Transferring from a community college as a soccer player

I'm a soccer player at my community college and want to transfer to a university. How do athletic transfers work, and what should I be aware of for scholarships or team tryouts at a new school?

Transferring as an athlete can be a bit more complex than regular academic transfers due to NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) rules and regulations, so it's critical to understand some key points.

Firstly, it's important to note that you must have a release from your current community college before you can approach the university coaches or athletic directors about a potential transfer or tryout. This is sometimes referred to as a “permission-to-contact” letter, and you should speak with your current athletic department about how to obtain one. You have to be in good academic standing and meet the academic requirements for your transfer school as well.

At the university level, scholarships can vary greatly by both institution and sport, so the specifics would likely be best addressed with each potential university. Generally, soccer scholarships, similar to other athletic scholarships, can cover a portion of or even the total cost of tuition, depending on the NCAA division, the profile of the program, and your athletic skills. Different colleges, however, may have different policies and resources available for soccer scholarships.

In terms of tryouts, prospective student-athletes should reach out to coaches at the university they're interested in to find out if and when tryouts are held. Each coach may have a different process for prospective athletes, so it's essential to contact them specifically. Some may want to see video footage, or they might want to meet with you and watch you play in person, which would need to be coordinated with the coach once you have your release letter from your community college.

All this notwithstanding, it's crucial to meet with a transfer advisor and the athletic director at your community college to ensure you fully understand the transfer process and how it will align with your athletic goals. Good luck with your transfer and soccer career!