Ask the Coach, Women's College D1

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When it comes to positions, players might play different positions on different teams (club, HS, etc.) and different coaches sometimes see the same player as best suited to different roles. Should the player profile themselves with one or multiple positions? Do players get pigeonholed by the profile/resume position, or do college coaches just evaluate them as a player and decide how they’ll best fit into their system? Are some positions more desirable than others? Any difference in how the average scholarship offer applies by position?

No matter how a player 'profiles' themselves, we obviously will see them play and evaluate them based on those positions we see them in, as well as any potential to play other positions. Versatility is a good quality to have because it could increase the chance you play at the next level. Then again, you may recruit a Center Back who is a stud but has no chance of playing anywhere else on the field. So, I guess I'll go back to my phrase "if you're good, you're good"...and that applies to someone who shines in one position or shines in many. The key is to be able to stand out somewhere. Scholarships would be along the same line of thinking....really just depends on the quality of player. You could have a player on a full ride at almost any line on the field from forward to GK if they were one of the best/most impactful players.

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What is your philosophy on recruiting for specialty/position vs. best all around player?

What are good questions players or parents can ask coaches during the recruiting process to cut through “our place is the best” spin?

Conversely, what are questions that raise red flags from a coach’s perspective?

And thanks for doing this. As a long time reader, first time poster on this silly site, this has been an excellent thread.

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The same idiot posts and reposts

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What is your philosophy on recruiting for specialty/position vs. best all around player?

Obviously we need a starting lineup of positions, so we have a pretty detailed depth chart that maps our team out as long as we have commits...all the way to 2022 currently. That gives us an idea of major needs in certain years. But, we do like versatility too...it helps when the unexpected happens, injuries, etc, and all the sudden the depth chart is blown up. A good class would be locking up high level specialty positions that are in great need that year and a couple of super versatile athletes.

What are good questions players or parents can ask coaches during the recruiting process to cut through “our place is the best” spin?

Tough question because no coach is going to tell anything but our school and program are great (because we all think that). The best bet is to ask the players themselves during the overnights.....they are usually very brutally honest, have a better perspective, and are the best resource. The recruits are young and sometimes too intimidated but that is really the best opportunity.

Conversely, what are questions that raise red flags from a coach’s perspective?
We like to be very honest throughout the whole process, and as such don't really think any questions are off limits (unless you are asking me where a good room to rent for the season would be!) :) It's a huge, life-impacting decision, and a big financial one, so we appreciate thoroughness, and are willing to take the time and answer anything our recruits and their parents throw at us.

And thanks for doing this. As a long time reader, first time poster on this silly site, this has been an excellent thread.

You're welcome. My pleasure. I always threatened to write a book, so I may be half way there....

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The same idiot posts and reposts

I posted the above three questions while the coach was replying to someone else. No need to answer the first question, since she now basically answered in her previous post.

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^ Oops....sorry that reply came out like it did...thought it would break each of my answers out

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Got it. Weeding out those, if any, that were not working out or doing their drills at home.

Assuming this is a high level D1 program? Sorry, not buying this otherwise. That's a huge problem with U.S. Soccer - biggest, strongest, fastest. If you can play high level for 90 mins what difference does it make between a 6 or 8 minute mile? You're going for conditioning, not being the fastest. You can play fast without being fast.

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Fools

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Assuming this is a high level D1 program? Sorry, not buying this otherwise. That's a huge problem with U.S. Soccer - biggest, strongest, fastest. If you can play high level for 90 mins what difference does it make between a 6 or 8 minute mile? You're going for conditioning, not being the fastest. You can play fast without being fast.

Except when you need to chase down that quick striker that keeps blowing past you like your feet were stuck in mud. Playing fast is not a substitution for speed. Sorry, speed is needed too.

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Except when you need to chase down that quick striker that keeps blowing past you like your feet were stuck in mud. Playing fast is not a substitution for speed. Sorry, speed is needed too.

Pull the shirt, and give a couple hard fouls early a safe distance from goal, then act like you got shot when they retaliate or make any sort of contact. no need to chase. Have you not seen my daughter play yet?

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I personally think we will not have a fall season, and the announcements will start coming like wild fire (similar to in March) after the Ivies make statement today :(

If fall soccer is cancelled, will they offer an additional year of eligibility to seniors who choose to come and play? And if so, would this be the nail in the coffin for uncommitted 2021s?

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When watching and looking at their profiles, is their bias against female small framed players 5’4”? Is it worth it for a small player to teach out to D1 programs?

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Questions to OP:
Since you are getting 100's if not 1000's of emails, I assume that you are filtering them. Do you take a closer look at resumes with ODP, CSP/PDP, YNT camps, etc on them and put them in a smaller pile for further looks? I thought saw something that those things didn't matter as much versus watching live action.

How much weight do you put on a club coach's assessment? For example, if the
club coach is a former head college coach and YNT scout? This coach is legit with a proven track record in college ball at very high levels. No, not the Yale coach. :)

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If fall soccer is cancelled, will they offer an additional year of eligibility to seniors who choose to come and play? And if so, would this be the nail in the coffin for uncommitted 2021s?

Ultimately that is a NCAA decision. They gave spring athletes an extra year because everything was shut down, but the gall could be a mish mosh. Few students will want to stay if it means paying more money for it. Ok if you're on the path for pro football or basketball but doubtful for most other sports. It would absolutely screw up $ available but that isn't the nail for the 21s since it's still undecided. Uncommitted 21s are in trouble regardless.

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Many programs are 5 year at most colleges/universities. The 5 to play 4 year rule will come in to play and most players will have the opportunity to continue playing.