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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Nov 6, 2023 13:46:47 GMT -5
The next challenge is to analyze college soccer rosters and gauge your compatibility with the team. When considering this, Blanca Aaliyah Lilly Ling (BALL) should focus on certain aspects. Should she be concerned about only the freshmen players? What about sophomores? Ignore the seniors; is there a 6th-year senior that could derail her playing time? What role do transfers play on the team? Does the coach primarily rely on nurturing freshmen recruits, or do they actively engage with the transfer portal for team-building? For those who have successfully navigated this recruitment process, what factors should Blanca consider when assessing the roster?
Additionally, when evaluating coaches, it's crucial to investigate their coaching history and recent performance trends. It's in Blanca's best interest to avoid a situation where a coach is dismissed after her recruitment journey has concluded, forcing her to reopen her search at the last moment. Ensuring informed decisions are made can help safeguard against unexpected coaching changes that could impact her college soccer journey.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Nov 6, 2023 22:20:29 GMT -5
Since we're about 2 weeks away from the end of the regular college soccer season, the dead period and NLI signing for the Class of 2024, I thought it would be nice time to ask some questions of the class. Soon colleges will begin their "winter recruiting tours" and a young lady - Blanca Aaliyah Lilly-Ling (B.A.L.L) would love to play the beautiful game in college. With your help, comments and suggestions, I'd like to guide her on what to do and look out for to ultimately get an offer to play division 1 footy. I may ask questions on her behalf in the hopes of increasing her chances of success... TIA!!! As a current sophomore, what steps does B.A.L.L need to be doing now, so that in 32+ weeks she's more likely to be chatting with colleges on June 15, 2024 B.A.L.L would like to know about social media, videos, research on colleges, etc. Profile: Name: Blanca Aaliyah Lilly-Ling Age: 15 League: ECNL/GAL Position: D/M/F GPA: 3.85 Major: Business GPA needs to be high. 3.7-4.0 (volunteer, be a community leader) Current game videos- Speed of play, off the ball speed, soccer IQ. goals or blocks - Showcase the different positions played. Make wish list (top 10) for D1 and D2 Make contact list of about 50 schools in each division Follow schools and coaches of interest on social media Attend key IDs a: ones hosted by schools of choice (1-3 of them) b: Multi school ID (1-2) If attending Showcases- make flyer of key stats (GPA and Club level resume) with QR code linking to videos Tell coaches of schedules (make it easier for them to find you) Ask what showcases are they going to! expectations--- Not starting freshman year. Maybe not even playing freshman year. Expect to pay for College (no full rides) Coaches will say one thing but do another. Dont be surprised. Good luck. |
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dc
Jr. Academy
Posts: 52
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Post by dc on Nov 7, 2023 12:21:36 GMT -5
As someone who has had two boys play in college, I'll add my 2 cents. 1) Remember why you are going to college. Continuing to play soccer in college may be a dream, but for most it will be a short-lived one if it happens. Choose your college based on academics, not soccer. This is not your club or HS team. As someone said previously, you may not even play your freshman year. You're on a roster of 30+, so unless your are a stud, you may not see any playing time and you may end up quitting. Academics first. 2) Be realistic. If you're not a stud, the videos that you're sending in this early, the follows on social media are mostly going unnoticed. My oldest played for the university in the city we used to live in and I got to know the coach well. I asked him about the recruiting process once and he showed me the hundreds of video links he received just that year. His assistants or managers would go through them and pull out top maybe 3-4%. He knew he could fill out the rest of the class with transfers and walk-ons. Social media? That was for the sports marketing department to handle. This was a top school and lower schools may pay more attention to social media posts/follows and videos. But you have to remember, if you are sending out videos to 20-30 schools because it's easy to do, so is every other kid out there. A lot of coaches may treat it as junk mail. 3) Demonstrated interest. Just like a lot of college admissions departments, coaches are high on demonstrated interest. Attend their individual ID camps if they have them. Again, if you're not a stud, you're one of the herd and you need to get noticed. Spending 5-6 hours at an school's ID camp(s) is better than sending in that video or a social media follow. Attend as many as possible as you can freshman year. It's a great way to weed out coaches/schools as well. 4) Be honest about your level of play. Go watch different divisions (top D1, D1, D2, etc.) and assess where your level of play is. Start your search there and then go back to #1. Choose colleges for academic reasons. 5) Be a stud. It makes the process much easier.  |
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Post by weltzumerr on Nov 9, 2023 4:31:48 GMT -5
Just remember, your video archive is the star of its own show; choose the vintage that suits its blockbuster narrative! |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Nov 9, 2023 15:47:01 GMT -5
As the college playoffs and NCAA tournament mark the conclusion of the season, the spotlight shifts to national showcases. It's worth noting that these coaches receive an overwhelming volume of correspondence, so brevity and clarity are key. Focus on sparking their curiosity to delve into your profile, watch your videos, and explore further. A recommended strategy is to employ an attention-grabbing subject line. Piggy back over the coaches curiosity about any correspondence regarding the upcoming showcase they'll be attending. For instance, as the ECNL Phoenix showcase approaches, consider something like "ECNL-PHX: Standout ATL Forward in the 2026 Class."
Now, a question for discussion: If you've navigated this process before, your insights are invaluable. Could you kindly share de-identifying samples of your emails and texts that played a pivotal role in initiating, sustaining, or advancing conversations with college coaches? When reaching out, is it more effective to text the assistant coach attending the showcase directly, or should one also email the broader coaching staff for the program? What are your thoughts on the matter? TIA
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 10, 2023 8:50:18 GMT -5
As the college playoffs and NCAA tournament mark the conclusion of the season, the spotlight shifts to national showcases. It's worth noting that these coaches receive an overwhelming volume of correspondence, so brevity and clarity are key. Focus on sparking their curiosity to delve into your profile, watch your videos, and explore further. A recommended strategy is to employ an attention-grabbing subject line. Piggy back over the coaches curiosity about any correspondence regarding the upcoming showcase they'll be attending. For instance, as the ECNL Phoenix showcase approaches, consider something like "ECNL-PHX: Standout ATL Forward in the 2026 Class." Now, a question for discussion: If you've navigated this process before, your insights are invaluable. Could you kindly share de-identifying samples of your emails and texts that played a pivotal role in initiating, sustaining, or advancing conversations with college coaches? When reaching out, is it more effective to text the assistant coach attending the showcase directly, or should one also email the broader coaching staff for the program? What are your thoughts on the matter? TIA An important thing to remember is for your team manager to have a professionally looking flier to pass out to coaches watching at team showcases. These should include a picture, position(s), gpa, SAT andor ACT score, stats and contact information. Many have mentioned grades as being important. A coach needs to know your player first can get into the college they coach for and secondly can handle the academics while playing a full soccer season. Remember athletic budgets and scholarship monies are limited so show off both the playing ability but as important the academics. I will say again, the flyer makes it easy to showcase those grades. |
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Post by soccergurl on Nov 14, 2023 12:49:35 GMT -5
|me tink this is interesting info|
Found on interweb College Soccer Truth ™ Twitter: @imcollegesoccer
The recruiting process has evolved! Advising kids based on the OLD-school way will only force them to be left behind.
1. College coaches will find you if you're good.
False! You go to them. Tournaments, ID camps, club games.
2. Your coach will take care of the college recruiting for you.
False! They’ll assist, but don’t expect them to make your process a full time job when you’re not the only one trying to be recruited.
3. You should start the recruiting process your JR or SR year.
False! You’re way behind if you start it then. Especially on the women’s side.
4. You shouldn’t email the college coaches a lot.
False! Persistence is key! You don’t email them daily, but never be out of sight out of mind. Email every time you have new highlights or updates and continue showing your interest.
5. Social media doesn’t help.
False! Sell your brand and social media helps with that. You’re not the only one bored scrolling through social media. So do college coaches. College coaches do understand the importance of social media.
6. College coaches don’t care about the club initials I play for.
False! Unfortunately until they see you in person, you are judged by your club initials. Myth number 1 at the top, if you don’t have the initials you better be seen 10x more than those that do. For your well known schools, the initials matter to even get looked at.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 14, 2023 18:58:17 GMT -5
|me tink this is interesting info| Found on interweb College Soccer Truth ™ Twitter: @imcollegesoccer The recruiting process has evolved! Advising kids based on the OLD-school way will only force them to be left behind. 1. College coaches will find you if you're good. False! You go to them. Tournaments, ID camps, club games. 2. Your coach will take care of the college recruiting for you. False! They’ll assist, but don’t expect them to make your process a full time job when you’re not the only one trying to be recruited. 3. You should start the recruiting process your JR or SR year. False! You’re way behind if you start it then. Especially on the women’s side. 4. You shouldn’t email the college coaches a lot. False! Persistence is key! You don’t email them daily, but never be out of sight out of mind. Email every time you have new highlights or updates and continue showing your interest. 5. Social media doesn’t help. False! Sell your brand and social media helps with that. You’re not the only one bored scrolling through social media. So do college coaches. College coaches do understand the importance of social media. 6. College coaches don’t care about the club initials I play for. False! Unfortunately until they see you in person, you are judged by your club initials. Myth number 1 at the top, if you don’t have the initials you better be seen 10x more than those that do. For your well known schools, the initials matter to even get looked at. Every statement made above is 100% true. I have mentioned the Big 5 in Atlanta. Those initials matter. |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Nov 16, 2023 21:26:32 GMT -5
Many of you are back from Phoenix and Virginia Showcases. Don't forget to clip a 2-3 minute highlight reel of the best moments from your games and send a follow-up (or initial) email to the coaches who showed up to your games. Here are some samples for you to edit to highlight you and your team... College Recruiting Letter Samples The Good (Initial College Recruitment Letter)From: Sally Smith sallysmith2020@gmail.com To: Bob Bigshot bbigshot@stateuniversity.edu Subject: Sally Smith 2020 Forward: Interested in State University Women’s Soccer Dear Coach Bigshot, My name is Sally Smith, a 2020 graduate from City High School in Chicago. I am a forward on Chicago FC 02 and I am interested in attending State University because of the school’s academic reputation and strong women’s soccer team. On the field, I have been the leading goal scorer for Chicago FC the last two seasons and I have also played varsity for two years for my high school, making the all-conference team this past season. I plan to study business in college and State University has a really strong undergraduate business program I am interested in. I have a 4.0 GPA and I am on track to take mostly honors and AP classes in school. I also like that State University is in a big city because I am very interested in going to school in city setting. My club team will be playing in the upcoming National College Soccer Showcase from June 6-8 in Orlando, Fla. I saw you are listed as attending, so I have included my schedule below so you can see me play. I am a forward #9 and I will start all the games. June 6, 4 p.m. Chicago FC vs. LA FC, Field #10 June 7, 2 p.m. Chicago FC vs. FC New York, Field #11 June 8, 4 p.m. Chicago FC vs. Houston FC, Field #8 Here is a link to my schedule: . My club coach is Joe Footy his email is jfooty@gmail.com and his phone number is 689-234-8876. Here is my highlight video as well: . I really hope you can see me play and I will follow up with you after the event! Thanks, Sally Smith, 2020 Chicago FC 02, Forward #9 775-867-9234 The Good (Follow Up Email)From: Sally Smith sallysmith2020@gmail.com To: Bob Bigshot bbigshot@stateuniversity.edu Subject: Sally Smith 2020 Forward: National College Soccer Showcase Follow Up Dear Coach Bigshot, My name is Sally Smith, a 2020 graduate from City High School in Chicago and forward #9 on Chicago FC 02. I emailed you a few weeks ago about my strong interest in State University and the women’s soccer team and also sent you my schedule for the National College Soccer Showcase from June 6-8. Our club team manager said you attended a game and I would love to get feedback on my play and find out about opportunities to be part of State University women’s soccer. As a reminder, I plan to study business in college and State University has a strong business program that would be a great fit for me academically. If you would like to contact my club coach, Joe Footy, his email is jfooty@gmail.com and his phone number is 689-234-8876. I hope to hear from you soon! Thanks, Sally Smith, 2020 Chicago FC 02, Forward #9 775-867-9234 Highlight video: |
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Post by oraclesfriend on Dec 3, 2023 12:45:55 GMT -5
|me tink this is interesting info| Found on interweb College Soccer Truth ™ Twitter: @imcollegesoccer The recruiting process has evolved! Advising kids based on the OLD-school way will only force them to be left behind. 1. College coaches will find you if you're good. False! You go to them. Tournaments, ID camps, club games. 2. Your coach will take care of the college recruiting for you. False! They’ll assist, but don’t expect them to make your process a full time job when you’re not the only one trying to be recruited. 3. You should start the recruiting process your JR or SR year. False! You’re way behind if you start it then. Especially on the women’s side. 4. You shouldn’t email the college coaches a lot. False! Persistence is key! You don’t email them daily, but never be out of sight out of mind. Email every time you have new highlights or updates and continue showing your interest. 5. Social media doesn’t help. False! Sell your brand and social media helps with that. You’re not the only one bored scrolling through social media. So do college coaches. College coaches do understand the importance of social media. 6. College coaches don’t care about the club initials I play for. False! Unfortunately until they see you in person, you are judged by your club initials. Myth number 1 at the top, if you don’t have the initials you better be seen 10x more than those that do. For your well known schools, the initials matter to even get looked at. Every statement made above is 100% true. I have mentioned the Big 5 in Atlanta. Those initials matter. Initials do matter, but I have seen a lot of players make it without it. Tophat just posted two DPL (3rd team players) who committed to D1 programs… Mercer and St. Bonaventure. People need to understand that you need exposure but today you need to have a team that allows you to grow and develop into the best version of you and you make your own exposure. If you are at a club that is in ECNL or GA there usually are opportunities to play in the showcases due to the absence of another player. There are girls that play on these teams that don’t plan to play college or are unsure and the timing of these showcases in December is right before final exams. There are kids who don’t want to or their parents don’t want them to miss school so they won’t go. Of course there are injuries as well and illness. So you can usually guest. If you are NOT at one of those clubs and you are an elite player you can also guest with other clubs. Look for the opportunity and you will find it. Also make your exposure with your social media as well and your college profile page. There are free versions. |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 11, 2024 19:12:04 GMT -5
Forgive me if this has already been shared To all families embarking on or already navigating the college recruitment process, I highly recommend exploring this website. It's an invaluable resource, completely free of charge, offering a wealth of information pertaining to collegiate soccer. While the data provided is accurate as of 2022, I'd advise independently verifying certain details. Nonetheless, this platform serves as an excellent starting point for your soccer-related decision-making journey. It covers a broad spectrum of details about colleges, including but not limited to both men's and women's teams, locations, regions, states, divisions, average scholarships, average roster sizes, etc... scholarshipstats.com/soccer |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 21, 2024 10:04:26 GMT -5
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 27, 2024 7:35:32 GMT -5
For the 2025 class, here is a breakdown of the current commits so far
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 27, 2024 18:36:37 GMT -5
Two weeks ago, they were announcing the members of their 2024 class signings, doing an alumni spotlight, and pushing folks to sign up for their summer camps in June. Yesterday, they announced that their school will be closing down due to a lack of funding, at the end of the spring semester in May. These poor recruits don't have time to wallow or reflect on their next steps. They have to quickly re-open their recruiting and look for a new home in time for the upcoming fall season. I wish them all the luck as they begin their recruitment journey again...
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Post by bogan on Mar 27, 2024 19:03:56 GMT -5
Two weeks ago, they were announcing the members of their 2024 class signings, doing an alumni spotlight, and pushing folks to sign up for their summer camps in June. Yesterday, they announced that their school will be closing down due to a lack of funding, at the end of the spring semester in May. These poor recruits don't have time to wallow or reflect on their next steps. They have to quickly re-open their recruiting and look for a new home in time for the upcoming fall season. I wish them all the luck as they begin their recruitment journey again... Dang. That really sucks. |
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Post by oraclesfriend on Mar 28, 2024 6:33:37 GMT -5
Two weeks ago, they were announcing the members of their 2024 class signings, doing an alumni spotlight, and pushing folks to sign up for their summer camps in June. Yesterday, they announced that their school will be closing down due to a lack of funding, at the end of the spring semester in May. These poor recruits don't have time to wallow or reflect on their next steps. They have to quickly re-open their recruiting and look for a new home in time for the upcoming fall season. I wish them all the luck as they begin their recruitment journey again... Dang. That really sucks. Super uncool for the students in general. My kid is transferring schools this year and the transfer applications are due later than incoming freshman but the early admission deadline for transfer applications has passed at many schools and many schools have rolling admissions. It is not an overnight thing for these 2027, 2026, and 2025 college kids to apply so they could struggle to get admitted elsewhere especially those that don’t have great college grades! Note to everyone, keep this college grades up too as you never know what could happen. Good luck to those students and student athletes (1300 of them) on finding a new college home. |
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