Getting recruited as a college athlete?

Hey guys, I'm currently a junior, and I was wondering, how does the college athlete recruitment process work? I play varsity soccer at my high school, and I'd love to continue playing in college. What should I be doing now to increase my chances of getting noticed and recruited by college coaches?

Hello! It's awesome that you're thinking about continuing your soccer journey in college. The college athlete recruitment process can be a bit daunting, but I'll walk you through some key steps to help increase your chances of getting noticed.

1. Develop a strong athletic profile: You should focus on improving your performance both on and off the field, so continue to train hard and showcase your skills on your high school team. Make sure to maintain a good GPA as well because coaches will also be looking at your academic performance.

2. Create a highlight reel: Put together a video showcasing your soccer skills, including game highlights and any standout moments. Make sure to capture memorable plays, goals, assists, and defensive work. Keep it concise and focused, limiting the video to around 5-7 minutes.

3. Attend college showcases and camps: Attending events like college soccer showcases or camps will give you the opportunity to play in front of college coaches and gain more exposure. Research different events you can attend and make a schedule for the upcoming year.

4. Reach out to college coaches: Be proactive and start contacting college soccer coaches at schools where you would want to play. Create a list of your top choices, taking into consideration location, level of play, and academic fit. Email the coach with an introduction, your soccer resume, and your highlight reel. Be polite and concise, expressing your interest in their program and asking about recruitment opportunities.

5. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center: As a prospective college athlete, you'll need to register in order to be academically cleared to compete at the NCAA level. Completing this step early shows college coaches that you're serious about continuing your soccer career in college.

6. Stay organized: Keep track of all your communication with college coaches and maintain a list of upcoming events, deadlines, and important information. Staying organized will help you manage the recruitment process as effectively as possible.

7. Be patient and persistent: The recruitment process can take time, so continue to work on your skills, reach out to coaches, and update them on your progress. Persistence can pay off as you continue your search for the right college fit.

By following these steps, you will increase your chances of getting noticed and recruited by college coaches. Above all, stay passionate about soccer, work hard, and keep your options open as you navigate this process. Good luck!