When and How to Start the College Soccer Recruiting Process

When and How to Start the College Soccer Recruiting Process

When Should Your Athlete Start the College Soccer Recruiting Process?

Are you wondering when your soccer player should begin their college recruiting journey? The key to getting noticed by coaches is starting early. But how early is too early? Let’s break down the exact timeline and steps to help your athlete get ahead and stay competitive in the recruiting process.

Freshman Year: Start Early

The recruiting process starts much earlier than most families realize. By 8th or 9th grade, your athlete should already be setting goals and researching potential colleges.

Action Step:
Create a list of potential schools that match your athlete’s academic and athletic goals. Start simple: use a Google Doc or spreadsheet to track key details like school names, soccer programs, location, and division level.

💡 Why start early?
This phase is all about exploration. By identifying options and setting clear goals, your athlete can be ready to act when opportunities arise. It’s never too soon to start building a plan.

Sophomore Year: Building Exposure

By sophomore year, your athlete should focus on gaining exposure. College coaches often scout players at competitive tournaments, showcases, and camps.

Action Step:
Encourage your athlete to attend tournaments and showcases where college coaches are present. Create a highlight reel that showcases their best plays, and have them start reaching out to coaches directly.

💡 Why it matters:
Getting noticed by coaches is crucial at this stage. Playing in front of the right people increases the chances of being scouted, and a strong highlight reel can leave a lasting impression.

Junior Year: Serious Communication Begins

Junior year is the most critical phase of the recruiting process. By this time, your athlete should be actively communicating with college coaches and attending ID camps.

Action Step:
Have your athlete send personalized emails to coaches at their target schools. Include their highlight reel, key stats, and a brief introduction about why they’re interested in that specific program. Consistent follow-up is essential!

💡 Why it matters:
This is when relationships with college coaches are solidified. By staying visible and proactive, your athlete ensures they’re top of mind when decisions are being made.

Senior Year: Final Push and Commitment

Senior year is the culmination of all your athlete’s hard work. This is the time to finalize relationships with coaches and attend key events to solidify their place on a college team.

Action Step:
Keep communication open with interested coaches and attend showcases, camps, and games to maintain visibility. This is also the time to make final decisions and commit.

💡 Why it matters:
The final year is about sealing the deal. Strong communication and strategic participation in events will help your athlete stand out and make a lasting impression.

Next Steps for Your Player

Now that you have a clear timeline, it’s time to take action. The earlier your athlete starts, the better prepared they’ll be for each phase of the recruiting process.

To make this journey even easier, I’ve created The Ultimate College Soccer Recruiting Roadmap—a free guide that walks you through every step. Download it here to get started today.

For more personalized support, check out my College Soccer Accelerator Program, where I’ll work directly with you and your athlete to ensure they’re on the right track.

Final Thoughts

The college recruiting process isn’t just about talent—it’s about being proactive, organized, and consistent. Starting early gives your player a competitive edge, and staying focused throughout the process will help them stand out to college coaches.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s work together to help your athlete achieve their dream of playing college soccer.

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Free Resources:
📘 FREE Guide: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Soccer Players
📕 FREE Guide: The Ultimate College Soccer Recruiting Roadmap

Programs & Coaching:
1️⃣ The Training Academy
2️⃣ The College Soccer Accelerator 
3️⃣ The Training App 

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