An Open Letter to Parents & Players Navigating College Soccer Recruiting – By Chris Cousins, The Founder of Soccer Recruiting USA – SRUSA
For some time, I’ve wanted to write to everyone going through or about to start the college soccer recruiting process for themselves or their child.
1. Why This Matters: A Note to Sports Parents
Parents, I totally understand why you’re seeking guidance. If my child wanted to play in college (which I’m sure they will in the future—the oldest is 11), I’d want to know as much as possible about what’s ahead and how to navigate this journey efficiently.
The problem is many people aren’t truly prepared.
The questions and comments I receive show that this process feels like a minefield. And honestly, it is.
I’m going to try to help, and I’ll say this as honestly as possible—there’s ZERO intent to hurt anyone’s feelings. As a parent, I want to see people move forward in this journey with as little stress as possible.
So, let’s get started.
2. A Reality Check: Are You in the Top Tier?
Firstly, this is probably aimed at 90% of you:
If you’re trying to figure out the college soccer recruitment process, this honestly means your kid is not among the top 25-30% of players available.
It Will Be Clear
Those top players are typically recruited organically. They’re the best players on the best teams—the ones who can almost sit back and wait for coaches to come to them. Coaches know the top players nationwide from sophomore or junior year, if not earlier.
The best teams go after the best players. Even some less successful teams try to “shoot their shot.”
3. Understanding College Soccer Recruiting
THE RAW REALITY OF SPORTS RECRUITING
Why am I telling you this? Quite simply, because I see people talking about schools that won’t seriously consider them as freshmen.
Parents often say big schools are contacting their kids, but the reality is you may not know if you’re truly being recruited. Most of the time, you’re just being invited to a camp.
But Do Average-Level Players Ever Get Recruited by Top Schools?
Yes, it happens, but honestly, it’s rare.
Imagine you’re a coach. You see a player in a top professional academy or on a national team. Your view of that player will be high from the start, as others have already scouted and validated them.
Now imagine a player in a random club or league. Does this mean they’re a bad player? No! But, according to others, they’re not at the top level. They’d be invited to national team camps, pro clubs, and more if they were.
For players who aren’t at that top level, don’t waste time (in my opinion) almost begging teams to take them.
4. Two Options if You’re Not in the Top 25-30%
If your child wants to attend a top school but doesn’t stand out as a recruitable player, you have two choices:
- Go to that school, play club soccer, and enjoy your dream school. You may make a name for yourself on the club team and eventually get recruited to the main varsity team.
- Take a gamble and enter the college soccer system elsewhere. Play and hope to perform well enough to transfer to a top team.
5. How College Soccer Has Changed in the Last Decade
THE COLLEGE RECRUITING PROCESS IS HARD. I WATCHED AS AN OUTSIDER AND HERE’S WHAT I SAW.
The problem today is that college soccer recruiting has completely changed over the last 5-10 years. Many players are available domestically and internationally, and there is always someone better than your child.
Before I say this harsh reality, understand one thing: Most coaches HAVE to win to keep their job. Gone are the days when a coach could focus on player development without pressure for results.
The Harsh Reality: Coaches Need to Win Now
Coaches want players who will help them win. Being in this industry for a LONG time, I’ve seen recruiting go from, “Yeah, Chris, we’ll take him/her, and we’ll work on developing him/her” to now, where MANY coaches ask for ‘immediate impact players.’
And they can ask that—because so many of those types of players are available worldwide.
I won’t get into the whole “there are too many internationals” debate, as arguments exist on both sides. This post is meant to give you the knowledge and tools to help your child (or yourself) navigate the college soccer recruitment process effectively.
6. So, What Should You Do? Start With an Honest Assessment
First things first, get some honest, neutral advice on your level. It’s tough to find that today because even people who think they know college (and may have been involved years ago) don’t know the current landscape.
However, there’s always someone you know who can give you advice. Most people have a coach at their club who works in college or has recently.
Whoever it is, ask them to be HONEST. No sugar-coating. It may hurt your feelings, but it will save you a lot of time.
A Crucial Point for Parents
I mean this with as much empathy as possible. If you have to ask this question, you are not a top recruit.
Once you have this information, you can figure out a plan.
7. Typical Requirements by College Level
Here’s a general outline of what different college levels are typically looking for from high school soccer players:
- D1: Top MLS Next players, or ECNL players for girls, or those from the top professional clubs worldwide.
- D2 (top-mid): Often seeks international players from professional clubs who can’t attract top domestic players.
- D2 (low end): Prefers students with decent GPAs and a strong budget.
- D3: Prioritizes top GPAs and students with financial resources.
- NAIA: Rarely recruits domestic players due to competition for top talent.
- Junior College: Looks for top players who aren’t NCAA-eligible or students with budgets to fill out rosters and hopefully make an impact.
I know people will find exceptions, but these are general requirements for each level. It’s impossible to give examples for all schools.
8. Athletic Scholarships: A Reality Check
Next up, athletic scholarships…
All high school-aged players are unproven college players. They’re a gamble. With so many players available worldwide and a healthy transfer market, most coaches don’t take gambles. Big athletic scholarships are rare at four-year schools for new players.
Think of it like any job: you perform well and then ask for a raise. That’s typically how soccer scholarships work today.
This Journey is a Long Game
I truly believe that more people need to look at this journey in that way.
Earlier today, I reviewed some past clients who were domestic players who ONLY wanted to go D1. Most, if not all, played zero to minimal minutes in years 1 and 2. Then, they wanted to transfer.
I also saw an international player from the Middle East with the same mindset. He went to an average D1, didn’t play, transferred after year 2 to a D3, hardly played, and then quit.
All of these players ignored our advice.
Soccer is about opinions, so ours isn’t definitive. We can be wrong, but we give informed advice when helping our clients.
9. Next Steps to Get on Coaches’ Radars
WHY IT’S OK FOR PARENTS TO BELIEVE THEIR CHILD WILL PLAY IN COLLEGE
By now, you’ve asked someone neutral who knows the system what levels you’re suitable for.
With this information, you can start narrowing down your search.
Focus on schools in those divisions (or maybe it’s just one), and get on their radar.
Contacting Coaches: Emailing Basics
Emailing is old-fashioned, but there’s no other way to reach coaches directly. They get hundreds of emails a week, so prepare to be ignored. If they’re interested, they’ll respond.
Make the subject to the point, but make you stand out (if you can). If you were a coach, which email subject line would catch your eye more:
1) Striker – ECNL level – 3.5 GPA – High Budget – Available Fall 2025
2) Striker for Fall 2025
The answer is 1. That’s because it already tells a story and gives vital info. If a coach needs high-budget players, it’ll save him time and save you time, too. It’ll stop wasteful communication if it’s never going to work.
Some coaches may offer to review videos, but many will invite you to camps or events to watch you play.
10. Final Tips and Reminders
1) New NCAA Rules
The NCAA may introduce roster limits, making D1 spots even more competitive. This could mean a trickle-down effect, with more athletes moving to D2 or D3.
2) Social Media
I’m not a fan of players creating Twitter profiles just for recruiting. I get followed by five a day. They all look the same, and I don’t follow back unless there’s something unique in their bio.
Coaches check social media to get a sense of players’ character. Be mindful of what you post, as it can impact your chances.
3) Timeline
If you’re very good, you’ll likely be recruited early. But most players fall into the “normal” category, so start the process as sophomores (girls) or juniors (boys).
4) Watch College Games
The number of girls we’ve told to watch a D1 game who respond, “WOW—I wasn’t expecting them to be so big, athletic, and fast,” is surprising. Watching college games at any level builds knowledge and helps players understand what’s required.
Conclusion: A Word to Parents of Aspiring College Soccer Players
I hope this has provided clarity. It’s not meant to discourage but to educate and empower. College soccer is highly competitive, and levels vary across all divisions. With the right guidance, you can help your child find the best fit.
For those who don’t know me, I’m the founder of @SRUSA_Official, the world’s leading college soccer recruiting agency. If you’re struggling with anything, feel free to reach out to me at chris@sportsrecruitingusa.com. I’m always happy to help when I have a moment.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck on this journey!
