Thinking About Playing Soccer in College?
Athlete Resources: Helping athletes find clarity when deciding on college sports.
You’re probably hearing people talk about commitments, recruiting, highlight videos, ID camps, and timelines. Some of it might be exciting and some of it might be overwhelming.
This is a unique time period that offers many directions, and with the right people and mentors, you can focus on tuning out the unnecessary noise and ask the right questions. This can truly help you figure out what playing in college really means for you.
In my experience, I’ve learned the following things:
College sports look different for everyone.
There are different levels, timelines, and experiences.
What works for someone else might not be the path that’s right for you.
Thinking about what’s next can feel like an insurmountable challenge when you’re just barely figuring out high school…so trust me when I say, I’ve been there!
Key Takeaways
You don’t have to know everything right away but getting clear on what you want will help.
The ‘right’ level is the one that fits you and your aspirations.
The recruiting process is not a straight line and it is normal to feel the ups and downs of the process.
The recruiting process often looks different between men’s and women’s sports, especially when it comes to timing.
Playing in college can be amazing but only if it’s something you actually want.
Where Are You in Your High School Journey? (By Grade Level)
Freshman Year: A Wonderful Time to Enjoy Yourself.
You don’t need to be stressed right now. .
Unless you're one of those rare, standout athletes already being talked about by national programs — and it’s realistic — your job right now is to just enjoy the game and continue getting better.
What to think about:
Continue building strong technical skills and get exposure on your club team.
Focus on where you’re dangerous on the field.
Make time to watch higher level soccer to understand different styles of play.
Have fun with your team - whether it be club and/or high school.
Know that you may still be developing at this stage in life, be patient (for reference, Rory grew 6 inches in his freshman year of high school).
Questions to ask yourself:
Am I excited to train and get better?
Do I enjoy competing, or am I just doing it because I always have?
Do I have any teammates that I can observe and talk to for support?
If you are clear on playing in college, are you putting in the extra work?
I didn’t have the opportunity to think about some of these questions when I was a freshman, and I think they would have been a huge help early on in the process.
Sophomore Year: Start Noticing and Take Action If You’re Clear on Playing in College.
This is a good year to get curious. You might start hearing about teammates emailing coaches or going to ID camps. Some of it might seem early, and honestly…sometimes it is. But it doesn’t hurt to start observing and learning.
Women’s sports tend to move earlier in the process, especially with soccer. In some cases, serious conversations and even verbal commitments start as early as this year. Personally, I was starting to get serious about playing in college so I was feeling the pressure. You are not alone if you feel the same at this stage.
For men’s sports, things often happen a bit later, and the timeline tends to start in the beginning of junior or senior year.
What to think about:
Initiate (or better yet - continue) conversations with your coaches to understand where they can help you.
Watch college and professional games - at all levels.
Start thinking about what kind of environment fits your personality and learning style.
Contemplate schools that have programs you feel interested in or would want to explore.
If you’re investing time and money in ID camps, make sure you are intentional about which ones you go to.
Questions to ask yourself:
Do I want this to be a big part of my life, or just a way to stay involved?
What would make me excited to play in college (e.g., the team culture, the level, the school)?
Am I interested in learning more about the recruiting process or am I just feeling pressured by others?
Junior Year: Get Clear
If you're seriously thinking about playing in college, this is your time to get specific.
Continue reaching out to coaches. Go to ID camps where schools you’re genuinely interested in are attending, maybe even try guest playing to get extra exposure. Focus your energy on the level of play and type of school that fits you, not just what looks good.
My biggest piece of advice here is to have your own personal ‘board of directors’. Meaning, surround yourself with people who you know will give you the different perspectives you need to keep you grounded. For example, the advice my dad gave me was absolutely not the same advice that my best friend gave me. This is critical as you move forward with making a big decision, whether it be committing, stepping away, or searching for better options that suit you.
The better you understand what you're aiming for and what it will take, the better you will feel about your decision.
What to think about:
What kind of lifestyle you want as a college athlete.
What you’re willing to commit or give up (social life, school breaks, free time).
How you want sports to fit into the bigger college experience.
Questions to ask yourself:
How do I feel about traveling constantly, missing holidays, or building my schedule around the sport?
What schools match both my academic and athletic goals?
Am I getting real interest from coaches or just being encouraged to attend camps?
Do I feel like my current coaching staff is being transparent and realistic with me?
Senior Year: Stay Ready
Whether you’ve committed or not, this is the year to stay grounded and intentional.
If you’ve already found your fit, focus on finishing strong and preparing for the jump. College sports are a big leap mentally, physically, and emotionally. Most importantly, enjoy the time you have left in high school…with family, friends, school. You will always cherish those moments and before you realize it, they will fly by.
If you’re still undecided, there’s time. Take the time to connect with people who might be playing at different levels, continue to think through some of the questions listed above, and talk to your family, coaches, and teammates to figure out if it is still something you truly want to pursue.
It is never too late to change your mind, and you will quickly find out that no one's path is linear. We are all learning.
What to think about:
Keeping yourself mentally and physically sharp.
Having real conversations with coaches and mentors.
Knowing that your timeline doesn’t have to match anyone else’s.
Questions to ask yourself:
Am I still enjoying the process or just chasing a commitment?
Am I satisfied with my decision?
If no offer came, would I still want to be involved with the sport in some way?
What If You’re Still Not Sure About Playing a Sport?
If you’re not sure, you’re not alone.
Plenty of athletes are still figuring it out even in junior or senior year. You don’t need to be committed early to be successful in college sports. You just need to be in the right place for you.
Try:
Guest playing with a higher-level team.
Going to an ID camp just to get a feel.
Talking to a current or former college athlete.
Journaling or reflecting on how much you enjoy the grind.
Having a conversation with your coach on how you’re feeling.
Final Thought: You Define What Success Looks Like
You don’t need a D1 offer to prove anything.
You don’t need a certain timeline to be “on track.”
You don’t need to play in college to have been a successful athlete.
But if you do want to play in college there’s a level for you. The key is getting clear on what you want out of your college experience, and being open to different paths.
Find the fit that feels good. The team that believes in you. The coach who gets your style. The school that supports your goals both on and off the field.
And never forget your path is yours.
