10 Tips for College Recruiting: How Leading Clubs Help Players Find Success
Takeaways from Sprocket's College Recruiting Webinar with FC Wisconsin, HHH Philly Girls Lacrosse and John O'Sullivan of Changing the Game Project:
Be Honest
Educate families on the increasingly competitive college landscape, especially in men’s soccer with the large number of international players and the transfer portal affecting all levels of play. Be encouraging, but clear and realistic about a player's chances of finding a spot at the collegiate level.
Players Should Drive the Process
With coaches and parents there to support them. It’s a myth that college programs recruit the player – players need to market themselves to coaches and take ownership of their development and decision making.
The Importance of Fit
Dispel the “D1 or Bust” mindset and encourage players to look at schools that are a good fit athletically, academically and socially. Ask: “If you got injured on day one and couldn’t play, would you still want to go to that school?”
Explain the Timeline
Some clubs publish the recruitment steps from Freshman to Senior year on their website, host Zoom sessions for families and set up one-on-one meetings with interested players. Kids grow and change from Freshman year but they need to understand the process early.
Intrinsic Motivation is Key
The drive needs to come from the player, not the parents. Ask kids what their goals are. Do they really love it? If they're not watching college or pro games, it’s a red flag. It’s OK to push, but don’t force.
Set Goals & Leverage IDPs
Set goals and use Individual Development Plans that live in a centralized location (like those on Sprocket!) so that notes, feedback and progress can be referenced and tracked and communication is consistent.
Prepare for the Road Ahead
Kids (and their parents) think they're good until they see the next level of play. Encourage players to attend college games and go to ID camps to see how they stack up. Help them understand what it takes to make it at the collegiate level and know that the job is not done when you get in - it's just beginning!
Help Players Get Exposure
Set up college player profiles (like those on Sprocket!) so coaches can easily access complete player information and highlight reels in one location. Make sure that players know how to reach out to coaches in advance of tournaments and ID camps and follow up afterwards.
Highlight College Commitments
Dedicate a page on your club’s website (like those on Sprocket!) to celebrate college players, demonstrate your club’s understanding of the process and showcase your collegiate coach network.
Leverage Technology
Tie the process all together in one platform (like Sprocket!) where you can educate parents & players, communicate, set goals, use IDP’s, post player profiles, share resources and college contact information!
Want to Learn More?
Watch this panel discussion with the leaders behind two of the country's most successful college placement pipelines.