What are the best colleges for women's soccer scholarships?

I play women's soccer and want to aim for a scholarship. Which colleges are known for offering strong women's soccer scholarships and what level of play do they typically expect?

There are quite a few colleges recognized for their exceptional women's soccer programs, and they tend to offer robust recruitment and scholarship opportunities for talented athletes.

One prime example is Stanford University, renowned for its top-notch women's soccer program. The Division I school has repeatedly captured the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship and produced numerous professional players. Their team typically competes at a high level, so if your current skill set aligns with Division I competition, Stanford could be an excellent fit.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also enjoys a stellar reputation in women's soccer with a splendid track record in the NCAA Championships. It nurtures players with high talent and competitiveness levels.

UCLA and Penn State, two more Division I schools, also have excellent women's soccer programs. They expect a high level of play and routinely recruit top-tier national and international athletes.

Apart from these, Notre Dame, University of Portland, and University of Virginia offer strong soccer programs and can provide scholarship opportunities for exceptional players.

Generally speaking, Division I schools, as mentioned above, attract many elite players who often go on to play professionally. Keep in mind, the level of play expected is quite high, usually mirroring professional soccer's intensity and strategic approach. It would help if you are already competing at a high level, and have the grain of promising potential to play at a national, or even international level.

However, do remember that scholarships also exist in Division II and III schools. They might offer a slightly less competitive program, making it easier for you to secure scholarship money while still playing at a high level.

Remember that balancing academic and athletic commitments can be challenging, so ensure that the school you choose matches your academic aspirations and supports student-athletes effectively. It's also important to understand the specific recruitment process for each college. Some might require players to attend ID soccer camps, showcase tournaments, or submit a player profile and video highlights showcasing their skills.

Lastly, stay in touch with your high school counselor or coach. They can often provide guidance throughout the process and potentially even vicarious contacts in college coaching. Good luck on your journey to college soccer!