2011 Boys Soccer Verbal Commitments

[Unregistered]

And how would Georgetown know if you had done an EA at another school? Why would you cut off an avenue to perhaps your 2nd choice?

Here's how it works: If you apply Early and binding, you need to indicate this on the Common Application. You can also apply RD at other schools, but the application may not be reviewed until the decision is posted for your first choice. If you are accepted to your first choice (Early/binding) you must "withdraw" your common application from anywhere else you have applied RD.

[Unregistered]

New poster here. There have been many credible answers why some very good players do not want to or cannot play DAP and they have been repeatedly listed on this blog. Unfortunately, as potentially attractice as DAP is it is not for everyone. I can only answer from our player/family perspective. First let me say that our player has been recruited to play every year by both Mass DAP teams since their inception--however he and we have chosen not to. Distance is issue #1 for us--to either Revs or Bolts with both being about 1.5 hour commute--we as a family are unwilling to make such a commitment of spending 3 hours in a car 3 to 4 times a week just to get to soccer practice thereby dramatically taking away from his homework/study time. His current Club practices are 10 minutes from home--huge time savings (not to mention gas $$ savings). Cost is issue #2--if we were much closer I am sure he would have joined the Revs due to their non-cost, but Bolts are at least 6x times more costlier than his current Club and this includes paying for 3 local/non overnight tournaments. Issue #3 when the college search began he was only interested in attending a smaller college, thus no sense looking at D1 schools (all larger than 2000 to 3000 students)--which is where I believe DAP has a decided advantage for exposure to the D1 college coaches outside of New England. He also has no desire to go to college outside of New England. His recruitment from college coaches has not been impeded by his non-DAP status both in New England and outside of New England (although he told the non-NE colleges he had no interest in going outside of NE). Most important in the recruitment process has been playing well when the college coaches got a chance to watch in person--to be an impact player. Not one coach has asked him why he wasn't playing DAP--yet they continued to recruit him. Would my son, if distance was not such a huge factor, probably joined DAP--there is a very good chance he would have joined the Revs given its "Free Status" because he certainly would enjoy the chance to compete at the highest levels (no question DAP is the highest level in boys soccer), however I am not sure he would be any different today as a soccer player because he has had a tremendous Club coach and very good players on his Club team, and given his path to college (not looking for D1) I don't believe his college opportunities would be any different than they are now and he is quite happy with his college alternatives. You can point to some families who make this huge distance commute to play DAP, however for our player and family such a commute would sacrifice his school work and in our household school always comes first.

Another new poster here.

There are lots of areas of the USA where it is difficult or impossible for some people to get to a DAP team. US Soccer would be the first to tell you that. It was no different for ODP. If you were a ODP player from Cape Cod or the Berkshires, that was also a nearly impossible commute, especially for winter trainings and the potential for poor weather.

Second, it is a misunderstanding to believe that DAP is being scouted by D1 coaches only. The list of coaches at teh last showcase in Phoenix lists many, many D3 coaches. In fact, what I have found in our discussions with coaches is that more DAP kids are opting for the better D3 schools, which is creating a higher level of recruit for these schools.

There's obviously a lot of passion in this discussion from both sides. I don't see where anyone has tried to say that non DAP kids are getting opportunities at good schools. They are. But you are casting a wider net being at a DAP. You are exposing yourself to a number of other choices at a DAP. Being at a DAP doesn't close any doors- it opens them.

[Unregistered]

Another new poster here.

There are lots of areas of the USA where it is difficult or impossible for some people to get to a DAP team. US Soccer would be the first to tell you that. It was no different for ODP. If you were a ODP player from Cape Cod or the Berkshires, that was also a nearly impossible commute, especially for winter trainings and the potential for poor weather.

Second, it is a misunderstanding to believe that DAP is being scouted by D1 coaches only. The list of coaches at teh last showcase in Phoenix lists many, many D3 coaches. In fact, what I have found in our discussions with coaches is that more DAP kids are opting for the better D3 schools, which is creating a higher level of recruit for these schools.

There's obviously a lot of passion in this discussion from both sides. I don't see where anyone has tried to say that non DAP kids are getting opportunities at good schools. They are. But you are casting a wider net being at a DAP. You are exposing yourself to a number of other choices at a DAP. Being at a DAP doesn't close any doors- it opens them.

Agree with most of your post. What is being said (by DAP'ers) is that the DAP is the only way to be recruited. Which it is not.

[Unregistered]

Another new poster here.

There are lots of areas of the USA where it is difficult or impossible for some people to get to a DAP team. US Soccer would be the first to tell you that. It was no different for ODP. If you were a ODP player from Cape Cod or the Berkshires, that was also a nearly impossible commute, especially for winter trainings and the potential for poor weather.

Second, it is a misunderstanding to believe that DAP is being scouted by D1 coaches only. The list of coaches at teh last showcase in Phoenix lists many, many D3 coaches. In fact, what I have found in our discussions with coaches is that more DAP kids are opting for the better D3 schools, which is creating a higher level of recruit for these schools.

There's obviously a lot of passion in this discussion from both sides. I don't see where anyone has tried to say that non DAP kids are getting opportunities at good schools. They are. But you are casting a wider net being at a DAP. You are exposing yourself to a number of other choices at a DAP. Being at a DAP doesn't close any doors- it opens them.

Agree it does "cast a wider net", however if your plan is to attend a D3 New England college (whether elite NESCAC or not) you do not need to play DAP if you are a very good player with some very good academics to back it up. As long as you are playing on a good club team with a very good coach you will be seen by these D3 New England coaches numerous times whether it be at a local tournament or at the MAPLE college coaches day. However, when the coaches do see you play you must be an impact player and be the type or play the position they are looking for for their particular program. If you are looking outside of New England and want to "cast a wider net", then by all means go for DAP. Just don't assume that playing DAP will guarantee the player anything with regards to college, especially not a D1 spot with an "Athletic Scholarship" because those for males are very very few and far between. There is no right or wrong answer to both sides of this debate as it is a matter of individual choice. Here's hoping all the players from this years graduating HS Class of 2011 finds their preferred college choice!

[Unregistered]

Agree with most of your post. What is being said (by DAP'ers) is that the DAP is the only way to be recruited. Which it is not.

I haven't read that at all.

[Unregistered]

Agree it does "cast a wider net", however if your plan is to attend a D3 New England college (whether elite NESCAC or not) you do not need to play DAP if you are a very good player with some very good academics to back it up. As long as you are playing on a good club team with a very good coach you will be seen by these D3 New England coaches numerous times whether it be at a local tournament or at the MAPLE college coaches day. However, when the coaches do see you play you must be an impact player and be the type or play the position they are looking for for their particular program. If you are looking outside of New England and want to "cast a wider net", then by all means go for DAP. Just don't assume that playing DAP will guarantee the player anything with regards to college, especially not a D1 spot with an "Athletic Scholarship" because those for males are very very few and far between. There is no right or wrong answer to both sides of this debate as it is a matter of individual choice. Here's hoping all the players from this years graduating HS Class of 2011 finds their preferred college choice!

I think what is being said is that this is not as much of a lock as you believe it to be. A lot of DAP kids are opting for D3 schools, and I think the DAP kids are more attractive to college coaches, at least from the comments I have read from them. The feeling is that these kids are more prepared for the college game based on the training and higher level of competition. In addition, these D3 coaches are also all over the DAP games and showcases, so they are seeing more kids from outside New England and looking to bring in kids from areas they used to ignore. Take a look at the NESCAC rosters from this year with the kids from outside New England:

Amherst: 15 kids outside of New England out of 24
Bates: 7 out of 23
Bowdoin: 13 out of 28
Colby: 7 out of 27
Connecticut: 10 out of 24
Hamilton: 28 out of 37 (a little different since it's located in NY)
Middlebury: 12 out of 28
Trinity: 15 out of 30
Tufts: 11 out of 26
Wesleyan: 20 out of 29
Williams: 19 out of 28

Most of what attracts you and your kids to these schools is also what attracts kids from all over the USA and internationally, and that is reflected in these rosters.

As was said earlier, these coaches are getting kids with great transcripts all the time. What sets them apart? What makes one different from another? If two kids with similar transcripots and test scores are competing for one admissable roster spot, and one plays DAP, I think the DAP kid is more likely to get the nod (assuming everything else is equal).

If your goal is to play soccer at a good school, you have to ask yourself: "What gives me the best chance to do that"? It's the same question when you look to take AP courses, or get involved in community service. It's all part of what makes up you as an indicudual package that gets presented to the school.

[Unregistered]

I think what is being said is that this is not as much of a lock as you believe it to be. A lot of DAP kids are opting for D3 schools, and I think the DAP kids are more attractive to college coaches, at least from the comments I have read from them. The feeling is that these kids are more prepared for the college game based on the training and higher level of competition. In addition, these D3 coaches are also all over the DAP games and showcases, so they are seeing more kids from outside New England and looking to bring in kids from areas they used to ignore. Take a look at the NESCAC rosters from this year with the kids from outside New England:

Amherst: 15 kids outside of New England out of 24
Bates: 7 out of 23
Bowdoin: 13 out of 28
Colby: 7 out of 27
Connecticut: 10 out of 24
Hamilton: 28 out of 37 (a little different since it's located in NY)
Middlebury: 12 out of 28
Trinity: 15 out of 30
Tufts: 11 out of 26
Wesleyan: 20 out of 29
Williams: 19 out of 28

Most of what attracts you and your kids to these schools is also what attracts kids from all over the USA and internationally, and that is reflected in these rosters.

As was said earlier, these coaches are getting kids with great transcripts all the time. What sets them apart? What makes one different from another? If two kids with similar transcripots and test scores are competing for one admissable roster spot, and one plays DAP, I think the DAP kid is more likely to get the nod (assuming everything else is equal).

If your goal is to play soccer at a good school, you have to ask yourself: "What gives me the best chance to do that"? It's the same question when you look to take AP courses, or get involved in community service. It's all part of what makes up you as an indicudual package that gets presented to the school.

Who gets the roster spot--the better player and he may or may not be playing DAP. The NESCAC colleges have been attracting outside of New England applicants and talent for 30+ years. There are a number of non-DAP'ers who will be heading to NESCAC schools from the Class of 2011 as will be a number of DAP'ers. Did soccer assist them all in getting into these schools--most likely yes, but it was just "part of the overall package". The DAP'ers and non-DAP'ers heading to NESCAC's most likely would all be going this route whether DAP existed or not--heading to a NESCAC school soccer is not the #1 priority. The bottom line with any player is from a coaches standpoint is "can he impact my program in year 1 or year 2 and does he fit my talent/position needs and can he qualify academically (whatever the admissions criteria)". If the player in question can answer yes to these questions the coach could care less whether he played DAP or not.

[Unregistered]

I haven't read that at all.

Then you should read everything again

[Unregistered]

Who gets the roster spot--the better player and he may or may not be playing DAP. The NESCAC colleges have been attracting outside of New England applicants and talent for 30+ years. There are a number of non-DAP'ers who will be heading to NESCAC schools from the Class of 2011 as will be a number of DAP'ers. Did soccer assist them all in getting into these schools--most likely yes, but it was just "part of the overall package". The DAP'ers and non-DAP'ers heading to NESCAC's most likely would all be going this route whether DAP existed or not--heading to a NESCAC school soccer is not the #1 priority. The bottom line with any player is from a coaches standpoint is "can he impact my program in year 1 or year 2 and does he fit my talent/position needs and can he qualify academically (whatever the admissions criteria)". If the player in question can answer yes to these questions the coach could care less whether he played DAP or not.

Having been through this with our DAP player headed to a NESCAC next year, I will disagree with you. DAP was a huge factor for the coaches we spoke with, both because our payer was observed playing high level games against high level competition, and because our player was forced to manage his time properly and balance the soccer (trainings, games, and travel) and academics. This was important because the coaches said that the biggest problem with incoming freshmen was juggling the time devoted to soccer and the classes.

And with due respect to your opinion, I do disagree with you - Coaches absolutely care what programs these players are in. They aren't idiots - they understand the context of the competitions the players are in that they watch. I think you are seeing more and more DAP players headed to NESCACs and D3 schools, and the coaches do seem to prefer DAP players because that is where they believe the better players are. That is going to make it harder for non DAP players to get on a roster or get playing time.

[Unregistered]

Then you should read everything again

I did. You completely missed the points and what was written. And apparently missed the parts where it was said that DAP increased your chances of being recruited.

I'll await your apology.

[Unregistered]

I think you are seeing more and more DAP players headed to NESCACs and D3 schools, and the coaches do seem to prefer DAP players because that is where they believe the better players are. That is going to make it harder for non DAP players to get on a roster or get playing time.

Said the DAP parent.

[Unregistered]

Said the DAP parent.

And more credible than the bitter negativity of an outsider.

[Unregistered]

And more credible than the bitter negativity of an outsider.

lots of cred??

[Unregistered]

Having been through this with our DAP player headed to a NESCAC next year, I will disagree with you. DAP was a huge factor for the coaches we spoke with, both because our payer was observed playing high level games against high level competition, and because our player was forced to manage his time properly and balance the soccer (trainings, games, and travel) and academics. This was important because the coaches said that the biggest problem with incoming freshmen was juggling the time devoted to soccer and the classes.

And with due respect to your opinion, I do disagree with you - Coaches absolutely care what programs these players are in. They aren't idiots - they understand the context of the competitions the players are in that they watch. I think you are seeing more and more DAP players headed to NESCACs and D3 schools, and the coaches do seem to prefer DAP players because that is where they believe the better players are. That is going to make it harder for non DAP players to get on a roster or get playing time.

You are entitled to your opinion and we can agree that we disagree on some points. Since I have also been through the process with a non-DAP player who will be playing NESCAC next year and have heard a different recruitment pitch from many of these same coaches, let's just say that they have different pitches depending upon the audience. Certainly all are keenly aware of the players academic rigors and after school activities when it comes to juggling the academic workload. Coaches certainly do care what programs the players come from or more importantly what coaches they played for, however I don't believe that the DAP teams have cornered the market on all the good Club coaches and training in the state. Also, don't have tunnel vision, when it comes right down to it whether it's a DAP game or R1 game or State Cup finals game the player must perform and impact the game the coach is watching in person in order to be included at the top of the coaches list. You are right the coaches are not idiots, far from it, which is why they recruit the best players possible for their programs--DAP'ers and non-DAP'ers--they don't care if they feel this player is a player they want. As far as getting on the roster or playing time a College Coach could care less whether a player played DAP or not because once they enter college the competition starts all over and the best players play whoever they may be, and those who played 1 year may not play the next or get cut as we both know there are no guarantees in life. Ultimately, we agree to disagree and no disrespect to your opinion as you are perfectly entitled to it as I am mine. Just remember there are many paths to get to ones destination. I hope that all the players from the Class of 2011 end up at their college destination of choice and enjoy their 4 years both on and off the pitch.

[Unregistered]

You are entitled to your opinion and we can agree that we disagree on some points. Since I have also been through the process with a non-DAP player who will be playing NESCAC next year and have heard a different recruitment pitch from many of these same coaches, let's just say that they have different pitches depending upon the audience. Certainly all are keenly aware of the players academic rigors and after school activities when it comes to juggling the academic workload. Coaches certainly do care what programs the players come from or more importantly what coaches they played for, however I don't believe that the DAP teams have cornered the market on all the good Club coaches and training in the state. Also, don't have tunnel vision, when it comes right down to it whether it's a DAP game or R1 game or State Cup finals game the player must perform and impact the game the coach is watching in person in order to be included at the top of the coaches list. You are right the coaches are not idiots, far from it, which is why they recruit the best players possible for their programs--DAP'ers and non-DAP'ers--they don't care if they feel this player is a player they want. As far as getting on the roster or playing time a College Coach could care less whether a player played DAP or not because once they enter college the competition starts all over and the best players play whoever they may be, and those who played 1 year may not play the next or get cut as we both know there are no guarantees in life. Ultimately, we agree to disagree and no disrespect to your opinion as you are perfectly entitled to it as I am mine. Just remember there are many paths to get to ones destination. I hope that all the players from the Class of 2011 end up at their college destination of choice and enjoy their 4 years both on and off the pitch.

Just keep telling your kid that, maybe you'll learn.... He was pissed when you didn't let him try out for the DAP team he wanted to. He was pissed when you made him leave his friends to go to prep school. And he's pissed now because you made him apply to all those NESCAC schools, when he wanted to chase his passion at the D1 level. Man..., when are you going to let it go? The kid will be alright, if you give him some space.