College Coaches at 1st Showcase
I’ve also created a new resource page for students and parents who are pursuing college soccer playing opportunities. Check out the articles I have written or that have been contributed by clicking on the Recruiting category link (the black bar above).
Here are some basics:
1. Do NOT pay a recruiting service. The College Coaches I have discussed this with feel that the services do not deliver qualified prospects to them. They would rather hear from your son or daughter directly. That has multiple benefits – the Coach knows you are interested in the school and you establish a direct relationship with them are the two most important things you can do.
2. A recruiting video will not earn you a scholarship. The vast majority offer little value to a Coach who’s time is limited. A WELL CRAFTED LETTER introducing your child to the Coach and offering the information the Coach needs is a great way to begin the relationship.
3. DO complete the Recruiting Form that is available on most college program websites AND follow up that contact with a phone call to introduce yourself. This will give the Coach the information they need to have an informed discussion with your son or daughter, begin establishing a relationship with them and allow for future conversations at Showcases, Camps and other options available for learning more about a program and a school.
4. DO spend your money on attending one or more College Camps. That is the single best environment for your child to learn more about a school, a program and a Coach. It also offers a Coach the best opportunity to see your daughter or son in both practice and playing environments over several days.
The final item is why most coaches suggest it’s never too early for a High School player to begin their college search. I’ll be updating the College Player list, showing players from this region who have gone onto play in college. It’s extensive. It also offers a clear view of the number of players who start, but do NOT finish, their playing careers in college. The Ozarks Conference female Player of the Year in 2010 and 2008 both finished their college playing careers the first week of college of practice and eventually moved to different schools (in one semester and in 3 days respectively). Spend time with your child on college campuses now discussing school, not soccer.
Here are a couple of resources you should check out no matter where you are at in the cycle.
NCAA Student Resource Guide – Excellent starting point for parents and students to learn about NCAA rules. This 24 page document focuses on academic eligibility, background on athletically related Financial Aid and the recruiting process and rules.
NCAA Eligibility Center – a general starting point that will introduce you to the academic requirements and processes. Especially important for D1/D2 revenue programs (football, basketball) but useful for soccer players as well.
Hopefully you’ve made it this far. I’ve got a number of topics I want to cover, in order to understand them better myself and to offer them for you. What specific items would you like to see me cover over the next month as I build on this start?
