We are slowly rolling into the college recruitment age and while I know most players dream of playing D1 I think D3 might be a better fit for my daughter. I would love to hear what families experiences have been with D3 programs. My daughter is very good but she's not playing professionally after college. What are the big differences between the divisions? Does your daughter regret playing D3 and if you have a daughter playing D1 does she wish she had selected D3? Biggest benefits and drawbacks. How does the recruiting process differ? Thank you so much for any insight.
-
-
Same here. Even if she were top D1 caliber, many of those girls put in the same work as the starters, but never see the field. Our daughter wants to keep playing, but not beyond college, so she's more focused on the academics offered. She wants a social life.
When the confetti stops dropping on commitment day, the grind begins, and she's much more comfortable enjoying herself and being in the field at a school that offers what she wants.
Some parents on here want D1 more than their own child, and they get downright militant. We don't care about that level of opinion. All that matters is that she's happy, so she's keeping options open.
She's had calls, visits, and communication from all levels, but D3 is where she's leaning. I'm sure some clown will say something along the lines of, "if she were good enough, blah blah blah," but her goals are our goals and we'll support whatever she decides and wherever she goes.
The vast majority aren't playing beyond college, so she feels that if she's going to extend her field time, she wants to make sure she's on it. And has a life when off it. -
This is absolutely how I feel! She's not going to play professionally so I don't want her to sacrifice her entire college experience basically working a fulltime job that takes precedence over every other facet of college life. But I still need to have a better understanding of how D3 and D1 differ. Does the D3 season actually end? Can she study abroad junior year and still keep her place on the team? Do D3 programs limit the majors their players can choose? How does the recruiting process differ? My current understanding is that they do pre-reads August before senior year so you really have no idea where you stand until right before applying for ED1. Is this correct?Comment
-
I would imagine that all schools are different in that regard, but those are great questions to ask.Originally posted by Guest View Post
Our daughter really benefitted from an ID Camp she went to recently. They had actual D1 and D3 coaches talking and answering questions. Even more beneficial were the breakout discussions with players from D1, D2, and D3 schools. She got real talk and asked questions.
One of the D3 girls moved from a D1 for exactly the same reasons above. And while the D3 girls said they trained year round, they were given "packets" to do on their own, no team based requirements off season unless they were doing a camp or some spring friendlies.
She likes D1 because it's cool to say you went D1. After that, it loses its luster, and to be honest, D3 checked more boxes for her. She'll play a lot, has a chance to hit accolades, will have a life off the field, and can still play the game she loves with less stress and without just being a practice body in a more grueling environment.Comment
-
Exercise and fresh airComment
-
Yes there is an official season end but you are still expected to attend captains practices, workouts and friendly games if you're on campus. Most D3 coaches know and expect soccer won't be a top priority off season, but fully expect it in season. So yes you can have spring and summer study abroad and internships. That's also a good time to take harder classes. Also keep in mind D3 athletes don't get mandated academic support like D1 does. That is why coaches and the school want to.make sure you can manage the work load. Lots of coaches push team work-study groups and teammate tutoring. Pre reads are in the summer and unless something weird co.es up in your actual application it should be fine. That's basically true with D1 also. D1 offers are verbal and isn't a lock until athletes sign their NLI in November senior year. D3 recruiting goes later, more through all of junior year, even some summer before senior year.Originally posted by Guest View Post
Comment
-
-
-
If your D is already leaning D3, do D3. D1 is a huge commitment that requires a different level of dedication. Neither is right or wrong. It all depends on each student athlete, their goals and personalities. The D3 bashing is so old and tired. if players wind up at schools that are good for them and they get to play soccer? that's a win.Comment
-
Yep, was going to chime in from a former D3 perspective, but the anti-D1 crowd started before I could. Immediately, the conversation wasn't about D3, it was about not-D1, it was telling. So, yeah, I think the fresh air and exerciseOriginally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
Depends on the kid.
D3 soccer is at least a 20 hr/week commitment.
Are you using D3 soccer to get into an excellent academic school and major?
If so, your kid's academic peers (with whom she is competing) have an extra 20 hrs/week than your kid. Don't underestimate that.
OTOH, maybe your kid couldn't get into that school without soccer so its worth it.
Or, maybe those extra 20 hr/week would be spent in mischief so D3 is worth it.
Or, maybe D3 creates a positive and healthy social environment for your kid.
Only you and your kid can figure out what fits.Comment
-
I'm definitely not anti-D1, just not sure it's the best fit for what she wantsOriginally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
Education should always be first priority, regardless of what "D" level it is. That being said, if there are D3 schools she is targeting based on academics, soccer is a great way to get a leg up on admissions. It might enable her to get into a school that she might not have been able to get into with academics alone.Comment
-
Yes and no. D3 admissions isn't as generous with going outside their ranges, even more sonif you're not a top pick for the coach. Absolutely it happens but don't count in it, especially if your kid really is a long shot. Without the academic support you should be a bit worried about academic struggles if the academics are too much of a reachOriginally posted by Guest View Post
There are other considerations off the field in that most D1 schools are bigger with more options for majors. While some D3 schools are large, plenty are not. Since so many kids change majors in college it's something to consider in case things changeComment
-
Another thing -- if a recruit is a d1-level player, they will very likely be an impact player at the d3 level. This is a good thing -- lots of playing time, and, no worries about getting cut. Because many teams do cut recruited players.Comment
Comment