This Handbook is designed to familiarize you with the college recruiting process.   Remember you will get out what you put into this process, so use the handbook; it is full of important information to help guide you, but it is not a substitute for your own work. 

Getting through high school and preparing for college can be an exciting, frustrating, and gratifying time.  Being prepared for the journey will help you connect with the college that is right for you!  Your job is to determine if you want to play soccer in college and to learn of the difference in colleges and universities that might help you fulfill that dream.

Why are you interested in playing soccer in College?

Most players have two big reasons for wanting to play after high school:

• Scholarship money is available.
• You want to play at the next level of Soccer 

• Your participation in soccer may make the difference in just getting in.  
• Athletes get early class registration, allowing them the best chance of getting the classes they want.  
• Free tutoring and help with your classes is provided through the athletic department.  
• You may get first pick of the dorm rooms if you are a fall athlete since you arrive to school early to train.   

Choose the Right College for YOU!

• Prepare academically 
• Show your soccer ability 
• Complete all administrative paperwork on time 
• Develop contact with potential coaches 
• Follow up on the contacts you make

   

•  Does the college offer the academic program the player would ultimately hope to pursue?  Are athletes given preference in scheduling?
• Where is the college/university located?  Will the locale be good for the player in terms of weather and distance from family/friends?
•  What is the expected enrollment of undergraduates and graduates?  What are the class sizes? 
•  What are the student housing options?  What transportation is available?
•  Does the College have a quarter or semester system, or special terms?
•  Is tutoring offered to student-athletes?  Is there a fee? Is there a mandatory study schedule for athletes?

Soccer Coach and Team:

• In what division and conference does the team play?
• What was the team’s record in the past?  What are the coach’s goals for the team?
• What style of play is desired from the team?  Is the player comfortable with the coach’s style?
• How many players will be on the roster and how many will travel with the team?
• How many trips are planned for the coming season?
• What are the pre-season and post-season schedules?
• How often is practice during the season, and post-season?
• How will the team composition change with seniors leaving and red-shirt player returning?
• What position is the player being recruited for and how many others are already playing there or are being recruited?
• What is the medical coverage for athletes?

• If not offered a scholarship, is the player a candidate for admissions as a Walk-On player?
• If offered a scholarship, what expenses are covered, what is the duration, and how can it be terminated?
• If offered a scholarship and the player is injured and can’t play, will the scholarship be lost?
    

• The more contacts you create, the more options you will have.
• All forms must be completed carefully and completely and returned promptly. 
• All calls and emails should be returned immediately.  Show your enthusiasm!
• If your paperwork is incomplete with NCAA, the coach will be forced to consider other candidates and you might lose your chance for, financial support and/or time on the field.
• Coaches prefer to pursue soccer players that have expressed serious interest in their school.  Do not waste their time! 

Club, ODP, High School and Camps

Club, ODP, High School and soccer camps all play important roles in our soccer recruiting options.  At every level of play you should give your best effort.  Club play is essential as it develops players at a high level, some with opportunities to play at the state, regional and national tournaments.  While not essential, selection to play on an ODP team can be a real bonus since many coaches recruit from the state, regional and national teams.  If you are selected to ODP and you can manage the additional load, it might be very beneficial.  The high school game is up to you as is your decision to play in various camps offered through a college, ODP, or otherwise. 

What are coaches looking for?

• Forwards who possess speed, confidence, tactical ability, fitness and the ability to score goals;
• Midfielders who possess fitness, strength, tactical & technical ability to play under pressure;
• Defenders who possess speed, strength, discipline & the ability to win challenges while maintaining composure;
• Goalkeepers who possess confidence, athleticism, leadership and communication skills.

   

Recruiting Basics

• Please understand the following statistics – out of the millions of kids that play age group/high school sports only 3% will participate on a college varsity sports team, and only 1% will receive any type of college athletic scholarship.  
• While these statistics may look grim, it is also true that our teams compete at the highest possible level through classic league and top state and regional tournaments.  Our college-bound players are capable of playing in college if they so choose…..and they should assess which level of play works best and plan accordingly.

• If you do not have stellar grades, your athletic skills are even more important, as they may help you get a spot on the team!

   
• To find the right college for you, look up the institution on the Internet at the NCAA web site www.ncaa.org – look at NCAA Sports Lists – pick soccer.  For access to team web sites for many NCAA and NAIA programs please visit their respective institution’s website.  Learn about the requirements of that school.

   
• Make an effort to watch a practice and/or game of the schools that interest you.

   
• Consider what you know about the head coach and coaching staff.

   
• Ask the schools if you may contact former and current players and/or parents.

   
• Determine if you would attend this school even if you had a career ending injury and could not play.

   
• Remember you can have five paid visits and add and drop as you go.

   
• Remember Division III institutions offer “Life Long Leisure Skills” Intramurals and Club sports.  

What’s the difference between Division I, Division II, and Division III

Division I

Division 1 member institutions have to sponsor at least seven sports for men and seven for women (or six for men and eight for women) with two team sports for each gender.  Each playing season has to be represented by each gender as well.  There are contest and participant minimums for each sport, as well as scheduling criteria.  For sports other than football and basketball, Div. I schools must play 100% of the minimum number of contests against other Div. I institutions.  Div. I schools must meet minimum financial aid awards for their athletics program, and there are maximum financial aid awards for each sport that a Div. I school cannot exceed. 

Division II

Division II institutions have to sponsor at least four sports for men and four for women, with two team sports for each gender, and each playing season represented by each gender.  There are contest and participant minimums for each sport, as well as scheduling criteria.  For sports other than football and basketball there are no scheduling requirements.  There are maximum financial aid awards for each sport that a Div. II school must not exceed.  Division II teams usually feature a number of local or in-state student-athletes.  May Division II student-athletes pay for school through a combination of scholarship money, grants, student loans and wages from employment.  Division II athletics programs are financed in the institution’s budget like other academic departments on campus.  Traditional rivalries with regional institutions dominate schedules of many Division II athletics programs.

 Division III

Division III institutions have to sponsor at least five sports for men and five for women with two team sports for each gender, and each playing season represented by each gender.  There are minimum contest and participant minimums for each sport.  Division III athletics features student-athletes who receive no financial aid related to their athletic ability, and athletic departments are staffed and funded like any other department in the university.  Division III athletics departments place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators.  The student-athlete’s experience is of paramount concern.  Division III athletics encourages participation by maximizing the number and variety of athletics opportunities available to students, placing primary emphasis on regional in-season and conference competition.  

Timeline of Preparations

Freshman Year -  Academics

• Good Grades are important – There are not that many scholarships!  Your grades and test scores can make the difference.  Maintain YOUR highest grades throughout high school and show admissions officers and potential coaches that you are able to handle the demands of college life.  Keep your grades up starting in your freshman year and you will benefit!  Meet with your counselor to plan your year.
• If you hope to go to a top academic institution, it would be helpful to take honors courses if you can handle the load.  Admission officers generally agree that getting a B in a tough course is often more significant than an A in a frivolous course.  Take PSAT and Practice ACT tests as they are offered to ensure that you are prepared for the actual test in future years.
• Be sure that you begin to take courses that will ultimately fulfill the requirements of the NCAA.  Speak with your counselor about classes meeting NCAA requirements.  Visit the NCAA website to learn what courses are required for Division I Division II and Division III schools. Consider NAIA schools as well.  Start to plan your classes accordingly.  The NCAA website is: www.ncaa.org.  Call 800-638-3731 for free current copy of NCAA Guide for the College-bound Student Athlete.”
• Begin a resume of community service activities, achievements, awards and academic results.  Update it periodically.
• Select an e-mail address that you will use to communicate with the coaches.  This e-mail should be consistent throughout your recruiting process.  If you change services, you will need to communicate that change to all schools you might have interest in.  Select an e-mail address that is fitting.   For example:  Calskibum@aol.com is not as fitting as aysesgold10@aol.com or SisiSmith@aol.com.  

Sophomore Year – Athletic Exposure and Academic Emphasis

• Continue emphasis on best grades possible.  If pursuing a top academic school, take honors and AP courses if manageable.  Meet with your counselor to make sure you are on track to take the 14-16 core courses (based on graduation date) that are consistent with NCAA requirements for Division I and Division II schools.  Many universities accept the NCAA academic requirements (see NCAA guide)
• Take PSAT and Practice Act, and possibly some actual SAT II tests following the completion for certain courses (i.e. biology, language, and math).  Do not wait until senior year to take SAT II tests on courses you had as a sophomore.  Take them as you complete the course.
• Realistically consider your talent and the school that you might like to attend.  Be honest in your personal assessment.  Research colleges to determine which school fit your academic and athletic abilities by asking for literature and visiting campuses.
• Complete your soccer Profile on line
• Create introduction letter (see sample) You may begin to establish relationships with colleges of interest by visiting games and expressing interest through letters and emails sent to coaches.
• You can call coaches, but coaches cannot call or approach you according to NCAA regulations.  Review NCAA regulations regarding contact with coaches.  The regulations have changed.
• Be visible to college coaches.  Do not miss the opportunity to play at tournaments, especially College Showcase tournaments like Nomads, Phoenix , or Las Vegas . 
• Attend College Soccer camps of interest over the summer. This will allow you to check out the campus. 
• Ask current players what they think of the program and coaching staff.
• Remind your targeted College coaches of your attendance at tournaments or ODP regional/national camps through the use of email.  Send them your schedule.  

Junior Year – Taking Tests, Contacting Coaches and Visiting Campuses

·        Continue emphasis on grades and begin to take SAT, ACT and AP/IB tests offered throughout the year.  Be prepared to take SAT twice or more.  Remember that your grades are the foundation for your ultimate success.  Maintain YOUR highest academic standards.  Meet with your counselor to plan school year.

·        Understand the academic requirements of your targeted schools.  Determine where your soccer and academic abilities stand and approach schools that are consistent with your level of achievement.

·        Make a list of favorite colleges and visit them on your own or with your family.  Trim the list; gather applications to schools of choice.  You may begin receiving recruiting materials on September 1 of the Junior year. 

·        Send emails or letters of introduction with Soccer Profiles to the coaches of schools which interest you.  (Sample letters and Profile attached).  Inform them of your games/matches/tournaments.  Some coaches like to see videos of you playing especially east coast or mid-west schools where it is difficult for you to be seen.  Ask and send if desired.  Establish positive relationships with potential coaches following NCAA guidelines regarding contacting coaches visitations.  Beginning March of Junior year you can receive one phone call from the coach.  During April, you can have one visit on HS campus.  Starting July after Junior year, off-campus contact and coach initiated call once per week is allowed.

·        Keep AYSES College Head updated as to which schools and coaches you are interested in.  The AYSES College Head will help determine if your list is realistic and will help in the contacting of the collegiate head coaches.  Continue to work with the AYSES College Head throughout the process until you have verbally committed.  Remember that the AYSES College Head team cannot help you if they do not know you need it.

Senior Year – Maintaining Grades, Submitting Applications and Finalizing Acceptance

• In Fall, Meet with your counselor to review your transcript and to assure compliance with NCAA requirements.  Apply for Student-Athlete status with NCAA Clearinghouse.  877-262-1492.  All forms are available online.
• Retake SATs if necessary (MAKE SURE you do not have scheduling conflicts!)
• After July following your Junior year, you can receive a weekly phone call.  After Senior year begins, you can start to take those 5 official visits you are allowed for Division I schools.  You will tour the campus, meet the team, see a game, and stay overnight.  Get to know the school and coach and the team’s style of play.
• Remember, the coach may not be employed at any particular institution for all your time at the school.  It is important that you settle on school that “fits” your academic, athletic and personal needs.  The coach may be gone tomorrow!
• Submit applications for the schools of your choice.  Keep grades up throughout senior year.  Some colleges withdraw enrollment invitation and/or scholarship if student’s academic levels decline in senior year.  No time for “senioritis”!
• If you are accepted, finalize paperwork and letters of intent following NCAA regulations.  The Letter of Intent is sent to the player in February.
• If you are not getting much attention from your list of schools by January, you need to focus on a smaller number of schools and get after the coaches.  You also may need to re-evaluate your school choices and make sure your expectations are not too high.  

   

Sample Introduction Letter From Student-Athlete to Coach

Sample Follow-up Letter from Student Athlete to Coach

March 17, 2007

John Jones

University of San Diego

1234 Any Street

San Diego, CA  12345 

Dear Coach Jones:

I am enclosing some news clippings concerning my achievements in soccer this year.  I am still very interested in the University of San Diego as my college choice.

In January, I will be playing the in Disney Showcase tournament.  I will also play at the Nomads tournament at Thanksgiving.  I will send you my schedules, in case you are attending these events and you want to catch some of my games.  I also hope to attend your soccer camp over Spring break.

My grades have been very good this year.  I have chosen the most difficult program that I can handle, and I have managed to get almost all A’s.  I will keep up my effort in athletics and academics.  I have scheduled my SAT and ACT tests and will let you know my results.

Again, I thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,

Joe Peters

972-222-5657 

Sample Letter of Response from the Coach 

August 25, 2006

Joe Peters

972-222-5657 

Dear Jake

I am writing you to express our sincere interest in you as a prospective student here at University of San Diego . You are a fine young athlete and one that I feel would blend well with our academic and athletic environment. We have a wonderful tradition and I am hopeful you will consider us as one of your top choices

Even though you are only a junior, it is important to keep close contact with you. Once your junior year ends, we will then make contact with you in person. I am sure you are getting anxious for your soccer season to get underway. We want to wish you a most successful year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at any time. Please send us a copy of your high school soccer and academic schedules to update your file.

We hope to hear from you again soon.

Sincerely,

John Jones

Head Coach

University of San Diego  

Resources

A Typical Soccer Questionnaire

UNIVERSITY OF_________________________________SOCCER QUESTIONNAIRE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME_________________________________________________

HOME ADDRESS_______________________________HOME PHONE ( )_________

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER_______________________DATE OF BIRTH_______

FATHER’S NAME_____________________________OCCUPATION______________

MOTHER’S NAME____________________________OCCUPATION______________

WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THIS UNIVERSITY?

________________________________________________________________________

WHAT OTHER SPORTS HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN?_____________________

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

HIGH SCHOOL__________________________SCHOOL PHONE( )______________

ADDRESS______________________________________________________________

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION DATE_______________________________

CLASS RANK_______________GPA_____________________

SAT SCORES – VERBAL____________MATH___________DATE TAKEN________

ACT SCORES – VERBAL____________MATH___________DATE TAKEN________

PLANNED COLLEGE MAJOR_____________________________________________

WHAT OTHER COLLEGES ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?______________________

CONSIDERING YOUR TOP FIVE CHOICES, WHERE DO YOU RANK THIS

UNIVERSITY?___________DATES YOU COULD VISIT_______________________

PLEASE RETURN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE WITH A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS TO:

HEAD SOCCER COACH – UNIVERSITY OF _________________________________