The College Soccer Experience (2 Viewers)

[SwampDawg]

With my other thread about youth and high school soccer no longer being relevant I thought I'd start a new one to discuss my sons experiences with college soccer and would love from any other parents on that journey or former players to chime in as well. Turning the youth thread over to @The Z Machine and others and will follow along on their adventures.

My son reported to school about a week and a half ago with the rest of fall sports (other then football that reported like 5 days earlier yet). So they had a week of two a days along with all the other stuff like media day pics, concussion baseline testing, etc. before freshman orientation this past Thursday/Friday and a scrimmage Saturday. We talked to him pretty much nightly that first week because momma SwampDawg needed it. In general he said practices weren't a whole lot different then his club trainings. The things that were different was the additional things they were required to do outside soccer, concussion baselines in the past had been a short online test, now it was a 45 minute SCAT test. Media pics in HS and for club were basically a head shot, now it was that plus some other shots and video for them to use throughout the year. And of course instead of going home after he now went back and hung out with the team for meals, free time, etc.

Then there was the fitness test...he would do them in HS and be the first or second one done and way under time, it was generally just a two mile run. Well here it was a beep test, I suggested once his club season was done he should mock out one of these but he was confident so I didn't push him. Apparently he and over half the team failed it the first day. He did get through stage 14 of 15 so he was close, he said some only made it to 11 or 12. He had some extra running to do at practice as a result. That said he felt he was in pretty good shape, that a lot of the others were sore at the end of the week and he felt good.

Saturday we went up to watch his scrimmage against a college the next city over. Team they played is in a different league but still D3. The negative the team did not play well as a whole and lost 4-0, the positive was my son did play pretty well and got a decent amount of time. He was the first to sub in (about 15 minutes in) so he got to play with the starters and he played the rest of the first half. Then he started the second half with the starters back on the field and played 10 minutes before getting subbed off. So approximately 45 minutes and a good portion with the starters. We went out to dinner after the game and he said he wasn't sure what was up that a number of the kids (primarily CB's, Center and Defensive Mids) did not play near as well as they play in practice which led to the break downs. Hopefully just first game jitters. We did start two other freshman and three sophomores as well while the other team was almost all seniors and juniors. He's playing right wingback in a 3-5-2-1 so let's hope he's watching Sergino Dest highlights. He said he had his weekly coaches meeting yesterday and coach told him to expect a decent amount of playing time. He's behind a senior right now on the depth chart but with this formation the wingbacks need to be busting it up and down the field and they have a pretty full schedule where they have back to back games, so he plans to try and keep them fresh which should lead to some decent minutes.

They open up for real Friday afternoon at home and then Saturday afternoon a road game, so we shall see how it goes. Parent group is doing a tailgate before the game Friday so we plan to head up early and get to know the other parents a little. He's only had two days of class so far but said it seems good. His roommate is on the team as well and they have the same major and they seem to be getting along really well and he's enjoying hanging out with the guys in general.

 

[El Floppo]

Black and white ball shaped dot.

 

[mdstarnes]

This is PHENOMENAL...please keep the updates coming! I have a sophomore daughter who plays ECNL soccer. We're obviously a touch early on the recruitment loop, but we've seen enough schools on soccer trips for her to have an idea of what she's looking for in a college. She's been in a touch with a few D II schools because they can talk to her, did an ID camp or two, and she really liked the feel of the smaller schools/D III places with strong soccer programs. I'm looking forward to your journey!

 

[B Maverick]

I was a walk-on at a D1 school MANY MANY MANY seasons ago. Played sparingly my first few years, multiple positions. Do have some great memories though. And some good friends, one of which plays Sunday league with me still.

We had to run the "cooper test" which was 2 miles in 12 mins. Very few came into camp in shape and made it. I was usually about a 1/2 to 1/4 lap slow. Hated it.

One thing I wish I had found was the discipline to stay consistent with an offseason workouts and a strength/conditioning routine. Back then weights weren't a big deal and with no football team there was not a big training room. I am sure they will have that laid out for your son, but my school was a lesser program even at D1.

Also, my sister did get a scholarship to play at the same school I was at. Solid frosh season but did not really get along with the coach. Ended up leaving, going back home to change courses. Ended up coaching at the club and JC level. Still plays as well.

Sadly my daughter retired and will not be pursuing college ball.

 

[El Floppo]

excited to follow along!

Also a former D1 player- recruited by a lot of schools, chose the one that I thought was the best fit even if the coach knew me the least (across the country and had never seen me play)- top 10 soccer school, always in the NCAAs, a couple years off having a Herman winner and losing in the NCAA championship game in ET after an undefeated season. completely different era (late 80s, early 90) in terms of what D1 soccer looked like, especially in the Ivies where we weren't even allowed to play once the season ended.

my era... not so hot. but a couple NCAA round of 16s. and it turned out my coach really didn't like me- I was from CA and had long hair just before that became more normalized, so he assumed- despite what I did on the field- that I was a flake. subbed into my first couple games as a frosh and got a goal and assist, but his opinion was set and I was basically rooted to the bench. it was rough going from auto-start, one of the best around, to riding pine without much PT at all. had to adjust my mind set about the sport repeatedly over the year and years, until the preseason of my senior year when I'd basically written it off and was just going to have a fun last year... ended up being a starter and going to round of 16 before a brutal last second goal eliminated us.

I think mental and emotional confidence and flexibility are key. of course you have to put in the work physically- but those two factors are complete wildcards but that still remain in your control.

lol... yeah- the cooper test...ugh. I was always just over 11mins, so all ok- but that thing sucked. never did the beep test- after my time.

 

[SofaKings]

Very, very similar to my daughters D3 experience a few years back. Brought back memories about training and beep test! I remember her club coach in June telling her team(3/4s going to college) DO NOT BLOW OFF FITNESS THIS SUMMER. Great advice!

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Thanks for firing this up. Stoked for him!

ECNL-RL 7th grader. Among the top players on his team despite puberty not kicking in yet. Plays #10. ECNL team is strong, so moving up is a goal that will require hard work.

Black dot.

 

[Gally]

I think mental and emotional confidence and flexibility are key. of course you have to put in the work physically- but those two factors are complete wildcards but that still remain in your control.

It's amazing how this part is not stressed enough in this process. Being strong emotionally and having the ability to be flexible is key to going up in pond size (high school to college). Confidence and not being afraid to fail are other huge benefits if you can do that as well.

The mental part is so huge especially with moving away from your comfort zone

 

[El Floppo]

not being afraid to fail

massive.

I was terrified of this. still am.

 

[SwampDawg]

I think mental and emotional confidence and flexibility are key. of course you have to put in the work physically- but those two factors are complete wildcards but that still remain in your control.

It's amazing how this part is not stressed enough in this process. Being strong emotionally and having the ability to be flexible is key to going up in pond size (high school to college). Confidence and not being afraid to fail are other huge benefits if you can do that as well.

The mental part is so huge especially with moving away from your comfort zone

This has been a strong area for my son and hopefully continues to be at least in attitude. He has never liked being the best player on his team (at least for club) . When he moved to the club he ended up on the last 5 years and then they moved to ECNL he saw regular playing time but he only started (until last year) if one of the other two outside backs were out or if we had a brutal stretch of games. We'd talk every tryout season like is this where you want to be or do you want to look at one of the clubs one step down and know you are likely going to start and not come off. He always said he wanted to play at the highest level he could and be pushed to get better and obviously wanted to play but if that meant he normally only got 30-40 minutes a game (he would usually spell both the RB and LB opposite halves) he would rather do that then play and dominate and not get better.

 

[SwampDawg]

This is PHENOMENAL...please keep the updates coming! I have a sophomore daughter who plays ECNL soccer. We're obviously a touch early on the recruitment loop, but we've seen enough schools on soccer trips for her to have an idea of what she's looking for in a college. She's been in a touch with a few D II schools because they can talk to her, did an ID camp or two, and she really liked the feel of the smaller schools/D III places with strong soccer programs. I'm looking forward to your journey!

If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out, That whole part of it was interesting and girls start and commit much sooner then boys so it makes it even tougher. We knew nothing was going to happen until his senior year because basically only top D1 boys commit earlier. But I know a bunch of junior girls that committed to D2 and even D3 schools.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

I played D3 soccer in the late 80s----so way different than now.

My main struggle as a freshman was balancing the academics with the athletics, not to mention the freedom of the social life in my first year on my own. I imagine that isn't too much different nowadays.

I'm sure your son will do a better job with that balancing act than I did my freshman year. I managed to pull it together and did fairly well but it can be a challenge for an 18 to 20 year old.

I wish him the best in both his academic and athletic endeavors.

 

[mdstarnes]

This is PHENOMENAL...please keep the updates coming! I have a sophomore daughter who plays ECNL soccer. We're obviously a touch early on the recruitment loop, but we've seen enough schools on soccer trips for her to have an idea of what she's looking for in a college. She's been in a touch with a few D II schools because they can talk to her, did an ID camp or two, and she really liked the feel of the smaller schools/D III places with strong soccer programs. I'm looking forward to your journey!

If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out, That whole part of it was interesting and girls start and commit much sooner then boys so it makes it even tougher. We knew nothing was going to happen until his senior year because basically only top D1 boys commit earlier. But I know a bunch of junior girls that committed to D2 and even D3 schools.

Thanks, and will do. The early Power Five commitments have been crazy to watch. The team above hers (so 2009s...juniors...) have probably half of their team committed already. The players are very good, but you gotta wonder how many "due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm reopening my recruitment" posts there will be a year or two from now. There's no way all those coaches are around, plus who knows what happens in the time between the verbal commit and signing that paper.

What did you guys do in terms of ID camps? It's hard for me to not be skeptical with them. My daughter went to two, but both were D II schools, so the coach was able to communicate in advance and after. Those seemed worth the money. Playing ECNL on the girls side obviously gets kids on mailing lists where you get form letters/emails inviting you to all sorts of things, but driving/flying around the country to do them at this stage seems like a waster of time and money. Again, though, I'm old and cranky.

 

[SwampDawg]

This is PHENOMENAL...please keep the updates coming! I have a sophomore daughter who plays ECNL soccer. We're obviously a touch early on the recruitment loop, but we've seen enough schools on soccer trips for her to have an idea of what she's looking for in a college. She's been in a touch with a few D II schools because they can talk to her, did an ID camp or two, and she really liked the feel of the smaller schools/D III places with strong soccer programs. I'm looking forward to your journey!

If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out, That whole part of it was interesting and girls start and commit much sooner then boys so it makes it even tougher. We knew nothing was going to happen until his senior year because basically only top D1 boys commit earlier. But I know a bunch of junior girls that committed to D2 and even D3 schools.

Thanks, and will do. The early Power Five commitments have been crazy to watch. The team above hers (so 2009s...juniors...) have probably half of their team committed already. The players are very good, but you gotta wonder how many "due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm reopening my recruitment" posts there will be a year or two from now. There's no way all those coaches are around, plus who knows what happens in the time between the verbal commit and signing that paper.

What did you guys do in terms of ID camps? It's hard for me to not be skeptical with them. My daughter went to two, but both were D II schools, so the coach was able to communicate in advance and after. Those seemed worth the money. Playing ECNL on the girls side obviously gets kids on mailing lists where you get form letters/emails inviting you to all sorts of things, but driving/flying around the country to do them at this stage seems like a waster of time and money. Again, though, I'm old and cranky.

We didn't do a lot of ID camps. We only did one of the big multiple school ones and I wasn't impressed. It wasn't helped by the fact it ended up on a rainy cool Friday night so some coaches bailed including the one my son was most interested in talking to and others seemed disinterested. The ones I felt the best about were the ones the colleges themselves ran. I believe he went to those at three different schools, two of them he ended up going back to a second at the coaches request and one of those he got invited to an official weekend visit and I'm pretty sure would have gotten an offer had he not committed to his school first.

Oddly the school he is going to the coach never saw him play in person until after he had committed, he went totally off our video and conversation with our club coach. We were lucky in that his club coach is super respected by college coaches in the northeast. The college coach told us his job while a D1 assistant was to break down video of foreign players to see who they might be interested in so he got good at finding what players could do on video. I would highly suggest getting good at putting video together. We would sit down together once a month or and go back through games and pull out clips. It was good getting my sons input because sometimes he would say no or yes to something I thought looked good or bad because of what he saw from a players perspective. I would then put them together usually in a fall/winter and spring group for him to email out. I'll DM you his YouTube page, I really think the videos helped make a good quick first impression.

 

[Gally]

We didn't do a lot of ID camps. We only did one of the big multiple school ones and I wasn't impressed. It wasn't helped by the fact it ended up on a rainy cool Friday night so some coaches bailed including the one my son was most interested in talking to and others seemed disinterested. The ones I felt the best about were the ones the colleges themselves ran. I believe he went to those at three different schools, two of them he ended up going back to a second at the coaches request and one of those he got invited to an official weekend visit and I'm pretty sure would have gotten an offer had he not committed to his school first.

I am more familiar with the baseball side of things but have found that school specific showcases seem to be much better than general showcases. Too many general showcases are money grabs. The school specific ones are money grabs as well so I wouldn't just go to "any school" showcase. If there are schools the kid is interested in going to then go to those school showcases. It will give the kid the chance to see how the coach/program run things and likely talk to the coach themselves. At least for baseball these are typically a fundraiser to pay assistant coach salaries so they try and blast the invites but if you really want to go to the school it is a good way to meet the coach in a setting they are looking at players doing things they want to see.

 

[El Floppo]

We didn't do a lot of ID camps. We only did one of the big multiple school ones and I wasn't impressed. It wasn't helped by the fact it ended up on a rainy cool Friday night so some coaches bailed including the one my son was most interested in talking to and others seemed disinterested. The ones I felt the best about were the ones the colleges themselves ran. I believe he went to those at three different schools, two of them he ended up going back to a second at the coaches request and one of those he got invited to an official weekend visit and I'm pretty sure would have gotten an offer had he not committed to his school first.

I am more familiar with the baseball side of things but have found that school specific showcases seem to be much better than general showcases. Too many general showcases are money grabs. The school specific ones are money grabs as well so I wouldn't just go to "any school" showcase. If there are schools the kid is interested in going to then go to those school showcases. It will give the kid the chance to see how the coach/program run things and likely talk to the coach themselves. At least for baseball these are typically a fundraiser to pay assistant coach salaries so they try and blast the invites but if you really want to go to the school it is a good way to meet the coach in a setting they are looking at players doing things they want to see.

Was just talking to one of our HS parents with soccer daughters...theyre hitting up the local college camps for those reasons, as well as getting the kid a feel for the campus.

My club coach through HS was also the coach at USF- at the time the winningest coach in college soccer history. My Jr and Sr year i had him talk to the east coast coaches i hadnt met (like my eventual choice) since we didnt have any if the stuff kids have now. It was a real blessing/advantage.

 

[Nigel]

Mostly money-grabs, primarily a means for low-paid assistant coaches to make a few extra bucks. Be selective and realistic, attend only those that are reasonable matches for your kid's skill level.

 

[Gally]

only those that are reasonable matches for your kid's skill level.

This is so key and probably one of the hardest things for parents and kids to honestly evaluate. The first step in any recruitment journey has to be an honest assessment of the players talent level. Without that you are going to be barking up the wrong tree way too much.