Best colleges for soccer programs?

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior and soccer is my life. As I start looking into colleges, I'm hoping to find schools with awesome soccer programs. What colleges/universities do you think have the best soccer teams or are known for their soccer programs? I'm keeping my options open in terms of location and size. Any advice would be great!

Hi there! I'm glad to see you're interested in continuing your passion for soccer in college. To help you identify colleges with strong soccer programs, you can look at rankings by the United Soccer Coaches association, which provides an updated list of the top Division I, II, and III schools. However, keep in mind that these rankings may change from year to year.

For Division I programs, here are some consistently well-regarded teams to consider:

1. Stanford University: The Stanford Cardinal men's and women's soccer teams have a history of success, with multiple national championships on both sides.

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: UNC is renowned for its women's soccer program, led by head coach Anson Dorrance, who has won numerous national championships. The men's program is also competitive.

3. Georgetown University: Both the men's and women's soccer teams at Georgetown have experienced success in recent years.

4. Wake Forest University: The Demon Deacons have a strong men's soccer program, with several top finishes and a national championship to their name.

In Division II, some high-performing soccer programs include Charleston, University of California, San Diego, and Florida Tech. At the Division III level, you might find success with Messiah College, William Smith College, and Tufts University, who have all had top-ranked teams.

Of course, there are many other great soccer programs out there, so I'd recommend doing more research based on your preferences and academic interests as well. Additionally, reaching out to the coaches at schools you're interested in can provide valuable insight into the program culture and expectations.

Lastly, remember that academics and campus fit should also factor into your college decision, so be sure to explore various aspects of each college beyond just their soccer program. Good luck!