THE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE

• Freshman and Sophomore Years: Detail tasks and milestones for the early stages of recruitment.
• Junior Year: Outline critical steps and interactions with coaches during the pivotal junior year.
• Senior Year: Discuss final preparations, decision-making, and signing the National Letter of Intent.

Section 6.1: Freshman and Sophomore Years

Detail Tasks and Milestones for the Early Stages of Recruitment

The early years of high school are crucial for laying the foundation of your college soccer recruitment journey:

• Academic Focus: Maintain a strong academic record. Start building a solid GPA and take core courses required by the NCAA.
• Skill Development: Continue to refine your soccer skills. Consider joining club teams or attending showcases to gain exposure.
• Athletic Resume: Begin compiling your athletic resume, including achievements, awards, and statistics.
• Research: Start researching colleges and soccer programs that align with your aspirations.
• Initiate Contact: While it's early, consider sending introductory emails to college coaches expressing your interest and providing basic information about yourself.

Section 6.2: Junior Year

Outline Critical Steps and Interactions with Coaches During the Pivotal Junior Year

Your junior year is a critical period for college soccer recruitment:

• Academic Check: Ensure you are meeting NCAA academic eligibility requirements. Register for standardized tests (SAT/ACT) if you haven't already based on certain universities that may require standardized test scores via admissions.
• Athletic Showcase: Participate in showcases, tournaments, or high-level competitions to gain exposure.
• Highlight Reels: Continue updating and improving your highlight reels to showcase your progress.
• Contact Coaches: Intensify your communication with college coaches. Share your updated athletic resume, highlight reels, and game schedules.
• Unofficial Visits: Plan and conduct unofficial campus visits to get a firsthand look at colleges and their soccer programs.
• Attend ID Camps: Participate in college soccer ID camps, if possible, to gain exposure and interact with coaches in person.

Section 6.3: Senior Year

Discuss Final Preparations, Decision-Making, and Signing the National Letter of Intent

Your senior year brings the college soccer recruitment process to its conclusion:

• Academic Finalization: Ensure you are on track to meet all academic requirements for NCAA eligibility.
• Official Visits: If invited, take official campus visits to your top-choice schools to make informed decisions.
• Final Communications: Continue discussions with coaches to finalize offers and scholarship details.
• Decision-Making: Weigh your options carefully, considering factors like academics, athletics, campus culture, and location. Make a thoughtful decision about where to commit.
• National Letter of Intent (NLI): If you've decided to commit to a school, sign the NLI during the signing period. This is a binding agreement between you and the college.
• Celebration: Share your commitment with family, friends, coaches, and teammates. It's a significant achievement!

By following these tasks and milestones during your freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the college soccer recruitment process successfully. Remember that staying organized, maintaining strong academics, and proactive communication are key components of your journey.