FRESHMAN YEAR

PREPARE: Freshman year sets the foundation for academic success. Colleges and universities have specific admission criteria, and in addition, the NCAA has its own academic standards that student-athletes must meet in order to compete during their first year. Understanding these expectations early—and creating a plan to stay on track—is essential for maintaining eligibility. Be sure to take advantage of your school’s academic advisors, who can help guide you through these requirements.


CONTEMPLATE: College soccer can be a valuable part of the college experience, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Understanding both the benefits and the commitments involved will help you decide if collegiate athletics aligns with your goals. Freshman year is a great time to begin exploring this path.


Benefits include: a built-in social network, structured schedules, academic support, team development, travel opportunities, competitive play, and potential admissions support.


Challenges include: limited free time, class scheduling restrictions, academic demands due to travel, high performance standards, and no guaranteed playing time.


CREATE: Although direct communication with college coaches is limited during freshman year, this is the ideal time to begin preparing for the recruiting process. Creating an initial list of colleges you believe may be a good match can make future outreach more efficient. When evaluating potential schools, consider the following factors:


  • Academic fit: Academic rigor and available majors
  • Location: Geographic region and setting (urban, suburban, or rural)
  • School size: Campus environment and student population
  • Financial considerations: Tuition, room and board, and post-graduation outcomes
  • Soccer level: A realistic assessment of your current ability and development potential


When building your college list, it’s best to start broad. Your priorities may evolve over time, and your list will naturally become more focused as you progress through high school. To help with this process, use your Athlete Match account and the College Finder tool, which allows you to apply filters and generate schools that align with your preferences.