D1 Women's Soccer Schools?

Hello! I'm a high school junior looking to play soccer in college. Does anyone have a list of D1 women's soccer schools and info on their programs? I'd also appreciate any advice on how to best showcase my skills to these teams. Thanks!

Hello! It's great that you're considering playing soccer at the collegiate level. While I don't have an exhaustive list of all D1 women's soccer programs, some notable universities with strong programs include Stanford University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Florida State University, and UCLA. You can find a more comprehensive list through the NCAA's website or by searching for "D1 women's soccer programs" online.

To showcase your skills to these teams and increase your chances of being recruited, follow these steps:

1. Create a strong athletic resume: Your resume should include your high school soccer achievements, stats, any awards or recognitions, and your goals for playing college soccer. You can also include relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work.

2. Develop a highlight video: Coaches often watch highlight videos to assess a player's skill level and performance on the field. Make sure your video showcases your best moves, and is high quality and concise (generally 4-6 minutes long). You can include game footage, practice highlights, as well as clips that demonstrate your athleticism and soccer IQ.

3. Attend college showcases and camps: These events are designed to allow high school athletes to play in front of college recruiters and coaches. Make sure to research dates and locations of the showcases and camps hosted by the colleges you're interested in, or by other reputable soccer organizations.

4. Communicate with coaches: Reach out to coaches at the schools you're interested in by email, to introduce yourself and express your interest in their program. Attach your athletic resume and highlight video, and keep the communication professional, brief, and personalized. Ensure that you follow NCAA guidelines for communication with coaches.

5. Maintain good academic standing: College coaches are more likely to recruit players with strong academic records. Keep your grades up and look for ways to challenge yourself academically, such as taking advanced classes and maintaining a high GPA.

6. Build relationships with your high school and club coaches: These coaches can provide valuable insight into college soccer and might have connections with college programs or offer recommendations to college coaches on your behalf.

Remember that the recruitment process can be competitive, so be proactive and persistent in your efforts. By showcasing your soccer abilities and academic achievements, you'll increase your chances of joining a D1 women's soccer program. Good luck!