Good Luck to all the 23s getting calls and emails today

Today is the first day 6/15 that 2023s can officially have conversations with college coaches. The recruiting rules were changed a couple of years ago restricting contact with coaches until 6/15 of Junior year.

going to be a long process. Most D1s will want to see them play. They still haven't seen most 2022s yet. I bet a lot of calls will happen after July 4th (MLSNext Playoffs) and early Aug (ECNL Finals)

So, after having significant experience going through the recruiting process and playing process at high level D1 girls' soccer, here are some thoughts that may be worth considering and wish I had been more thoughtful about going into the process.  It is based off of my own experiences as well as talking to at least 100 players (my kids' ex-club teammates, club opponents/friends, and college teammates) who play(ed) D1 girls' soccer--mostly Power 5 conferences.  Note, this is not sour grapes as we have had generally good experiences and being a D1 athlete will allow them to reap rewards for the rest of their lives.  That said, it may assist you in prioritizing what should be important to your player.     

First, regardless of what you may believe now, play time in college is a HUGE factor.  These kids work way too hard and give so much to soccer.  And so, it is virtually impossible to compartmentalize soccer from school life.  Soccer takes up ALL of the fall and a solid amount of the spring.  It is a way of life and daily grind.   Let's face it, kids at this level identify as soccer players (which they shouldn't, but they do).  If you are not happy on the soccer field, it triggers lack of confidence, happiness, joy, etc.   No matter how hard you fight or how numb you try to get, it bleeds into every other aspect of  life and significantly impacts the college experience.  If you want to test the theory, tell your kid to sit on the bench for the next 2 or 3 ECNL or GAL games and see how they like it.  At least they will get a flavor of what college may hold for them.    

Two, go in with NO (or perhaps very low) expectations no matter what the coach says or how much smoke he/she blows your way.   On average, 7 or 8 kids come into a new class and 2 or 3 will likely make it 4 years on the team and even if they do, perhaps 1 or 2 will get meaningful playing time.

Three, which is still shocking to me, a very LARGE majority of D1 girl soccer players do not like their head coach.   And, I don't mean they are "luke warm" on their coach.   I mean they have STRONG negative opinions about their head coach mostly due to hubris, incompetence, negativity, narcissism, lack of respect, etc.   This LARGE majority would tell others not to go to their university.   This  includes kids who play a lot and kids from very successful programs who should have no axe to grind with the coach.   I am not sure if it is an age thing.  Perhaps when these players look back in 10 years they may change opinions and think "Coach actually was doing the right thing after all"--but I honestly don't think so.  My informal survey suggests that girls coached by woman and much older male coaches seem to have more favorable opinions from their players.  

Four, tying into #3, coaches and kids have virtually opposite interests.  Most coaches care strictly about self survival (e.g. winning to get the next contract) and the players are about playing but being normal college students getting a normal college experience when not playing.  Most coaches don't seem to understand or care.  (I think the older coaches who are completely secure in their positions seem to have better perspective on this.)    Don't go to a school because "they have big time football" because most soccer players go to 1 or 2 games a year.  Even if they can go to a game, practices may be purposely scheduled before the game or early the next day to limit the kid's enjoyment of the game day experience.   This also is the case related to academics such as completely wasteful meetings leading up to finals week to discuss important issues such as team bonding or the like.  Any thoughtfulness or consideration related to the student athlete is not the focus of most coaching staff which are myopically focused on a contract extension.

Five, because of all of the above, do not get too hung up on Big 5 Conferences.  The smaller conferences/schools, seem to have a little more perspective that these players are not professionals and need to have a college experience.   And, playing opps are likely better, too.

Six, I wish there was a great review system for the coaches.  (Maybe this forum could create one!!)   The players on recruiting trips do not feel free to be candid or honest about the coaches.  I am aware of several instances where a player joined a college team only to tell her teammates "why didn't you tell me this guy was a narcissist jerk!!"  The answer is simple from the older teammate---"I didn't know you well enough to be honest.  You may have gone back to tell the coaches."  Further, transferring rarely occurs because (1) once your at a school and become embedded with friends and teammates, it is tough to leave; and (2) most players want to "give it another season" which puts them through their sophomore season and so, as an incoming Jr. it makes little sense to transfer academically and it is easier to just quit the team or suck it up and finish it out.  

Seventh, I know the saying, "Use soccer to go to a school you likely would not get into."  I think it is prudent--but with the caveats of all of the above.   Your kids mental health is the most important thing and needs to be weighed into the analysis.  (All these kids who have given up their lives to play D-1 soccer are mentally tough so I don't want to hear from naysayers that they need to "toughen up.")   

In sum, yes the experience is worth it for many reasons today and for the rest of the kid's lives as employers love college athletes.  That said, I think if your child has options, they obviously need to find the school that will allow them a great playing and college experience.  I think much of this really depends on the coaching staff and what makes things so tough is the lack of candor related to the coaching staffs.   If any one has other thoughts, I would love to hear them.


 

Incredible contribution of stone cold truth soccerwatcher

Would love to hear you parting thoughts on club soccer.

Players should consider the school/program they play for wisely. Playing college sports is hard but some of the best years of an athlete's life. Not only because of what they can offer in the working world but because of the experiences that are had together with your teammates and coaches while playing, practicing, meeting, traveling, partying, training, etc. Those formed bonds are often incredible and priceless. You make sacrifices that regular students don't have to and college can be 10X harder for student athletes but you also have experiences regular students couldn't dream of. I would do it again 100 times over and hope that my kid has the opportunity to play in college and perhaps beyond. Everyone isn't built for college sports and that's OK but if your kid has the opportunity I would 100% recommend playing at the next level and encourage any athlete already playing in college to stick it out. You don't want regrets one day when you can only stand on the sidelines wishing you could still play.

Don't forget the increased chance of life changing injury. No matter the experts say, your repaired ACL/MCL/meniscus is never the same. Your knee will prematurely deteriorate and need later work, or you will live with the pain and activity limits forever. Welcome to early arthritis or replacement in your 40's. Sure, they'll patch you up to get through your playing career, then what?