Top 5 Mistakes Players Make During College Recruitment and How to Avoid Them

College recruitment can be a life-changing opportunity for soccer players, opening doors to higher education, competitive play, and even scholarship opportunities. However, the recruitment process is complex and highly competitive, with thousands of players vying for the attention of college coaches. Unfortunately, many talented players miss out on recruitment opportunities because of common, avoidable mistakes. This guide will break down the top five mistakes players make during college recruitment and provide actionable advice to help you navigate this journey successfully.

1. Not Starting the Recruitment Process Early Enough

One of the biggest mistakes in college recruitment is waiting too long to start. College coaches begin scouting players as early as freshman or sophomore year in high school. If you wait until your senior year, you may find yourself scrambling to catch up.

Why This Mistake Happens:

Many players believe that recruitment only becomes relevant in their final year of high school, but the reality is that college coaches build their rosters years in advance. Early preparation gives you more time to build a competitive athletic and academic profile, target schools, and communicate with coaches.

How to Avoid It:

• Start early: Begin the recruitment process in your freshman or sophomore year.
• Set goals: Set specific goals for athletic and academic achievements each year.
• Research programs: Identify schools and programs that match your skills and interests, and start communicating with coaches as early as possible.

Starting early gives you a competitive advantage, providing ample time to address any areas that need improvement and get on coaches’ radars.

2. Failing to Prepare a High-Quality Highlight Video

A well-made highlight video is a crucial tool for recruitment, yet many players overlook its importance or fail to create a video that showcases their skills effectively. Coaches often rely on highlight videos to decide which players they want to pursue further.

Why This Mistake Happens:

Players might not realize how important a video is, or they might include clips that don’t fully capture their best attributes on the field. Alternatively, players may assume that live scouting alone will be enough, which is rarely the case in college recruitment.

How to Avoid It:

• Keep it short and focused: Aim for a video that’s 3-5 minutes long, highlighting your best skills.
• Show variety: Include clips that demonstrate both offensive and defensive skills, passing accuracy, and decision-making on the field.
• Make it easily accessible: Upload the video to platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, and include the link in emails to coaches and on your recruitment profile.

A well-edited highlight video can set you apart and help coaches visualize how you might fit into their team.

3. Ignoring the Importance of Academics

For many players, soccer is the primary focus, but academic performance is equally important in the recruitment process. College coaches seek well-rounded players who can handle the academic workload alongside their athletic commitments. Low grades or inadequate test scores can limit your options or even disqualify you from recruitment opportunities.

Why This Mistake Happens:

Some players underestimate how much academics matter in sports recruitment, especially for NCAA and NAIA schools that have minimum GPA and test score requirements.

How to Avoid It:

• Maintain a strong GPA: Aim for at least the minimum required GPA for NCAA or NAIA eligibility, but the higher, the better.
• Take standardized tests early: Plan to take the SAT or ACT by your junior year, so you have time to improve your scores if needed.
• Balance athletics and academics: Create a schedule that allows time for both training and studying.

Emphasizing academics makes you a more attractive recruit, especially for Division III schools that offer academic scholarships instead of athletic ones.

4. Not Communicating Properly with Coaches

Effective communication with college coaches is key to successful recruitment, yet many players make critical mistakes in this area. Some players don’t reach out enough, while others may come across as unprofessional or fail to follow up on emails.

Why This Mistake Happens:

Players may be intimidated by the idea of contacting coaches or unsure of how to do it properly. In some cases, they might send a generic email that doesn’t stand out, or they may be unaware of the best times to follow up.

How to Avoid It:

• Craft personalized emails: Address each email to the coach by name, mention why you’re interested in their program, and include key information about your athletic and academic achievements.
• Follow up professionally: If you don’t receive a response, send a polite follow-up email after one or two weeks.
• Stay organized: Keep track of your communications with coaches, including the dates you contacted them, any responses you received, and any action steps.

Taking the initiative to contact coaches shows them that you’re proactive, organized, and genuinely interested in their program.

5. Not Attending Camps, Showcases, or College ID Events

Camps, showcases, and ID events are critical for players who want to increase their visibility. Many players miss out on these opportunities, either because they underestimate their importance or don’t understand how beneficial they can be.

Why This Mistake Happens:

Some players think they’ll be discovered based on high school or club performances alone, but the truth is that college coaches often rely on camps and showcases to identify and evaluate potential recruits.

How to Avoid It:

• Research camps and showcases: Look for events where coaches from your target schools will be in attendance.
• Participate in college ID camps: Many colleges host ID camps specifically to scout for potential recruits, offering you a chance to play directly in front of the coaching staff.
• Network during these events: Introduce yourself to coaches, ask questions, and express your interest in their program.

These events provide coaches with a chance to see you play in person, evaluate your skills, and get a sense of how you might fit within their team.

Final Tips for a Successful College Recruitment Process

Avoiding these five mistakes can put you in a strong position for college recruitment. However, the recruitment process can still be challenging, so here are a few final tips to help you along the way:

• Stay persistent: Rejection is part of the process, so keep reaching out to multiple programs and stay positive.
• Engage on social media professionally: Coaches may check your social media profiles, so ensure that your online presence reflects your best self.
• Consider all your options: Explore a range of schools and programs. Sometimes, the best fit might not be at the most competitive level, and that’s okay.

The college recruitment process requires commitment, patience, and strategy, but by avoiding these common mistakes and being proactive, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your dream of playing college soccer.

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Learn more about how to get recruited to play college soccer: https://www.selectgeneration.com/blog-post/how-to-get-recruited-to-play-college-soccer