NCAA college soccer transfer trends and rates

I'm looking into college soccer programs and I'm curious about transfer rates. How common is it for NCAA soccer players to transfer, and what should I know before deciding?

In NCAA soccer, transferring is not uncommon, and it can happen due to a variety of reasons. These could include academic issues, lack of playing time, coaching changes, personal circumstances or to seek a higher level of competition.

The NCAA tracks data to maintain a fuller picture of transfer rates. According to these, the likelihood of transferring varies by sport. Recently available data finds that about 14% of NCAA male soccer players and about 10% of female soccer players transfer between four-year institutions over the course of their college career. It should be noted that these rates might vary year to year and between divisions (DI, DII, DIII).

Now, you should keep in mind a few things before making a decision to transfer:

- NCAA transfer rules: When you transfer, you need to be aware of the NCAA's transfer rules. Depending on the division you're transferring to/from, there might be different regulations. As of now, most athletes must sit out a year after transferring, known as an "academic redshirt" year, unless they qualify for a waiver or are transferring between DIII schools.

- Communication: Before transferring, it's vital to have open communication with your current college coach.

- Academic eligibility: Transferring can be complex for your academic track too. Make sure that your credits transfer over, to stay on track for your degree.

- Scholarship situation: If you're on an athletic scholarship, understand how that might change in the event of a transfer.

In summary, while transferring is common, it does require careful thought and a well-thought-out plan. Make sure to consider all the implications before making your decision.