Guiding the College Soccer Recruitment

This article was written by Fred Koepp, a Certified Mental Performance Coach®️ for The Athletic Advisor LLC and Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Friends University. He is also the Head Coach of Wichita East High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer, where he has been named GWAL Coach of the Year twice (2019, 2020). Fred has played soccer at the collegiate and professional level.

Read time: 4 minutes.

As a college coach, I've spent years guiding young athletes through the challenging but rewarding journey of the college soccer recruitment process. I'll share my insights on what college coaches look for in players, how you can stand out both on and off the field, the importance of highlight videos and statistics, the role of recommendation letters and coach evaluations, and effective strategies for managing communication with college coaches and making the most of campus visits.

The Key Aspects College Coaches Seek

In the college recruitment process, we, college coaches, have several priorities. We're not just scouting talent; we're searching for specific needs within our teams. If our team is losing a key center back or lacks a prolific goal scorer, our focus narrows to filling those immediate gaps. However, our vision extends beyond the present; we seek players who can grow into strong assets for our program over time. Factors such as ID camps, practice sessions with recruits, and insights from high school coaches can help us identify players with potential and coachability.

Two off-the-field aspects also weigh heavily in our assessment. Firstly, understanding an athlete's budget is crucial. “Full-ride” scholarships are rare, so having a clear picture of your budget helps us determine the best offer we can extend. Additionally, a completed and approved Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps us offer a more accurate financial package. Secondly, we delve into the academic realm. We look at an athlete's involvement in extracurricular activities, their GPA, and their standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT.

Standing Out On and Off the Field

In my eyes, players who stand out possess four distinct qualities:

• Servant Leadership: Being a team-oriented servant leader is essential. We appreciate players who inspire their teammates, demonstrate positive body language, communicate effectively, and actively seek opportunities to contribute, even when it's not explicitly required by the coach.

• Coachability: A player's willingness to accept constructive criticism, eagerness to learn, inquisitive nature, and active pursuit of improvement are key indicators of coachability. Coachable athletes are poised to make significant contributions to our programs.

• Unique Contributions: Every recruit must offer something exceptional. Whether it's speed, vision, ball control, physicality, or any other trait, there must be something that sets them apart from other players.

• Mental Game: While often overlooked, the mental aspect of the game is vital. As I hold a Master’s Degree in Applied Sport Psychology and I am a Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC), the mental game carries significant weight in my coaching philosophy. Players who demonstrate a willingness to enhance their mental skills, along with being coachable and open to new ideas, stand out.

The Significance of Highlight Videos and Statistics

Highlight videos and statistics play a crucial role in the college recruitment process. Well-crafted highlight videos can effectively showcase a player's unique qualities. Statistics provide a reference point, although they can sometimes be skewed due to the level at which the player is competing. To create an effective video, keep it concise, under three minutes, and ensure it shows complete plays. I emphasize the importance of including the entire sequence of a move or play in your video. Demonstrating a specific skill, such as executing a Maradona and following through with a goal, catches the attention of college coaches.

Recommendation Letters and Coach Evaluations

In today's soccer landscape, coach evaluations are gaining prominence. Trust is paramount, and high school coaches strive to provide honest assessments of their players' abilities. These evaluations help build relationships between high school and college coaches. Hearing from a player's coach shows that they believe in their athlete's potential. Moreover, coaches can provide insights into a player's character, willingness to learn, and attitude.

Effectively Managing Communication and Campus Visits

For high school soccer players, I offer valuable advice on managing communication with college coaches and making the most of campus visits. I advise getting in front of as many college coaches as possible, including attending camps with multiple coaches that allow face-to-face interactions. It's important not to be discouraged if the first email goes unanswered.

I recommend a systematic approach: select five schools that offer both your preferred subject of study and have a soccer team. Fill out the recruitment forms on their athletic websites, then send personalized emails expressing your interest. Include a highlight video and a few key details about yourself. This strategy usually elicits a response from coaches. Additionally, attending ID camps hosted by these five schools can provide invaluable exposure.

One final piece of advice is to proofread your emails or texts before sending them. Professional and well-constructed communication enhances your chances of making a positive impression on college coaches.

Aspiring college soccer players can now navigate the recruitment process with greater clarity and confidence, thanks to the insights shared here.