The901CollegeSoccerReport

Seven former NCAA soccer players (D1, D2, D3) from all over, now living in the 901, watching and promoting our local college soccer teams. #901NCAASoccer

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@CoachDR7 We've seen it firsthand.

Coaches / clubs seemingly disappointed when players head to UAA or NESCAC schools instead of taking that spot on a lower D1 school.

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@ImCollegeSoccer True.
However, NESCAC and UAA D3 are full of the smartest D1-level players who simply won't go to a mid-level D1 academic school and instead chose academics
The soccer is as good as lower D1, but with outstanding academics
AND, most have large endowments for LOTS of financial aid

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@ImCollegeSoccer If you're a M 2027 holding out hope that the D1 coach who said they "liked you" will now suddenly follow up, remember they're IN SEASON. They've already provided offers (strong, verbal) to their prospects and fully occupied until November.

Start working those D2 / D3 coaches NOW

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

#901NCAASoccer Less than 25 days until the start of the 2026 seasons for our six NCAA teams!

@MemphisMSoccer
@MemphisWSoccer
@CBUBucsMSoc
@CBUBucsWSoc
@RhodesLynxMSOC
@RhodesLynxWSOC

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

Parents/Recruits
350 women's D1 programs (x 28) = 9,800 rostered D1 women's soccer players
The number going "pro" is negligible (and even some "pro" will need a second job to pay rent)
Find the best academic school you can - you'll "go pro" in something other than soccer

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@ImCollegeSoccer Exposure / Professional Pathway

For the vast majority of D1 soccer players (350 D1 women's teams), neither of these two are relevant. You're not going to make a living playing soccer.
Yes, more scholarships, but look into D2/D3 for possible other non-athletic scholarships/grants

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@D3Direct Rhodes - constantly listed as one of the most beautiful

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@Chris_M_Cousins Spot on

Most club players are NOT at the D1 level, and a lot who are just aren't at the P4 level

It's so hard for players and parents to accept

The best college soccer fits are at places where you actually play and have a great academic experience

(oh right ... academics ...)

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@ImCollegeSoccer TRUTH
"all my recruits attended my camp last year"

Parents / players infer "if I go to camp, I can get recruited", but it's the other way around.

These player first were recruited and committed to the college,THEN attended the camp.

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@IHateSoccerPod (2/2) While some players / teams are talented, some would finish in the middle of an average D3 conference. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Attendance also varies - saw photos of games with 300+ fans, but also went to games where only people in stands were players' relatives

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@IHateSoccerPod (1/2) USL2 is basically summer soccer for college players. Level of play varies GREATLY, even within conferences. We know someone who played USL2 for two years, started many games, but couldn't get off the bench for his average D3 team.

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@ImYouthSoccer It's incredibly sad and frustrating

Recruits - keep in mind:
There is no such thing as a "verbal commitment". There is no "commitment" until it's in writing. That verbal agreement is not binding for either party.

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@mlycan12 Well said
"...to trade it in for a 'promise' that may end before your college career even starts." - or at season end when your coach indicates you should move on
It's COLLEGE - you're NOT going pro in soccer, so try to enjoy the college part of "college soccer" (education et al)

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@ImYouthSoccer Oh - and those 9 with verbal commitments ... don't get too comfortable.
Verbal - commitments - are - not - binding -and - are -generally - meaningless.
You are not required to honor that "verbal handshake" and neither is the school.

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@ImYouthSoccer Truth
A phone call doesn't mean you're high on their list - it means they have some level of interest. And that's great, but they could be "interested" in 50 players and end up actually taking only 4-5.
Economics 101 - Supply of youth soccer recruits GREATLY EXCEEDS actual demand

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@PaulOfRioRancho @ImCollegeSoccer Absolutely agree
It's a chance to see how you stack up against players not in your current club. Also opens your eyes to just how many other quality players are out there, all dreaming of playing college soccer (that's why they're at the camp).
Supply GREATLY exceeds demand!

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@IHateSoccerPod Let's also remember that there are more than 340 D1 teams, so the term "D1 Soccer" on the women's side covers every team from NCAA Champions with professional level players to other colleges labeled D1 that couldn't compete within a mid-level D3 conference

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@fritdog23 @ImYouthSoccer It's a fair question, and we did a VERY UNSCIENTIFIC look at this in December.
If you can find this - it's a 5-post thread.

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@ImCollegeSoccer Truth
approx 130 ECNL clubs, 120 GA clubs and 300 MLS Next clubs.
You're 1 player on 1 of these clubs - doesn't make you D1 (or even NCAA) material
Colleges will not magically "find" you, but if they do, you might not be as good as the thousands of others out there

[The901CollegeSoccerReport @The901R]

@ImYouthSoccer Recruits ...

VERBAL OFFERS ARE NOT BINDING.

The term "verbal offer" really isn't a thing - it's just a coach saying that they might end up taking you when all is said and done, and you might end up agreeing to it.

But there is NO COMMITMENT on either side until papers signed.