COLLEGE SOCCER
RECRUITMENT HANDBOOK
Introduction
Parents and players often seek information regarding the college soccer recruitment process. The
process can be overwhelming and there are a lot of questions that parents and players may need help
answering. How do I begin the college soccer recruitment process? What is the NCAA Clearinghouse and
when do I need to register? When and how do I contact coaches? When do I apply to college? Do I need
a highlight video? How important are grades and test scores?
It’s important to know that each student’s situation is unique and there isn’t just one right answer to
each of these questions. The intent of this handbook is to give parents and students an overview of the
college recruitment process and provide information that will guide you in the decision making process.
Timeline
Some of these items pertain to NCAA schools only. NAIA and Junior Colleges have a different set of
recruitment rules.
Freshman and Sophomore Year
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The NCAA does not allow coaches to call or email you at this point; however, you may contact
coaches in any way that you’d like. Coaches may send general information about the university
or camp information, and they can answer your calls, but they cannot initiate communication
with you at this time.
Start academically strong and maintain your high grades
Attend all of the Bavarian practices and games. Communicate regularly with your coach and
inform your coach if an emergency occurs and you cannot attend practice.
Compile a list of colleges or universities that interest you and research their academic and
athletic programs.
Prepare for the ACT/SAT tests (PSAT/PACT tests or prep classes - Soph. Year)
Write a cover letter and soccer resume and send it to your target list of schools.
Review NCAA Clearinghouse eligibility requirements. Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse the
summer before your junior year.
Select junior year courses to fulfill the requirements outlined by the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Put yourself in a position to play at the highest level possible and keep a record of athletic
achievements.
“Coaches cannot initiate communication with prospective student athletes at this time.
Prospective student athletes are encouraged to reach out to coaches via email/phone call during
this time to be proactive about beginning the recruiting process”
Junior Year
As of September 1, of a prospective student athlete’s junior, coaches can now initiate communication
and have unlimited communication/correspondence with prospective student athletes. This includes
phone call, text and social media outlets. (Rule change as of July 1st, 2014)
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Keep your grades up!
Send coaches updated resume and player profile, as well as dates of tournaments and league
games.
Create a system to file information on each school and contact information of coaches.
Rank your target schools in order of your overall interest (athletics and academics). Begin
contacting coaches toward the bottom of your list. You will likely be nervous when making the
first few calls. Gain confidence before you contact the schools on the top of your list.
Be prepared to leave voicemails. Call yourself and leave practice voicemails until you feel
comfortable with this. Take good notes about the voicemails you leave and conversations you
have with coaches. Make a list of your top five questions to ask each coach.
Be visible! Play in College Showcase tournaments, summer tournaments, attend college ID
camps, etc. (Attend recruitment seminars at tournaments as well.)
Make unofficial visits (at your own expense) to selected schools. Meet with the coach and see
the teams play, if possible.
Take the SAT or ACT tests. Make sure scores are sent to your schools of interest.
Check your status with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Select senior year courses to complete Clearinghouse requirements.
Stay in touch with your high school counselor.
Obtain financial form (FAFSA).
Senior Year
Unlimited communication from both coaches and prospective student athlete continues.
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Finish strong! Don’t let down in your class work.
Check status with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Continue narrowing you
r target list of schools.
Complete FAFSA form again with recent tax information.
Respond immediately to any interest shown by colleges.
Schedule and complete official visits (at school’s expense). Meet with the coach and the team
and stay overnight if possible, see the team play.
Stay in touch with your high school counselor.
Narrow down your choices and get your applications done early.
Stay in contact with the coaches at your top choices and update them of your achievements.
Discuss your target college list with your current coach, counselor, and family.
Take into consideration everything you have learned about the programs at each college and
decide on the program that is the best overall fit for you, academically and athletically.
Research Schools
Research the schools on your target list. Read everything you can find about them: websites, press
releases, college resource books, etc. Talk to your coach, counselor, friends and family and take into
consideration the perspectives they share.
Things to consider:
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Would I be comfortable there both academically and athletically?
What are the dynamics of the team? Coaching staff?
How do the coaches motivate the team?
Would I choose this school even if I am not playing on the team?
Would I be happy if I wasn’t starting or playing regularly?
Would I still select this college if there is a different coach?
Athletic Associations
NCAA Guidelines
Students that plan to compete in athletics at the college level must meet certain eligibility requirements
outlined by the NCAA. Students who have not met the NCAA eligibility requirements will not be allowed
to participate in college athletics.
For information go to: https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/
NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse
Students who plan to compete in athletics at the Division I or Division II college level must complete the
NCAA Clearinghouse form in order to be eligible. Division III does not use the eligibility Center. There is a
$30 registration fee. To pay online you will need to use a credit card.
To register online:
1. Go to the NCAA Clearinghouse web site at http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp
2. Click on “NCAA College-Bound Student-Athletes”
3. Follow the information on the NCAA Eligibility Center page to complete your registration for
eligibility.
4. Note: You will need to notify your counselor that you registered online so that your transcripts
will be sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse.
NCAA – Division I
Division I 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, Division I schools must play 100
percent of the minimum number of contests against Division I opponents -- anything over the minimum
number of games has to be 50 percent Division I.
Division I schools must meet minimum financial aid awards for their athletics program, and there are
maximum financial aid awards for each sport that a Division I school cannot exceed. For a list of member
schools/sports link: http://web1.ncaa.org/memberLinks/links.jsp?div=1
NCAA – Division II
Division II institutions have to sponsor at least five sports for men and five for women, (or four for men
and six 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 not
attendance requirements for football, or arena game requirements for basketball. There are maximum
financial aid awards for each sport that a Division II school must not exceed. Division II teams usually
feature a number of local or in-state student-athletes. Many Division II student/athletes pay for school
through a combination of scholarship money, grants, student loans and employment earnings. 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.
For a list of member schools/sports link: http://web1.ncaa.org/memberLinks/links.jsp?div=2
NCAA – 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. For a list of member schools/sports link:
http://web1.ncaa.org/memberLinks/links.jsp?div=3
NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has different eligibility requirements for
student-athletes. To be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics as an incoming freshman, two
of the following three requirements must be met:
1. Have a 2.0 (C) or higher cumulative final grade point average in high school.
2. Have a composite score of 18 or higher on the ACT Assessment or an 860 total score or higher
on the SAT I on a single test administered on a national test date.
3. Have a top-half final class rank in his or her high school graduating class.
Student-athletes must also have on file at the college an official ACT Assessment or SAT I score report
from the appropriate national testing center. Results reported on the student’s high school transcript
are not acceptable. Students must request that their test scores be forwarded to the college’s admission
office.
If you have additional questions about NAIA eligibility, contact them online at: http://www.naia.org.
For a list of member schools: http://naia.cstv.com/member-services/about/members.htm
NJCAA
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the governing body of intercollegiate
athletics for two-year colleges. As such, its programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a diverse
group of student-athletes who come from both traditional and nontraditional backgrounds and whose
purpose in selecting a junior college may be as varied as their experiences before attending college. For
information on schools and eligibility requirements go to: http://www.njcaa.org/
NCCAA
The National Christian College Athletic Association was incorporated to provide a Christian-based
organization that functions uniquely as a national and international agency for the promotion of
outreach and ministry, and for the maintenance, enhancement, and promotion of intercollegiate
athletic competition with a Christian perspective. For information on schools and eligibility requirements
go to: http://www.thenccaa.org/
Communication with Coaches
“As of September 1 of a prospective student athlete’s junior year, coaches can now initiate
communication and have unlimited communication/correspondence with prospective student athletes.
(Rule change as of July 1st, 2014)
There can be a lot of confusion about contacting college coaches, especially if you are new to the
recruiting process. Some important guidelines to keep in mind:
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A college coach can only call or visit you after July before your senior year in high school.
You can call or email a coach whenever you’d like.
A coach cannot initiate conversation or talk to you or your parents at games or recruiting
events. According to the NCAA, they are permitted to “exchange pleasantries,” which generally
is limited to saying “Hello.”
Many prospective student-athletes receive some contact from colleges (general admissions information,
questionnaires, emails from college coaches, etc.). Even if you aren’t interested in that particular school,
don’t disregard the correspondence. Plans and circumstances can change – no college contact should be
ignored.
Emailing Coaches
The letter/email you compose should be short and direct. This is a way to request information and
introduce you to the coach as a prospective student-athlete. Some things to include:
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You name, high school, current grade level
Your home address, email address, phone number. (It is suggested that you give them a home
number instead of or in addition to your cell, since it may not always be convenient for you to
talk to them on your cell phone).
High school soccer experience, years of varsity experience, team accomplishments, and personal
awards.
Current club team, recent team accomplishments
Academic interests
Sample Letter/Email
Date
Coach’s Name
University Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Dear Coach _____,
My name is Joe Smith and I am currently a sophomore at All Star High School in Milwaukee, WI. I am also
the starting forward on my high school team and have led them in goals scored for the past three years. My
team won the state championship in 2011 and was the runner-up in 2010. We are currently ranked third in
the state. I was named honorable mention all-state in 2008, second team in 2009 and 2010. I play for the BSC
U-17 Premier Boys Team. I have played at the premier level since U-13. My team won the Wisconsin State
Championship for the past three years. In 2010, we advanced to the semifinals at the Midwest Regional. I also
play forward for my select team. My coach, Steve Bode, said he would be glad to speak with you on my
behalf.
I have spent time doing research on what colleges would be a good match for me academically and
athletically. I am interested in majoring in business. I am very interested in your College and your program
and would appreciate receiving information from you.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Joe Smith
(Include your mailing address)
Athletic Profile/Resume
You should put together a resume that includes your basic personal information, athletic
accomplishments and provides information about your past teams, camps, tournaments and other
soccer experiences. Don’t forget to include athletic accomplishments in other sports as well. Coaches
like to see athletic versatility and talent. Then list your scholastic accomplishments, include standardized
test scores if available, and any extracurricular activities, such as school clubs or volunteer activities. Let
the Coach know of any showcase tournaments you will be attending with your club team. That is a great
way to be seen by a prospective coach.
Sample Resume
Profile of Joe Smith Graduation Date: June 2013
123 Anywhere Lane
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Phone: 414-123-4567 (h)
Cell: 414-123-6789 (cell)
E-mail Address:
Parents Name:
Personal Information:
Height: 6’1” Weight: 187 DOB: 1/30/94
High School Information:
Name:
Address:
Phone Number
High School Coach:
Coach Home Number:
Guidance Counselor:
School Fax Number:
Academic Achievements:
Athletic Achievements:
Club Soccer:
High School Soccer:
Other Sports:
Extracurricular Activities:
Academic Achievements:
Educational Goals:
Highlight Video
College coaches are eager to see you in action. Video clips are not always necessary, but if a coach
requests one, you should do what you can to provide it. A good video should include 5-10 minutes of
highlight clips. Show different skills and use game film when possible. Often times, coaches use these to
determine whether or not they want to travel to watch you play in a game. You don’t need to show
them everything you are capable of, rather, just enough to make them want to visit a game.
Official and Unofficial Campus Visits
Although you are always welcome to visit college campuses at your own expense (unofficial visits), you
are limited to five official visits in which the college pays for part of all of your expenses. Completion of
the SAT and ACT and a high school transcript are prerequisites to an official visit, and you may only go
on an official visit after the first day of your senior classes in high school. Usually, an official visit consists
of an overnight stay where you will have a member of the soccer team as your host. You will meet the
coach and the team, learn more about the program, attend a class and possibly attend game. You may
also meet other recruited athletes there for a visit. While there, talk to people and learn as much as you
can. Be sure to ask the coach coordinating your visit what you need to bring and how to prepare for that
visit.
Recruiting Timeline
The majority of Division I programs will fill their recruiting class needs by early fall of that class’s senior
year. This means that if you are a Division I soccer player, by the first day of your senior year, you will
have already visited that campus, met with the coaching staff, and know where you stand on their
recruiting list. The early commitment trend is becoming increasingly common at the Division I level. This
only increases the amount of time and research that must be put into recruiting on the student-athlete’s
end. Division II schools are typically the next to finish up their recruiting classes. Some Division II schools
will have prospects verbally commit during the summer, but most will finish during the fall and into the
winter of their senior class. Division III, NAIA and Junior schools recruiting typically continues into the
winter and spring of a student-athlete’s senior year of high school. This is a general timeline – there are
always exceptions and each school may operate on a slightly different timeline.
Recruiting Regulations
Taken from NCAA Eligibility Center – 2012-13 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.
Introduction
College coaches must follow the rules outlined in this section. You are expected to follow these rules as
well.
Recruiting Terms
Contact. A contact occurs any time a coach has any face-to-face contact with you or your parents off the
college's campus and says more than hello. A contact also occurs if a coach has any contact with you or
your parents at your high school or any location where you are competing or practicing.
Contact period. During this time, a college coach may have in person contact with you and/or your
parents on or off the college's campus. The coach may also watch you play or visit your high school. You
and your parents may visit a college campus and the coach may write and telephone you during this
period.
Dead period. A college coach may not have any in-person contact with you or your parents on or off
campus at any time during a dead period. The coach may write and telephone you or your parents
during this time.
Evaluation. An evaluation is an activity by a coach to evaluate your academic or athletics ability. This
would include visiting your high school or watching you practice or compete.
Evaluation period. During this time, a college coach may watch you play or visit your high school, but
cannot have any in-person conversations with you or your parents off the college's campus. You and
your parents can visit a college campus during this period. A coach may write and telephone you or your
parents during this time.
Official visit. Any visit to a college campus by you and your parents paid for by the college. The college
may pay all or some of the following expenses: Your transportation to and from the college, room and
meals (three per day) while you are visiting the college, and reasonable entertainment expenses,
including three complimentary admissions to a home athletics contest.
Before a college may invite you on an official visit, you will have to provide the college with a copy of
your high school transcript (Division I only) and ACT, SAT or PLAN score and register with the NCAA
Eligibility Center.
Prospective student-athlete. You become a “prospective student-athlete” when you start ninth-grade
classes or, before your ninth-grade year, a college gives you, your relatives or your friends any financial
assistance or other benefits that the college does not provide to students generally
Quiet period. During this time, a college coach may not have any in-person contact with you or your
parents off the college's campus. The coach may not watch you play or visit your high school during this
period. You and your parents may visit a college campus during this time. A coach may write or
telephone you or your parents during this time.
Unofficial visit. Any visit by you and your parents to a college campus paid for by you or your parents.
The only expense you may receive from the college is three complimentary admissions to a home
athletics contest. You may make as many unofficial visits as you like and may take those visits at any
time. The only time you cannot talk with a coach during an unofficial visit is during a dead period.
Verbal commitment. This phrase is used to describe a college bound student-athlete's commitment to a
school before he or she signs (or is able to sign) a National Letter of Intent. A college bound studentathlete can announce a verbal commitment at any time. While verbal commitments have become very
popular for both college-bound student-athletes and coaches, this "commitment" is NOT binding on
either the college-bound student-athlete or the college or university. Only the signing of the National
Letter of Intent accompanied by a financial aid agreement is binding on both parties.
Recruiting Calendars. To see a summary of recruiting calendars for all sports, see pages 23-25 of this
Guide. You can also log on to NCAA.org and search for ‘recruiting calendar’ in the search field.
National Letter of Intent. The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a voluntary program administered by the
NCAA Eligibility Center. By signing an NLI, the college-bound student-athlete agrees to attend the college
or university for one academic year. In exchange, that college or university must provide athletics
financial aid for one academic year. Restrictions are contained in the NLI itself. Read them carefully.
These restrictions may affect your eligibility. If you have questions about the NLI, visit the website at
www.national-letter.org or call 317/223-0706.
Additional Resources
NCAA Eligibility Center – 2012-13 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete:
http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/CBSA.pdf
Chicago Magic – Pathway to College Soccer:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/125318660/Diapositiva-1
Lexington F.C. – College Soccer Recruitment Guide:
http://www.lexingtonfc.org/files/Colleg_Guide_Outline_Revised_08-1.pdf
Topdrawersoccer.com – College Soccer Addition