March 10 presentation on how to prepare for the college soccer recruiting process. Along with the available handout, this represents a great primer for families of high school aged athletes.

1. March 10, 2014

2. Coaches in Attendance
• Steve Ancheta, Western Oregon University
– Women’s Head Coach, 3rd Season
• Cory Hand, George Fox University
– Women’s Head Coach, 2nd Season
• Aaron Lewis, Corban University
– Men’s Head Coach, 2nd Season
• Grant Landy, Concordia University
– Women’s Head Coach, 17th Season

3. Coaches in Attendance
• Chuck Bechtol, Linfield College
– Men’s Head Coach, 2nd Season
• Amanda Coulimore, Clackamas Community College
– Women’s Assistant Coach
• Sean Janson, Clark College
– Men’s Assistant Coach

4. Selecting The Right School
Choices...
• NCAA Division I
– Larger schools, Scholarships, Clearing House
• NCAA Division II
– Smaller Schools, Scholarships, Clearing House
• NCAA Division III
– Competitive Sports, No Athletic Scholarships, but Academic and
Grants
• NAIA
– Competitive Sports, Scholarships, No Clearing House
• Junior College
– Competitive Sports, Scholarships.
Top Division II, III, NAIA are often as good/better then many Division I
schools. Divisions are set by size of school, funding, etc.. Not by the level of
sporting competition.

5. Selecting The Right School
Facts...
• There are 8,182 High School Programs with an average of 51,066 players
graduating each year.
• There are 721 College programs with an average of 6 player openings per
year.
– This equates to 4,416 total player openings. On average, 8% of the
players find a scholarship.
• Soccer is an equivalency sport. Teams on the men’s side have 9.9
scholarships and 12 on the women’s (up to 14 IF they are fully funded).
– This can be divided any way the coach sees fit between 25-30 squad
players.

6. • DI Men’s Approx 200 programs 9.9 Scholarships
• DI Women’s Approx 340 programs 14 Scholarships
• DII Men’s Approx 180 programs 9 Scholarships
• DII Women’s Approx 230 programs 9.9 Scholarships
• DIII Men’s Approx 400 programs Academic scholarships
• DIII Women’s Approx 425 programs Academic scholarships
• NAIA Men’s Approx 220 programs 12 Scholarships
• NAIA Women’s Approx 225 programs 12 Scholarships
• JC/CC Men’s Approx 140 programs 18 Scholarships
• JC/CC Women’s Approx 120 programs 18 Scholarships
Selecting The Right School

7. Things to Consider
Location
Close to home or far away
Particular climate
Rural or City
Campus Setting
Environment
Religious Background
Conservative or Liberal
Private or Public
Size
Large or small classes
Size of the school
Personal attention
Small fish in a big pond
Academic Life
What is your desired field of study?
Graduate Program placement rate?
Entrance requirements?
ASK YOURSELF:
“If I had a career ending injury, is this a place I would like to stay
with no soccer?”
Academics must come first in your decision.

8. Academic Requirements
NCAA Requirements are different than the university requirements.
What are the NCAA Clearing House Requirements?
• 16 Core Courses
• Have at least a 2.0 core G.P.A
• Meet SAT/ACT score formula
• Work with your high school / secondary school counselor
What are the core courses? (Div 1 Example)
• 4 years English
• 3 years Math
• 2 years of Natural/Physical Sciences
• 1 year of lab, if offered
• 1 year of additional English, Math, Science
• 2 years of Social Science
• 4 years of additional courses from above or religion, foreign language

9. • What is the graduation rate of that sport?
• Are tutors available?
• Where does the coach see me fitting in?
• What is the academic advising situation like?
• Do you need a DVD of me playing?
• What positions are you looking to fill?
Questions to Ask

10. Take the Initiative
• Search for schools at NCAA.ORG (college bound student athlete)
• Make contact with the coach at each of the schools you are
considering by phone or email.
• Visit the school, meet the coach, players, watch a practice or
game, and tour facilities.
• Visit with the academic advisor within your potential major.
• Visit with the academic consultant within the athletic
department.
– How does the school offer academic assistance?

11. "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail“
• Attending college can be one of the most rewarding
and enjoyable experiences of your life.
• It can be made even more enjoyable by making the
right choice.
• Plan ahead, do your research and choose carefully.
Take the Initiative

12. Introduction
• The opening paragraph (s) should include your name, grade and graduation year.
It should also clearly state your genuine interest in the university and soccer
program and why…
Purpose
• Explore the possibility of playing soccer at school, visiting campus, meeting with
coaching staff, etc.
Playing Background
• Position, club experience, high school, playing honors, other
• May include athletic, technical or tactical strengths
Academic Background
• GPA, ACT/SAT, class rank, intended major
Personalize your letter/email! Demonstrate in some way that you have researched
the university and know something particular about the school (reputable major)
and soccer program (successes, current players, etc.).
Take the Initiative

13. Building a Resume
• Name/Address/Phone/E-mail
• High School / Secondary School Advisor’s Name/Number
• GPA/Class Rank/Honors Courses taken
• High School / Secondary school soccer achievements
• Club Soccer achievements
• Representative honors (regional team, national team etc.)
• Position

14. Thank you for attending! Coaches will be doing
small group Q & A in the auditorium at this time.
THANK YOU