Preparing for the Next Level

College Soccer
Recruiting Guide

A practical roadmap for Greater Latrobe student-athletes and families, informed by feedback gathered from more than ten college soccer coaches across multiple NCAA divisions.

What College Coaches Value

Every program evaluates players differently, but coaches consistently emphasized these three areas throughout the recruiting process.

01 / Player Evaluation

Clear, Useful Video

Keep highlight reels concise, lead with your strongest moments, identify yourself clearly and include actions before and after the key play. Tailor the footage to your position.

02 / Student First

Strong Academics

Grades, course selection, attendance and classroom habits affect recruiting options. Academic preparation can create opportunities that athletic ability alone cannot.

03 / Long-Term Success

The Right Fit

Consider academic programs, campus size, location, cost, team culture, roster depth and playing level—not simply a program’s name or division.

A Year-by-Year Roadmap

Recruiting timelines vary by player, school, division and current association rules. Use this as a planning guide, not a fixed deadline.

Freshman

Explore college options, understand different levels of play and begin building strong academic and training habits.

Sophomore

Research programs more seriously, collect quality game footage and begin developing a focused list of possible schools.

Junior

Communicate with appropriate programs, attend carefully selected camps, visit campuses and refine your academic and athletic profile.

Senior

Finalize applications, financial-aid planning and school decisions while staying engaged with programs that remain a strong fit.

Contacting College Coaches

Messages should come directly from the student-athlete. Keep them personalized, professional and easy for a coach to review.

Include These Details

Your name, graduation year and position
High school and club team information
Current GPA and intended academic interests
A short explanation of your interest in the school
A highlight-video link
Your contact information and upcoming schedule

Make It Personal

Address the coach by name.
Research the school before writing.
Explain why the program may fit your goals.
Avoid sending the same generic message everywhere.
Proofread before sending.
Follow up professionally without overwhelming the staff.

Subject: [Graduation Year] [Position] – Interest in [College Name] Dear Coach [Last Name], My name is [Name], and I am a [graduation year] student-athlete at Greater Latrobe Senior High School. I play [position] for Latrobe and [club team, if applicable]. I currently have a [GPA] and am interested in studying [academic area]. I am interested in [college name] because [specific academic, campus or soccer-related reason]. My highlight video is available here: . I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your program. My upcoming schedule and contact information are included below. Thank you for your time, [Name] [Phone] | [Email] [Team schedule or player-profile link]

Camps, Showcases & Campus Visits

Camps can be valuable, but families should choose them strategically based on genuine academic and athletic interest.

Before Registering

Research the school and academic programs.
Confirm which coaches will actually attend.
Understand the camp’s purpose and format.
Compare the cost with its likely value.
Contact the program beforehand when appropriate.

During the Visit

Tour the campus and athletic facilities.
Ask about roster size and positional needs.
Learn about academics, housing and student life.
Observe the coaching and team environment.
Decide whether you would attend without soccer.

Recruiting rules change: Contact periods, eligibility requirements, official visits and coach-communication rules may differ by association and division. Always verify current requirements through official NCAA or NAIA resources and the college program itself.

Official Planning Resources

Use official sources for current eligibility rules, financial aid and college research.

NCAA Eligibility Center PlayNAIA Federal Student Aid College Navigator

Build a Plan That Fits You

Discuss your goals with your family and coaches, begin early and focus on finding a school where you can succeed academically, personally and athletically.

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📄 Download the Full College Soccer Recruiting Guide

Want everything in one place? Grab the full PDF version of our College Soccer Recruiting Guide— packed with expert tips, sample emails, timelines, and more.

📥 Download the PDF

(3 MB, PDF format – last updated June 2025)