Sticking with college soccer

[Guest]

My D graduated in 2020 and is now playing soccer at a D3 program. Throughout her youth soccer and high school soccer career, she met and played with a good number of players who committed to play college soccer (D1/D2/D3). Out of curiosity, I recently went online to check out how a bunch of these players are doing, and I will say that I am pretty shocked by how many of those players have apparently quit, transferred or even transferred-and-quit. Also pretty surprised by those who played at high level clubs but are getting minimal playing time (as well as some players from lower-level clubs who are getting good playing time).

[Guest]

My D graduated in 2020 and is now playing soccer at a D3 program. Throughout her youth soccer and high school soccer career, she met and played with a good number of players who committed to play college soccer (D1/D2/D3). Out of curiosity, I recently went online to check out how a bunch of these players are doing, and I will say that I am pretty shocked by how many of those players have apparently quit, transferred or even transferred-and-quit. Also pretty surprised by those who played at high level clubs but are getting minimal playing time (as well as some players from lower-level clubs who are getting good playing time).

Many players leave for many different reasons - they're cut, they leave (quit or transfer) out of frustration over playing time, coaches leave and they hate the new coach, some are just burned out or decide it's time to focus more on school (which is supposed to be why you're there). Everyone tells you - even college coaches - if you can't imagine yourself at the school without soccer you better keep looking. Always love the school first. The odds of playing all four years are not good. Also keep this in mind if you're playing for D1$. If you really need scholarship money you better plan ahead in case something happens.

[Guest]

Many players leave for many different reasons - they're cut, they leave (quit or transfer) out of frustration over playing time, coaches leave and they hate the new coach, some are just burned out or decide it's time to focus more on school (which is supposed to be why you're there). Everyone tells you - even college coaches - if you can't imagine yourself at the school without soccer you better keep looking. Always love the school first. The odds of playing all four years are not good. Also keep this in mind if you're playing for D1$. If you really need scholarship money you better plan ahead in case something happens.

Both my girls played D1. All the above very true. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to actually tour the school, walk around, meet students and acquaint yourself with the campus. The maxim really matters if soccer doesn’t work out or because of injury, “do you still want to attend that college”. Unfortunately, too many players and parents treat college like U19/club soccer. It’s not! College (depending on the conference) is a major leap for every freshman and it’s about winning not developing or fairness. Too many players/parents do not understand the ramifications of picking a college as a student athlete. The above happens very often. A lot of these players/parents do no understand the long term end game. A-l these players love playing soccer but some have no other goals when they enter college. These players on their visit only looked at the sports facilities without looking/talking to academic advisors. When things happen like described in the above post these players wind up chasing playing time at other colleges without thought to what is their major. I know players who are 5th year players at their 3rd college all in the name of playing time. I cannot say it enough as a parent how important it is to pick the college as much for the environment as for soccer.

[Guest]

Both my girls played D1. All the above very true. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to actually tour the school, walk around, meet students and acquaint yourself with the campus. The maxim really matters if soccer doesn’t work out or because of injury, “do you still want to attend that college”. Unfortunately, too many players and parents treat college like U19/club soccer. It’s not! College (depending on the conference) is a major leap for every freshman and it’s about winning not developing or fairness. Too many players/parents do not understand the ramifications of picking a college as a student athlete. The above happens very often. A lot of these players/parents do no understand the long term end game. A-l these players love playing soccer but some have no other goals when they enter college. These players on their visit only looked at the sports facilities without looking/talking to academic advisors. When things happen like described in the above post these players wind up chasing playing time at other colleges without thought to what is their major. I know players who are 5th year players at their 3rd college all in the name of playing time. I cannot say it enough as a parent how important it is to pick the college as much for the environment as for soccer.

op here and you bring up another good point - that players (and parents) are often completely unprepared for the challenges of being a college athlete. They are used to being top players on their school and club teams. Now suddenly they're not and have to fight constantly for attention. Each new year brings in a new crop of players wanting to take your time. College rosters average 24-30, some even bigger. Coaches focus on their top 16 players or so, and usually only 18 will travel. That can be hard to take for some, or they decide all the time isn't worth it

As with club, if you don't think you're going to be a starter or first off the bench then the odds you play much are pretty much non existent. How can you figure that out? Study the rosters (who plays the most, what are their backgrounds), watch game play. If it's really your dream school (which is the whole point) then give it a shot. Otherwise, if you care about actually playing, the importance of finding a good foot cannot be stressed enough. Don't take a coach's word for it. Many are as honest as used car salesmen. However, if he's offering you some serious athletic money then he sees you as a contender for a starting position. If you get a few grand then he's not that into you.

[Guest]

Many players leave for many different reasons - they're cut, they leave (quit or transfer) out of frustration over playing time, coaches leave and they hate the new coach, some are just burned out or decide it's time to focus more on school (which is supposed to be why you're there). Everyone tells you - even college coaches - if you can't imagine yourself at the school without soccer you better keep looking. Always love the school first. The odds of playing all four years are not good. Also keep this in mind if you're playing for D1$. If you really need scholarship money you better plan ahead in case something happens.

Excellent insight!

[Guest]

Excellent insight!

Every 8th grade parent should read this thread and take heed - they can save themselves a lot of money, time and headaches if they enter the high school years with a good dose of reality

[Guest]

SO many parents and players just see the NLI signing as victory and forget that is just the start of the hard work IF the player really wants to be on field and playing for 4 years. This is why in reality, mentality becomes the most important factor in success. Being committed to working hard, improving, sacrifice.

My D is now talking about how so many of her teammates and other kids she knows from soccer are complaining about saturday or sunday morning games or that they want to go to some party instead of practice. These are excellent players but as 8th-9th graders theyre clearly starting to move soccer down the totem pole. It is what it is. Some kids get to senior year of HS and dont care and many get to college, experience the "freedom" and just want to enjoy social life or they find they cant keep up with schoolwork.

In the end, soccer is almost always a temporary thing so enjoy it before its over and make sure the kids enjoy it for themselves first.

[Guest]

There s a middle ground to consider which is the best of continuing to play highly competitive soccer and academics, it’s D3. My daughter wanted to enjoy her college years and even study abroad for a semester. D3 allows that for the Spring. She absolutely loves playing D3 in a very competitive league. I encourage you to look up all the colleges now playing n the NCAA D3 Tournament. Some of the finest colleges in the country. Just like D1 these D3 players have the same love of the game and this allows them the greater opportunity for their academics.

[Guest]

Every 8th grade parent should read this thread and take heed - they can save themselves a lot of money, time and headaches if they enter the high school years with a good dose of reality

Agreed! It would be super helpful to have some of the College players from our state do a webinar on what it is really like to play D1 (Ivy), D1, D3 (leaving out D2 bc its so few schools). I do believe when kids hear from older players it makes more of an impact than an adult talking to them. Many of the D1 players we know are no longer playing and had to transfer schools. Others dropped out of soccer and remained. What your kid wants at 13 may not be what they want at 18. Lots happens between those years. As a former D1 player I can say that we had it much easier than the current players and did not have the same stresses, competition or pressure. It has changed quite a bit.

[Guest]

Parents dont want to admit it, but the system is NOT based on offering $$ and College places at the "best" schools to the best soccer players. Finding that perfect match between soccer skill, academics, location and cost is much harder that people think. Usually there is a compromise in there. Judging by the huge variety in basic technical skills of D1 players, I think that more girls that we care to admit do not love soccer, the game. They love the camaraderie, clout, exposure and some of the other things the game brings, but they dont love it enough to deal with all the new challenges playing in College (at any level) brings.

[Guest]

The difference from being 18, living at home being a core player on your high school team/club team to becoming a freshman in college is a lot to take in. As a freshman your now the youngest, least experienced players on the team. Your now competing/training with college seniors and 5th years that are four or more years older and mature than a freshman. That is a big difference. Yes, as other posts have said, freshman coming into the program with significant athletic scholarships will be given every chance/opportunity early on to play and prove themselves. The more competitive the program the tougher it is for a freshman. Very few top tier programs play freshman consistently or a great amount of minutes. Those thinking just about playing time are the ones who become disillusioned and go on the transfer portal which is your way off campus by taking that action. Your basically telling the coaches your not happy and you better hope some one gives you a chance.

[Guest]

Parents dont want to admit it, but the system is NOT based on offering $$ and College places at the "best" schools to the best soccer players. Finding that perfect match between soccer skill, academics, location and cost is much harder that people think. Usually there is a compromise in there. Judging by the huge variety in basic technical skills of D1 players, I think that more girls that we care to admit do not love soccer, the game. They love the camaraderie, clout, exposure and some of the other things the game brings, but they dont love it enough to deal with all the new challenges playing in College (at any level) brings.

If you're a top national stud you will have coaches from great schools falling over themselves. Most players don't fit that description. At best they're more likely mid level D1 players, maybe considering top D3s also. That's where it gets trickier to balance the academics with soccer. Some decent soccer programs aren't top schools. Do whatever you can to not compromise academics for athletics. It isn't worth it, because in the end that piece of paper matters far more than what level soccer team you played on. Plus as the thread starter opened up with, the odds you play all four years aren't great anyway

Having good grades can make a huge difference too. Coaches don't want to worry about getting you past admissions or that you might struggle in college. Keep your grades up, prepare for the SAT or ACT. A solid player with good grades will have more options than one with mediocre grades

[Guest]

There s a middle ground to consider which is the best of continuing to play highly competitive soccer and academics, it’s D3. My daughter wanted to enjoy her college years and even study abroad for a semester. D3 allows that for the Spring. She absolutely loves playing D3 in a very competitive league. I encourage you to look up all the colleges now playing n the NCAA D3 Tournament. Some of the finest colleges in the country. Just like D1 these D3 players have the same love of the game and this allows them the greater opportunity for their academics.

D3 soccer isn't the greatest past some of the top teams. Benches aren't very deep either. But you are right that it affords a more normal college experience - especially study abroad and valuable internships. Some schools are also quite small and rural which won't appeal to everyone. The UAA Conference has some of the bigger D3 schools that offer a D1 like campus environment (Rochester, U Chic, Emory). If you want D3, aim for programs that are consistently top teams. Soccer at the basement dwellers is pretty poor and it still is a big commitment (just not as big as D1). The other advantage with D3s is the coaches are a little less likely to move around. Most understand soccer isn't your first job, an education is. Also keep in mind D3s don't give academic support like D1s do.

[Guest]

The difference from being 18, living at home being a core player on your high school team/club team to becoming a freshman in college is a lot to take in. As a freshman your now the youngest, least experienced players on the team. Your now competing/training with college seniors and 5th years that are four or more years older and mature than a freshman. That is a big difference. Yes, as other posts have said, freshman coming into the program with significant athletic scholarships will be given every chance/opportunity early on to play and prove themselves. The more competitive the program the tougher it is for a freshman. Very few top tier programs play freshman consistently or a great amount of minutes. Those thinking just about playing time are the ones who become disillusioned and go on the transfer portal which is your way off campus by taking that action. Your basically telling the coaches your not happy and you better hope some one gives you a chance.

Lot of generalizations here. Easier and more accurate to say some girls are better prepared for College than others.

[Guest]

If you're a top national stud you will have coaches from great schools falling over themselves. Most players don't fit that description. At best they're more likely mid level D1 players, maybe considering top D3s also. That's where it gets trickier to balance the academics with soccer. Some decent soccer programs aren't top schools. Do whatever you can to not compromise academics for athletics. It isn't worth it, because in the end that piece of paper matters far more than what level soccer team you played on. Plus as the thread starter opened up with, the odds you play all four years aren't great anyway

Having good grades can make a huge difference too. Coaches don't want to worry about getting you past admissions or that you might struggle in college. Keep your grades up, prepare for the SAT or ACT. A solid player with good grades will have more options than one with mediocre grades

Does not mean they are the right fit. That's the point. No matter your soccer level, finding the right school is a challenge.