IT’S OUT OF YOUR CONTROL!

Some contributing factors outside of your control are:

1. Taking a NCAA D1 program for example, with approximately 28 spots on a roster – a maximum of 14 full athletic scholarships can be divided up amongst those rostered at the coach’s discretion. Expanding here, this scholarship may be divided up equally among all players on the roster (28 players = 50% scholarship for all players = 14 scholarships), allocated in full to 14 players (28 players, 100% scholarship for 14 players, 0% scholarship for other 14 players = 14 scholarships) or divided up any which way in-between. Important to consider here that year upon year, the way this scholarship has been allocated significantly impacts the available finance to a college coach.

2. Staying with the example of 28 players on a roster, a coach may have 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 10 midfield players and 7 forwards that make up the balance of the roster. In a particular graduating class, the coach may graduate 4 forwards, 2 goalkeepers and 2 midfielders. Leaving the coach with scholarship funds to allocate, but priority to fill in these voids on the roster. Therefore, a defender aspiring to play at this particular university may have limited opportunity, scholarship offered or simply be overlooked as a result of such conditions. It doesn’t make you any less talented it is simply a matter of circumstance that the opportunity/need at that particular program just isn’t there for that year.

3. Coaching changes are relatively frequent at the collegiate level. An incoming coach may choose to take the program in a completely different direction. This may work in your favor as further opportunities may present themselves or previous opportunities are eliminated.

IN CONTROL – BEING ‘PROACTIVE’

So what is in your control? There are several areas within which you can be better educated and active with in order to enhance your ability to establish eligibility and open doors to further opportunity. Of course, on the field it’s about developing the technical, tactical, physical and mental abilities to be equipped for play at the collegiate level. But off the field, ensuring you are academically eligible, communicating & planning appropriately and ‘marketing’/‘showcasing’ your talents are key.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

As soon as a student athlete enters high school it is important to monitor academics closely, even though the idea of going off to college seems like it’s a long way off! It is essential to understand that the work done in the classroom can positively and negatively impact on a student athletes’ opportunity to excel beyond high school at a school of their choice. It is also very important to consider that student-athletes take classes in their freshman year of high school that directly affect their NCAA eligibility. We strongly advise that you schedule an appointment with your high school guidance counselor upon enrollment at High School.

In order to be eligible for practice, to compete and to receive athletic scholarship in your first full time year at a collegiate program you must graduate high school and meet certain standards depending on the division of play.

PROACTIVE WITH PLANNING

Many believe that college recruitment is the sole result of one or two factors such as scouting at a showcase event or the team coach. It may be for some, but reality for most is that the more proactive you are in a number of areas, the more efficient you are with your time and effort. The result is being more informed and concentrated with realistic destinations and positioned well for any opportunities there may be at the right time. An aspiring student athlete should start to consider some of the following factors for a potential college as early as 9th grade:

• Division of Play (NCAA I, NCAA II, NAIA, NJCAA) in line with a realistic evaluation of playing ability
• Location of School
• Academic Programs Offered
• Cost of Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan
• Size of School
• Academic Standards at School or Acceptance
• Religious Affiliation

Having considered some of these, 9th graders should start to compile a list of around 30-50 collegiate programs that meet the desired criteria. Remember, what is appealing to one, is not always appealing to another. This is YOUR process and should not be determined by others. We encourage you compile a list that is made up of institutions at which you would be happy to attend irrespective of soccer. Look at the whole picture – would you still be happy studying and living at a particular school if injured? What if you are not in the starting 11 or on 18-player roster for extended periods of time?

COMMUNICATION

Once you have compiled a list of programs that meet your desired criteria, it is important to then begin communication with the program. Essential, that the coach at each particular program is aware of your interest in attending their institution of employment as a student-athlete. The most frequent method of contact with a college coach is email although others should be utilized in line while being aware of NCAA rules & regulations (outlined below). Important is that college coach wants to communicate with, and learn about the student-athlete, not the parent(s) of the student-athlete. Players must learn to be proactive with communication and do so in an effective manner.

Communication should be as frequent as once every month with each program of interest. It should be personalized, not a “mass email” with a generic ‘tone.’ Research and mention some recent achievements the program has had, some developments at the school or some connection you have with the program such as a previous visit or family alumni. This personal approach will enhance the effectiveness of the communication, signaling a genuine interest vs. one that is (metaphorically speaking) simply ‘casting a large net, in hope of a catch.’

HAVE A PLAN:

Marketing, Marketing and More Marketing…

PERSONAL MARKETING EFFORTS:

• August – November (College Soccer Season)
  
  • Coaches Dead Period
  • Increase Efforts during this period
• Send E-mails
• Share College Showcase Schedule
• Complete College Questionnaires
• Identify ID Camps

Resources

TEAM COACH

Your coach is certainly someone who will be able to provide some perspective in terms of playing ability. Your coach can also facilitate in communication between prospective schools and athlete. Be sure to visit with your coach to be clear about communication guidelines and ability level/potential.