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[soccerstep]

The secret to attracting college coaches

Ok...so what do you do if you aren't with an academy team??

[tightnitup]

Please remember way more money is given out for academic achievement than soccer achievement. So make sure your player has great grades first. But if you still want to pursue a soccer scholarship and cannot afford to be on a travel team.

Have your DD or DS figure out what top 3 colleges they want to go to and then if they have a soccer program send them to their player camps. Contact the coach of those teams telling them your son or daughter would like to play for them and will be attending their camp, maybe sending some game tapes for them to look at. That way they can look at your son or daughter.

But remember little money is given out for scholarships in soccer. So do not be disappointed if your player only gets offered a partial scholarship

[ritz bitz]

There was a similar thread to this a month or so ago.

Academics is the key.

Write letters to coaches, invite them to see you play.

Use Captain U or a similar recruiting tool.

[swinginrichard]

The secret to attracting college coaches

Ok...so what do you do if you aren't with an academy team??

Soccerstep,
What grade is your kid in, and boy or girl?

[vms]

Kids need to be seen   at impact Tournaments by coaches and they need to play well and show a skill set that translates to college. Depending on where they are looking and at what Division, position does matter as well. Kids from Quality Premier/Academy teams will get looks.Often the best coaches (or those who are "connected") know the College coaches and can help with placement of kids. Individual awards in high school rarely mean much, but they can help to some degree. And being known as a no- nonsense, hard working, easily coachable kid ALWAYS helps!

Above and beyond soccer, your kid needs to be accepted at the university first and foremost. Most coaches, with few exceptions, will NOT settle for subpar students even if they excel on the pitch.Unless you are top 1%, C grades or lower rarely make it to a good school to play soccer. As always, Grades matter.

[plentyofgames]

Grades first. Except for a very few soccer won't be a career, it's an experience. Grades open the door to that experience but also for life after college. Soccer as much or more than any other sport is subjective. It helps to have an advocate. That person should be a recognized and respected coach or former player. It's one thing for a player to send information to a coach, it's a whole different deal if a coach gets a call from a former player, or a coach he knows that gives a recommendation. A whole lot is based on perception. The more coaches who know who the player is, the better it is for the player.

[EWSoccer64]

The secret to attracting college coaches?

That is easy - Copious amounts of free booze.   They'll come running!

[El Matarife]

As important as grades are I'm fairly certain that is not what the OP is looking for.

1.  Be good.  If you want to play soccer in college, be good enough to play soccer in college.  This may come across as blunt or obvious but it's the truth.  A lot of people really have no idea how they compare to others and often have an inflated view of their own talent.

2.  Send out letters to coaches expressing interest and some game film.  Keep hammering until you get a response.  A lot of these guys suck at answering emails.

3.  Let coaches know what tournaments you will be playing in and give them very specific instructions (ie field 10 at noon Ill be playing RB wearing number 12)

4.  CAMPS CAMPS CAMPS.  You have no idea how many kids are complete unknowns until they show up to a camp put on by a school and perform well.  Coaches LOVE kids who do well in camps.  A mediocre player who has a great camp can get picked up over a stronger player who didn't perform well at camp mainly because the coaches dont have the time to research every player.


Ill post more if I think of any

[plentyofgames]

I think it goes without saying that the player has to be able to play. I've never spoken to a coach, or been to a presentation that didn't focus first on grades. This is soccer, not football or basketball.

[El Matarife]

I think it goes without saying that the player has to be able to play. I've never spoken to a coach, or been to a presentation that didn't focus first on grades. This is soccer, not football or basketball.

Seriously?  Four straight posts mentioned grades.  I think he/she gets it.  Sorry for not prefacing my actual list of things that might help with the grades disclaimer.

And no, it doesn't go without saying.  Little Johnny Rec League may destroy his competition but that doesn't mean he's good enough to play soccer in college.  People overestimate their soccer ability, not their grades.

And, frankly, if you're good enough you'll get in a lot of places, regardless of your grades.  Sorry, but true.

[vms]

I think it goes without saying that the player has to be able to play. I've never spoken to a coach, or been to a presentation that didn't focus first on grades. This is soccer, not football or basketball.

Seriously?  Four straight posts mentioned grades.  I think he/she gets it.  Sorry for not prefacing my actual list of things that might help with the grades disclaimer.

And no, it doesn't go without saying.  Little Johnny Rec League may destroy his competition but that doesn't mean he's good enough to play soccer in college.  People overestimate their soccer ability, not their grades.

And, frankly, if you're good enough you'll get in a lot of places, regardless of your grades.  Sorry, but true.

Top 1% can"pick" their school. Others better get the grades if they want to go play at Harvard or Stanford...

[El Matarife]

I think it goes without saying that the player has to be able to play. I've never spoken to a coach, or been to a presentation that didn't focus first on grades. This is soccer, not football or basketball.

Seriously?  Four straight posts mentioned grades.  I think he/she gets it.  Sorry for not prefacing my actual list of things that might help with the grades disclaimer.

And no, it doesn't go without saying.  Little Johnny Rec League may destroy his competition but that doesn't mean he's good enough to play soccer in college.  People overestimate their soccer ability, not their grades.

And, frankly, if you're good enough you'll get in a lot of places, regardless of your grades.  Sorry, but true.

Top 1% can"pick" their school. Others better get the grades if they want to go play at Harvard or Stanford...

You just cherry picked two of the most prestigious schools in the country that a lot of kids with 4.0's and perfect SAT scores dont even get into.  Of course they are going to need grades to get in.  That doesnt help the OP figure out how to get college coaches to recruit her/his son/daughter.

[plentyofgames]

I think it goes without saying that the player has to be able to play. I've never spoken to a coach, or been to a presentation that didn't focus first on grades. This is soccer, not football or basketball.

Seriously?  Four straight posts mentioned grades.  I think he/she gets it.  Sorry for not prefacing my actual list of things that might help with the grades disclaimer.

And no, it doesn't go without saying.  Little Johnny Rec League may destroy his competition but that doesn't mean he's good enough to play soccer in college.  People overestimate their soccer ability, not their grades.

And, frankly, if you're good enough you'll get in a lot of places, regardless of your grades.  Sorry, but true.

Top 1% can"pick" their school. Others better get the grades if they want to go play at Harvard or Stanford...

You just cherry picked two of the most prestigious schools in the country that a lot of kids with 4.0's and perfect SAT scores dont even get into.  Of course they are going to need grades to get in.  That doesnt help the OP figure out how to get college coaches to recruit her/his son/daughter.

I had the same reaction as VMS to your post. I don't understand the hostility. First, grades are the most important thing to getting in to college. It's worth saying every time. There are in state kids with 3.5s not getting in to the University of Washington, much less, Cal, Stanford, or any number of high quality schools. Second, the OP was about getting noticed by coaches. If the player is so good that a college will bend the admission rules, then they've already been noticed. Third, a grade exception in a non-revenue sport is hardly something to count on. I don't think a "hey, I'm really good but you're going to have to get me a grade waiver" is a very good strategy.  Fourth, it's not like letter writing, notifying coaches about tournaments and going to camps are new ideas. Finally, nobody is talking about little johnny rec. Give the OP more credit than that. Of course it goes without saying that the player can play. Otherwise they're wasting their time. Presumably a coach, a doc or someone else with some perspective has provided some guidance and they're looking for some help.

[1usa1]

Good grief   Why are you people fixated on schools like UW,Cal,Stanford,Harvard,etc? There are over 350 universities and colleges that have soccer programs and most DO NOT have phenomenally high academic requirements for admission. This fixation on grades gets so old after a while.  The person who started this thread asked about attracting college coaches and all you can talk about are grades...give it a rest. Not everyone cares about attending a "prestigious" college.

[vms]

I think it goes without saying that the player has to be able to play. I've never spoken to a coach, or been to a presentation that didn't focus first on grades. This is soccer, not football or basketball.

Seriously?  Four straight posts mentioned grades.  I think he/she gets it.  Sorry for not prefacing my actual list of things that might help with the grades disclaimer.

And no, it doesn't go without saying.  Little Johnny Rec League may destroy his competition but that doesn't mean he's good enough to play soccer in college.  People overestimate their soccer ability, not their grades.

And, frankly, if you're good enough you'll get in a lot of places, regardless of your grades.  Sorry, but true.

Top 1% can"pick" their school. Others better get the grades if they want to go play at Harvard or Stanford...

You just cherry picked two of the most prestigious schools in the country that a lot of kids with 4.0's and perfect SAT scores dont even get into.  Of course they are going to need grades to get in.  That doesnt help the OP figure out how to get college coaches to recruit her/his son/daughter.

I had the same reaction as VMS to your post. I don't understand the hostility. First, grades are the most important thing to getting in to college. It's worth saying every time. There are in state kids with 3.5s not getting in to the University of Washington, much less, Cal, Stanford, or any number of high quality schools. Second, the OP was about getting noticed by coaches. If the player is so good that a college will bend the admission rules, then they've already been noticed. Third, a grade exception in a non-revenue sport is hardly something to count on. I don't think a "hey, I'm really good but you're going to have to get me a grade waiver" is a very good strategy.  Fourth, it's not like letter writing, notifying coaches about tournaments and going to camps are new ideas. Finally, nobody is talking about little johnny rec. Give the OP more credit than that. Of course it goes without saying that the player can play. Otherwise they're wasting their time. Presumably a coach, a doc or someone else with some perspective has provided some guidance and they're looking for some help.

Wasn't being "hostile". Already posted my thoughts before.
Need to be"seen" and outplay kids at important tourneys. Need coach support. Need good grades. It is a process filled with anxiety. Have lived it with my son. Stay focused and if there is a school orschools that are high on the list make it knownto the coach. Going to their camp is a great idea. BUT your kid needs to perform well at crunch times. And it is easier to play soccer AFTER they have been accepted into the school! So grades are key. Also more scholarships for girls than boys available. Good luck!

[vms]

Good grief   Why are you people fixated on schools like UW,Cal,Stanford,Harvard,etc? There are over 350 universities and colleges that have soccer programs and most DO NOT have phenomenally high academic requirements for admission. This fixation on grades gets so old after a while.  The person who started this thread asked about attracting college coaches and all you can talk about are grades...give it a rest. Not everyone cares about attending a "prestigious" college.

True. Those who go to college just to play soccer can go anywhere and play.But most want a good education. Every one in the know says pick the school FIRST then worry about the soccer. The stats show the average# of years a college soccer plays is 2 years! Many leave due to lack of playing time, injuries or dislike of the coach/program or school! Or poor grades...

[EWSoccer64]

vms is spot on.  Of course, the 2 year figure may include the number of kids who play juco ball, which ends after two years.   But I know a boy who walked away from a starting position at a school he liked and was doing well at, who had a nice scholarship, and joined the army.   Probably the best move for him.

[plentyofgames]

I think it goes without saying that the player has to be able to play. I've never spoken to a coach, or been to a presentation that didn't focus first on grades. This is soccer, not football or basketball.

Seriously?  Four straight posts mentioned grades.  I think he/she gets it.  Sorry for not prefacing my actual list of things that might help with the grades disclaimer.

And no, it doesn't go without saying.  Little Johnny Rec League may destroy his competition but that doesn't mean he's good enough to play soccer in college.  People overestimate their soccer ability, not their grades.

And, frankly, if you're good enough you'll get in a lot of places, regardless of your grades.  Sorry, but true.

Top 1% can"pick" their school. Others better get the grades if they want to go play at Harvard or Stanford...

You just cherry picked two of the most prestigious schools in the country that a lot of kids with 4.0's and perfect SAT scores dont even get into.  Of course they are going to need grades to get in.  That doesnt help the OP figure out how to get college coaches to recruit her/his son/daughter.

I had the same reaction as VMS to your post. I don't understand the hostility. First, grades are the most important thing to getting in to college. It's worth saying every time. There are in state kids with 3.5s not getting in to the University of Washington, much less, Cal, Stanford, or any number of high quality schools. Second, the OP was about getting noticed by coaches. If the player is so good that a college will bend the admission rules, then they've already been noticed. Third, a grade exception in a non-revenue sport is hardly something to count on. I don't think a "hey, I'm really good but you're going to have to get me a grade waiver" is a very good strategy.  Fourth, it's not like letter writing, notifying coaches about tournaments and going to camps are new ideas. Finally, nobody is talking about little johnny rec. Give the OP more credit than that. Of course it goes without saying that the player can play. Otherwise they're wasting their time. Presumably a coach, a doc or someone else with some perspective has provided some guidance and they're looking for some help.

Wasn't being "hostile". Already posted my thoughts before.
Need to be"seen" and outplay kids at important tourneys. Need coach support. Need good grades. It is a process filled with anxiety. Have lived it with my son. Stay focused and if there is a school orschools that are high on the list make it knownto the coach. Going to their camp is a great idea. BUT your kid needs to perform well at crunch times. And it is easier to play soccer AFTER they have been accepted into the school! So grades are key. Also more scholarships for girls than boys available. Good luck!

You weren't being hostile. I wasn't referring to your comment. I was agreeing with you and I agree with you here too. School first, soccer second. Like EW we probably all know or know of kids who burned out on college soccer after a year or two. It's a commitment and it's not for everybody.

[El Matarife]

The question was not "How do I get into college and play soccer".  The question was "how do I attract college coaches".  Those are two very different things.  One takes into account grades, etc.  The other is simply getting on a coach's radar.  You could have a 7.0 GPA and a 27,000 on your SAT's but if a coach doesn't know you exist they won't recruit you.

OP, if you want some advice other than GET GOOD GRADES please feel free to PM me.  We just got done with this process.  I am lucky/blessed enough to be involved with someone who is in that "top 1%" so my experiences are certainly going to be different than a lot of people.  However, I also went through the recruiting process myself for football (I played D3 so definitely not in that top 1%) so I have that perspective as well :-).

[vms]

Oh I did forget one...become a benefactor ti the s :drinks:chool. Donate heavily

[EWSoccer64]

You would think that having a member of the board of regents of a university being your lawyer would be a plus.   However, this particular university does not have mens soccer.   :'(
Moral of the story - Choose your lawyers wisely!!!

[Rock27]

The question was not "How do I get into college and play soccer".  The question was "how do I attract college coaches".  Those are two very different things.  One takes into account grades, etc.  The other is simply getting on a coach's radar.  You could have a 7.0 GPA and a 27,000 on your SAT's but if a coach doesn't know you exist they won't recruit you.

OP, if you want some advice other than GET GOOD GRADES please feel free to PM me.  We just got done with this process.  I am lucky/blessed enough to be involved with someone who is in that "top 1%" so my experiences are certainly going to be different than a lot of people.  However, I also went through the recruiting process myself for football (I played D3 so definitely not in that top 1%) so I have that perspective as well :-).

Yes let's get back on subject - :HOW DO YOU ATTRACT COLLEGE COACHES?"

[Brat Jr]

The question was not "How do I get into college and play soccer".  The question was "how do I attract college coaches".  Those are two very different things.  One takes into account grades, etc.  The other is simply getting on a coach's radar.  You could have a 7.0 GPA and a 27,000 on your SAT's but if a coach doesn't know you exist they won't recruit you.

OP, if you want some advice other than GET GOOD GRADES please feel free to PM me.  We just got done with this process.  I am lucky/blessed enough to be involved with someone who is in that "top 1%" so my experiences are certainly going to be different than a lot of people.  However, I also went through the recruiting process myself for football (I played D3 so definitely not in that top 1%) so I have that perspective as well :-).

Yes let's get back on subject - :HOW DO YOU ATTRACT COLLEGE COACHES?"

Contact the ones you are interested in. Heck, contact even some that you're not. Being on someones radar is better than not being on it!

[Frank Lee Ruud]

Get them on the best team they can make while still having good playing time.
Make sure the coach is on your side.  Will they call college coaches or talk to them at a tourney on your kid's behalf?
Ask coaches where your kid would fit in in college.  Ask others who have some knowledge. 
Do research on what college teams need.  Are they going to need what your kid offers the year they will be a frosh?  How many spots are they going to have?
Do research on what schools offer acedemically.  Does that fit with what the kid wants?
What kind of grades do they have and how does that limit their choices in schools?
Visit as many campuses as you can at tournaments or on your own.  That gets them thinking.   
The last few narrow the search so that the time spent writing letters isn't wasted on schools they don't have a shot at.
Now have them start writing letters, lots of letters.  Send to schools they are interested in and some extras they might be intersted in.  Have your kid do the leg work themselves.  Have them talk to their coach about which schools the coach should follow up with.  Coach might know where would be a better fit.  Start early, well, within reason.  Did I leave anything out?
GOOD LUCK!!!

[swinginrichard]

Get them on the best team they can make while still having good playing time.
Make sure the coach is on your side.  Will they call college coaches or talk to them at a tourney on your kid's behalf?
Ask coaches where your kid would fit in in college.  Ask others who have some knowledge. 
Do research on what college teams need.  Are they going to need what your kid offers the year they will be a frosh?  How many spots are they going to have?
Do research on what schools offer acedemically.  Does that fit with what the kid wants?
What kind of grades do they have and how does that limit their choices in schools?
Visit as many campuses as you can at tournaments or on your own.  That gets them thinking.   
The last few narrow the search so that the time spent writing letters isn't wasted on schools they don't have a shot at.
Now have them start writing letters, lots of letters.  Send to schools they are interested in and some extras they might be intersted in.  Have your kid do the leg work themselves.  Have them talk to their coach about which schools the coach should follow up with.  Coach might know where would be a better fit.  Start early, well, within reason.  Did I leave anything out?
GOOD LUCK!!!

Nope. Ya did good. I might add that college coaches don't want form letters, they want you to want them. Make it personal. Also a good point about actually knowing something about the team. If your a defender email the coach and tell them "i saw your team gave up quite a few goals this year, I can help"...or something like that. Email works well, just to drop a line. Don't expect return emails all the time. They have rules and depending on your age sometimes can't repond. Send em anyway. The squeeky wheel gets the oil.

[Joe Public]

If you are good enough even though coaches and schools say it grades dont matter as much. I know at least one player at OSU with a 2.2 gpa This is not a good plan though as grades are important. Truly we did get a lot of money for a soccer scholarship for my DS . As much as the Academic in fact. I think in todays economy unless you truly are the man look at a private university. with the economy for state schools there is a lot more money available at a prive school regardless if it looks like you cannot afford the school you will be surprised what is available. Another thing is unless you really seriously think you can go pro go D2 and get a good education. D1 and D2 provide academic and athletic money and at D3 and below its all Academic.

[SoccerFlicks]

There was a similar thread to this a month or so ago.

Academics is the key.

Write letters to coaches, invite them to see you play.

Use Captain U or a similar recruiting tool.

Here is a link to a slight conversation about Captain U

http://washingtonpremiersoccer.com/forum/index.php/topic,17271.msg286750.html#msg286750

[Knute]

You have to do everything and anything you can to get college coaches attention, get good grades ( sorry but it’s true) and play soccer at a high level.
All coaches recruit differently so there isn’t one thing that works for all of them. Start early in high school like freshman year, researching colleges and their programs, but remember that a college needs to fit you academically as well as athletically. Send out an introduction soccer resume to the coaches from the schools on your list. Continue to call and/or email the coaches with your upcoming games. If you’re playing a game in the area of  a college, visit the school and meet with the coaches.  Attend as many of the college summer camps as you possibly can, it helps the coaches get to know you, and you get to know the college. Take your SAT and/ or ACT early and apply to the colleges early! Keep in contact! Different coaches communicate in different ways, figure out what works.  You need to do everything and anything you can to increase your odds, in hopes that luck comes your way.  There is not one secret that works for everyone. Every player has a different story on how they were recruited.  “What’s the secret to attracting college coaches?” is kind a like asking someone, “How did you meet your spouse?”

[Rock27]

Get them on the best team they can make while still having good playing time.
Make sure the coach is on your side.  Will they call college coaches or talk to them at a tourney on your kid's behalf?
Ask coaches where your kid would fit in in college.  Ask others who have some knowledge. 
Do research on what college teams need.  Are they going to need what your kid offers the year they will be a frosh?  How many spots are they going to have?
Do research on what schools offer acedemically.  Does that fit with what the kid wants?
What kind of grades do they have and how does that limit their choices in schools?
Visit as many campuses as you can at tournaments or on your own.  That gets them thinking.   
The last few narrow the search so that the time spent writing letters isn't wasted on schools they don't have a shot at.
Now have them start writing letters, lots of letters.  Send to schools they are interested in and some extras they might be intersted in.  Have your kid do the leg work themselves.  Have them talk to their coach about which schools the coach should follow up with.  Coach might know where would be a better fit.  Start early, well, within reason.  Did I leave anything out?

What do you do with a coach that is not from this country?  Not much help there.  Are we on our own?
GOOD LUCK!!!

[turftoe]

Knute...that is solid advice based on my experience both as a former D1 athlete and now a parent of an aspiring player now entering their first year of HS but already playing at a high level.  Another tip I would add id that the assistant coaches are also a great place to amke contact and many times easier to get through to. There is nothing they like better than to turn the Head Coach onto than a solid prospect.  More and more schools have scouts now often club coaches. Finding out who they are is also a valuable avenue