Cal State University '01 - Men's Soccer
As a soccer player coming from a high school where "football was king" it was imperative for me to make contact with the coaches of the colleges that I wanted to attend. I went to a high school that was not considered a soccer powerhouse. My coach did not have the same "connections" within the soccer community as other coaches had. He was definitely out of the soccer loop, and while his heart was in the right place and he was a good coach, his lack of soccer ties was not helpful in the recruiting process.
As a result, all hope of getting recruited came from playing with my club team and exposing my skills to college coaches at tournaments. Therefore, playing for a reputable club soccer team, the California Heat, was my primary medium to have my talent showcased for prospective schools.
In the end I narrowed my soccer choices down to two schools, a good D-I program and great D-II program with a phenomenal coach. My intention to graduate from school in four years was the determining factor as to what school I wanted to attend. At the D-I school I would have been "red-shirted" my freshman year while playing for the B team and serving as cannon fodder for a varsity squad that consisted mostly of juniors and a couple of seniors. If attending school for five or six years were a possibility for me this might have worked. At the D-II school, I would get the opportunity to see playing time on the field during my freshman year.
Ultimately my decision was an easy one, I chose to play right away and I think it was the right choice for me. By the end of the season I was even able to earn a spot as a starter, including starting a playoff game in the western regional. I would eventually become a four-year starter and serve as captain for two years, all while graduating on time.
Best of luck in the process!
Regards,
Blake
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