and mid-tier programs within each division will give you a clear picture of the landscape.

2. Contact All the Schools on Your List

Once your list is ready, start reaching out to the coaches. This typically involves sending a detailed introduction email that includes your child’s athletic resume, highlight video, academic achievements, and why they’re interested in that specific program.

Be professional in your communication and personalize each email. Mentioning something unique about the program shows coaches you’ve done your homework. For example, “I noticed your team recently won the conference title, and I’m impressed by how you’ve developed excellent midfielders over the past few seasons.”

Encourage your child to take the lead in communication. Coaches want to hear directly from players rather than parents, as it demonstrates initiative and maturity.

3. See Who Responds

After sending out the emails, give coaches time to respond. Keep track of who replies and even those who don’t. A lack of response might indicate your child isn’t currently on their radar, or perhaps their team doesn’t have positions available. Don’t take it personally; recruiting is competitive and time-sensitive.

For the coaches who do respond, pay attention to the tone and level of interest in their replies. Are they asking for more game footage or sharing details about their program? This is a good sign that your child is a potential fit. Some programs may send generic responses as part of broader outreach, but personalized replies signal genuine interest.

4. Double Down on the Divisions That Show Interest

If you start noticing more responses from Division II and III schools while hearing little from Division I programs, it’s an indicator of where your child’s skill set aligns. Focus your efforts on the divisions where the interest is strongest.

This doesn’t mean giving up on aspirations of playing at higher levels, but rather staying realistic about the best fit based on current feedback from the market (college coaches).

Once you identify the divisions with the most traction, go deeper. Research the schools in those divisions, narrow down the list to the best options, and continue engaging with the coaches through follow-ups, campus visits, and showcasing at their events.

Actionable Tips for Parents and Players

  • Be Proactive: Coaches will not discover your child by chance. You need to take the first step in reaching out and showcasing their talents.

  • Prioritize Academics: Remember, soccer is one part of the equation. Coaches are looking for well-rounded student-athletes who can excel on and off the field.

  • Stay Organized: Keep a spreadsheet to track the schools you’ve contacted, responses received, and important deadlines.

  • Be Patient: The recruiting process takes time. Send follow-ups sparingly, and focus on building strong relationships with the programs that show interest.

A Final Word to Parents and Players

It’s time to let go of the “D1 or bust” mentality. The reality is that Division I soccer isn’t the only path to success. In fact, many players find greater opportunities, more playing time, and a better overall experience at Division II, III, NAIA, or junior college programs.

The transfer portal and roster limits have made D1 recruiting more competitive than ever, and coaches are often prioritizing transfers over incoming freshmen. Instead of chasing a dream that may not align with your child’s current skill set, focus on the programs that are showing genuine interest.

At the end of the day, the goal is to find a program where your child can thrive athletically, academically, and personally. Success isn’t about the division—it’s about the fit.

🎯 Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Schools! What’s your CSN #?

Your CSN # is the key to understanding which colleges are the perfect fit for your athletic and academic profile. It’s a precise measure that helps identify schools that recruit players with your unique resume and skills.

🚨 31 female athletes have already committed to top colleges for the class of 2027, with CSN Numbers ranging from 35 to 90. (Notably, Penn State’s average recruit is ranked 73 for 2027, putting them in first place in the Northeast!)

We've developed an algorithm that accurately predicts the types of schools that will recruit you based on your personal CSN number and each college’s CSN profile. 

Want to join them? Knowing your CSN # puts you on the path to achieving your college athletics goals and finding a school that values you.

📊 Discover where YOU stand and uncover the best opportunities waiting for you.

The CSN # (College Soccer Network Number) is your personalized recruiting tool to focus your efforts on the right colleges.

Why Get Your CSN?

✅ Target Schools with Laser Focus
Identify colleges that recruit players with similar profiles.

✅ Save Time and Money
Avoid camps and schools that aren’t a fit.

✅ Data-Driven Recruiting
Understand where you stand and what to aim for.

Take Control of Your Journey

Sign up for your CSN # today and focus on schools that match your soccer resume.

👉 Click here to activate your CSN # and start targeting the right schools today! After you purchase, you'll get an email from us requesting a bit of information—once received, we'll send you your personalized number within 24 hours.

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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