University of Richmond '04 - Men's Soccer

For nearly as long as I can remember I have been participating in sports. I grew up playing baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis and hockey in various leagues in the St. Louis area and continued doing so after moving to Virginia. In middle school I no longer had time to keep up with all of them and focused on soccer and baseball, my stronger two sports. In high school, playing on the Virginia Olympic Development Team, club team, high school team and traveling for all of them became too much, thus baseball fell by the wayside.

I traveled around the United States and even Europe a few times for various soccer tournaments and showcases so adjusted quickly to seeing the sidelines not only covered with parents, but with numerous recruiters as well. While it was certainly nerve-racking and intimidating at first, it soon gave me extra motivation to perform my best every time I stepped on the pitch. Soon after that I started receiving letters from various D-1, D-2 and D-3 schools up and down the east coast. At first I just collected the letters since I hadn't yet started thinking about college.

When I started looking into schools, I considered colleges completely independent of soccer since I knew that I didn't want to attend a school solely based on that. I listed out my prospects and those that I had also heard from for soccer were then moved to the top of my list. I did not immediately dismiss schools that didn't fit both criteria, but eventually narrowed it down to three which did: University of Richmond, University of Kentucky and University of Notre Dame. That's when the real work started.

I went on visits to each school, touring the campus, meeting with coaches, experiencing the lifestyle, and talking with current students and players. After those visits, I was slightly leaning toward University of Kentucky and University of Richmond, but I still couldn't decide. I then turned to my parents for advice, and although they didn't push me toward one, I soon realized my choice. After all the money, time and travel they had put into my 15 years of soccer, I wanted to give them a chance to see it had paid off. They were my biggest fans and never wanted to miss a game. That was the slight edge that put University of Richmond over the top.

My Advice:

• Don't limit your choices to colleges only for your sport.

• Consider anything and everything since little things may ultimately help you decide.

• Be honest and open with players you stay with and meet. They will often give you honest advice since they have gone through the same process.

• Talk with the coaches about academics. You'll get an idea of how they feel about classes and how much they will support you academically.

• Consider how you fit in with and like the players and coaches. You will spend an enormous amount of time with them.

Cheers,

DJ

For more information check out the Active Recruiting 101 special section.

University of Richmond ‘06 - Men's Soccer

I knew pretty early on that I wanted to play soccer in college and potentially pursue a career in the sport after graduation.  Unlike most student-athletes looking to play a collegiate sport however, I did not start my school search until my senior year of high school.  I knew of the top programs throughout the country because I heard the same names making it to the NCAA tournament year in and year out, but it was not until October of my senior year that I began contacting programs and receiving interest from other schools as well.

Playing for an elite club team in the Washington, DC area, we played in several tournaments known as “College Showcase Tournaments.”  Only the best teams applying are accepted based on previous regular season and tournament records, and several dozen scouts and coaches show up to watch the games over the weekend.  Through these tournaments I began talking with several schools that I previously would not have considered, such as University of California San Diego, College of the Holy Cross, Georgetown University, and George Washington University.  It was not until later that the University of Richmond came into the mix. 

I took official visits to College of the Holy Cross, Georgetown University, and George Washington University; reluctantly, I went to the University of Richmond at the request of my mother.  I had a different experience at each school and received different feelings from each school’s coaching staff and team, which is why it is very important to visit any place you are seriously considering.  Out of my top three choices, I eliminated Georgetown University almost immediately after I returned home because I did not feel it was the right fit for me.  I had a great time at George Washington University, but I was very impressed with the coaches and players at the University of Richmond and even though I visited on a blistering cold day in March, I still thought the campus was beautiful. 

To the chagrin of the Georgetown University and George Washington University coaches, I signed with the University of Richmond.  I remained laid back throughout the whole process, and signed because the University of Richmond had the complete package for me: a Division I school that was both academically and athletically strong, a quality soccer program, and a chance for me to make a major impact in my freshman year.  

Of course, everyone wants to win championships, but I wanted to be a major contributing factor towards that, so I said no to several top quality programs that showed interest, such as the University of Virginia and Wake Forest University.  I had a very productive four years at the University of Richmond, both on the field and in the classroom, and am very happy with the decision I made to attend.  I even got to spend a year living my dream and playing in Europe after graduation. 

As long as you know what complete package you are looking for in a school and program, there is no need to stress your final decision.  You won’t regret it.

My Advice:

• Start your school search early!  While the right school eventually came knocking for me, I am sure several opportunities were missed by waiting so long.  Most athletes tend to have their schools finalized before winter break of their senior year of high school.

• Do not be selective in your initial school search.  You may find that a dream school you have had for years just isn’t the right fit for you.  Be sure to have several different options to pursue.

• Know what you want before you go after it.  I wanted to be an impact freshman, not just to be on a perennial championship team, so that helped me narrow down my list of potentials.

• Academics come first, for good reason.  Your opportunities will expand with how well you do in the classroom, and you won’t have to worry about not being accepted to play for your dream program for academic reasons.  Also, if a school cannot offer you an athletic scholarship, you may be able to earn it through academics.

• Dream big, always work hard, and never give up. 

Best of luck!

Colin

For more information check out the Active Recruiting 101 special section.

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

For more information check out the Active Recruiting 101 special section.

University of Delaware ‘06 - Women’s Soccer

Playing soccer in college had been a goal for me ever since I joined the EPYSA Olympic Development Program team when I was in middle school. After picking up lacrosse in 8th grade, lacrosse seemed to be another viable option for playing a sport in college but by sophomore year I knew soccer was where I wanted to focus my attention. Soccer was my passion and the obvious choice so once that decision was made the center of attention went to competing in as many soccer tournaments in front of college coaches as possible.

After numerous tournaments and reading one huge “guide to colleges” book, I created a list of potential schools. I looked into schools that had good academic reputations but also a women’s soccer team that was in the middle of the pack at the D-1 level.  I put together a packet for coaches which included my resume and a video and waited to hear back. I received a few calls from schools I had sent information to, as well as, additional schools who had seen me play in tournaments over the past year or so. A few of the schools I was not interested in at all but others seemed worth looking into based on my criteria for a college.

I received information from San Diego State and being a surfer, thought it would be a fantastic place to go, however, they had never seen me play and I was hoping to receive a scholarship. Other schools I spoke to were Boston College, Boston University, University of Georgia and Georgetown. The one thing I kept in the back of my mind was that I was not going anywhere after college with soccer so I just wanted to go to a school that really wanted me for their program.

One summer day I received a call from Scott Grzenda at the University of Delaware. I don’t know exactly why, but I never even looked into the school. I didn’t think that it would be a school I would be thrilled at but my parents began educating me on the school and I soon found out it had a lot to offer and had a great academic reputation, which I was totally unaware of at the time.

Another day I received a call from St. Joes University and decided although the school is in my backyard (I went to Episcopal Academy which is right across the street), it might be worth looking into especially because I had heard great things about the coach and team and knew they had a great marketing program which was what I wanted to major in.

After having additional conversations with coaches from many schools I decided to take two official visits, one to St. Joes and another to University of Delaware. I only wanted to visit a school I was thoroughly interested in and those two schools seemed like the best fit for me. Interestingly enough I learned that the St. Joes University coach had gone to University of Delaware and that both schools were very similar in their programs and team style. A huge rivalry exists between the teams as coaches from both sides have lost players to the other school.

I first visited St. Joes University and had a fantastic time. The team was great as was the coach but I wasn’t a fan of turf and the size of the school was smaller than what I wanted. On the up-side, it was close to home so my parents could come to games and at the time, I had a boyfriend in the area which was something that was in the back of my mind.

I had a wonderful visit to St. Joes University but still had a visit to University of Delaware to meet the coach, team and see the school. As soon as I walked onto the campus, I was amazed at how beautiful it was and immediately knew that if I liked the team, I wanted to go. Scott, the head coach, was great and I immediately got the impression that although soccer and academics were top priorities, he wanted the girls to have a life outside of soccer and school - which was the perfect balance I was looking for. When I met the team I immediately got the feeling it was the right place for me and the team was fantastic. The best part was that they seemed so close. Not only were they tight on the field but they were off the field as well. They were good friends with so many teams on campus such as the Men’s Lacrosse, Soccer, Basketball, and Football teams, as well as, the Women’s Lacrosse, Field Hockey, and Volleyball teams. It was like they had an athlete sorority/frat system of their own.

After coming back from University of Delaware I knew that it was a great fit and a scholarship sealed the deal. The last thing to evaluate before I committed was what life would be like without soccer. Knowing what the campus was like, and meeting some people who had loved the school who did not play for a sports team, I knew I could be happy there even if for some reason I could not play soccer anymore.

I hope this gives a little insight into my experience and the process I went through to end up at the University of Delaware playing Women’s Soccer. Never once do I regret going to the school and my best friends today are from that soccer team.

My Advice:

• Listen to your parents and take into account their thoughts and ideas. They know more than you think and have been there before you. And who knows, you might be surprised with the outcome of a decision because of their recommendation.

• Never go to a school because of a boyfriend or girlfriend. First and formost, it may not work out, but even more importantly, you need to go to a school that will offer you the best experience and help you grow as a person. There are not many times it's ok to be selfish but this is one of them - so take it.

• Pick a school with a team that you feel comfortable with. You will be seeing these girls or guys everyday and they will be the only ones that really know what you are going through juggling school, sports and a social life. To give you some insight on how close our team was one of the girls on my team got married in November and there were 12 of us there at the wedding.

• Pick a school you will be happy at without your sport. You may not think about it now, since all you can think about is playing your favorite sport in college, but things change. At the University of Delaware, there had been a few players who decided not to play anymore but they definitely still had a fantastic experience at school. Make sure you would be able to do the same.

• There are so many wonderful schools with amazing programs out there. You'll find some schools with great athletic programs and others with great academic programs, but it is important to find the right balance for you. Take in any and all information you can get from friends and family, but remember that it is your decision to make in the end. You are the one going to the school -  not your friends, family or anyone else - so pick the right school for you.

Good luck in your search for your perfect school!

Allison

For more information check out the Active Recruiting 101 special section.