What does 'JV soccer' stand for? How can I join?

Hi, I see lots of discussions about JV soccer and I am confused about what it means. Can someone explain what it is and how you can get involved? Would playing JV soccer help my college applications?

Hi there! JV soccer stands for "Junior Varsity" soccer, which is a secondary team level in high schools, typically composed of younger or less experienced players. The primary team is the varsity team, which consists of the more skilled and experienced players.

To get involved in JV soccer, you would need to try out for the team at your high school. Tryouts usually occur at the beginning of the soccer season, so you'll want to keep an eye out for announcements or check with your school's athletic department for more information. Attend the tryouts, demonstrate your skills, and if the coaches believe you have potential, they'll select you for the JV team.

Regarding college applications, playing JV soccer can be a positive addition to your extracurricular activities. However, it is important to note that JV soccer would be considered a Tier 4 extracurricular, which is the most common and often seen by admissions committees. While it may not be as impressive as some higher-tier activities, it still showcases your interests, athleticism, and dedication to the sport. It's always good to be active and involved in a school activity, so don't shy away from participating if you enjoy soccer.

Ultimately, it's essential to focus on the quality and depth of your involvement rather than just having a long list of activities. You should prioritize activities where you can demonstrate leadership, impact, or significant achievements, which will help your college applications stand out. That being said, playing JV soccer can be a stepping stone to joining the varsity team or even obtaining a leadership role, such as team captain, which would be more valuable from an admissions standpoint.