Supporting the College Recruiting Process
Navigating the complex landscape of college soccer recruiting can seem daunting, but at BEST FC, we offer an unparalleled suite of resources specifically designed to aid our players through the process. Our experienced coaching staff and college liaison team provide a personalized program in efforts to guide players through the recruiting process. Our comprehensive college soccer recruiting program includes workshops on NCAA compliance, eligibility criteria, and scholarship opportunities. We also facilitate direct communication with college coaches through our extensive network, ensuring our players receive the crucial exposure necessary for recruitment.
Questions?
Email Caitlin Pickul at caitlin@bestfc.org
Checklists
Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are all at different stages in their lives, with different needs, goals, and aspirations. Click your academic year to follow the specific suggestions and expectations for your grade.
Academic Checklist
- Study and do well in all of your classes
- Adjust to high school and the environment
- Students should try to take a rigorous course load based on what is available at their school
- Be more than a “soccer player/athlete”. Look to join school clubs and organizations
- Perform community service
- Hold leadership positions (Student Government, school clubs, etc.)
Athletic Checklist
- Begin to film games/training sessions
- First draft soccer resume/profile
- Attend club tournaments
- Go on campus tours – not to speak to coaches
- Consider attending college ID camps/clinics with multiple college coaches
- Attend college games
Academic Checklist
- Work on organizational skills and time management
- Study and do well in all of your classes
- Students should try to take a rigorous course load (Advanced Placement or Honors).
- Be more than a “soccer player/athlete”. Look to join school clubs and organizations
- Perform community service
- Hold leadership positions (Student Government, school clubs, etc.)
- Attend professional events of interest and conferences
- Take the PSAT (your school will hold it)
- Consider taking the SATs in the spring of Sophomore year
Athletic Checklist
- Research schools
- Visit Colleges – go on campus tours and attend information sessions
- Division 1 & 2 cannot engage in recruiting conversations/visits until August 1 before the athlete’s junior year.
- Division 3 cannot host Official Visits until January 1 of junior year
- Watch college games – online and in person
- Continue to film games/training sessions
- Send emails with player profile/resume introducing self
- Attend college ID camps/clinics with multiple college coaches or at a specific school
- No personalized responses from coaches until allowed communication dates
- Coaches can send camp information, questionnaires, and recruiting materials
Academic Checklist
- Sign up for SAT/ACTs, seek tutoring if needed (see link under website resources)
- When signing up for senior year classes, continue to challenge yourself
- Double-check your transcript to make sure it is accurate
- Begin reflecting on which teachers/coaches you will ask for recommendations
- Gather community service dates and hours completed
- Begin to build activity list or brag sheet
- Understand how your high school handles college applications
- Begin to look into scholarships/grants/student loans
- Attend professional events of interest and conferences
- Attend college nights or college fairs
- Make a list of colleges you are interested in
- Visit colleges over breaks: speak to current students
- Email coaches from schools that interest you and alert them that you are interested and share your upcoming schedule
Athletic Checklist
- Research schools
- Send SPECIFIC emails with player profile/resume and video
- Videos could spark interest, especially in schools who might not get the opportunity to watch you play
- Unofficial visits if invited
- Attend college ID camps/clinics
- College Coaches can email, text, and call players
- Coaches can start sending recruiting materials
- Go to colleges and watch college soccer games (Division I, II, III)
Academic Checklist
- Complete college applications (spend time preparing a well-written college essay, seek feedback from teachers or essay professionals)
- Double-check your transcript to make sure it is accurate
- Fill out your FAFSA form with parents
- Apply for local and online scholarships
- ACT/SAT test (take in Fall if needed and available)
- Recommendations from teachers AND coaches
- Look into applying Early Decision or Early Action, depending what the schools you want to apply to offer
- Do well in school: don’t slack, scholarship money may depend on it
Athletic Checklist
- Continue to watch college games
- Continue to attend ID Camps
- Take official and unofficial visits if invited
- Don’t get complacent – stay competitive and continue to develop
- Prepare for college
- …The work is not over, prepare for the next level!
ONLINE RESOURCES
Our professional staff continually monitors the college application and recruiting landscape so that we can deliver our student-athletes the most updated and relevant information. Here is a collection of useful links that will be helpful along the high school to college journey.