College and the Student Athlete
One of the most important decisions a young person will make while in high school is the choice of a college to attend. If the young student is fortunate to be both academically and atheltically qualified, opportunities exist to secure a college scholarship. A number of factors need to be taken into account when selecting a college:
- Local vs away-from-home
- Commuting vs residential campus
- Large vs small school
- Area of academic interest
- And of course the cost
The student who possesses recognized soccer abilities and skills has additional opportunities. College coaches are constantly on the lookout for new prospects. Oftentimes you will find coaches at tournaments viewing any number of players. As a prospective college player, it is of utmost importance that you do a thorough investigation of potential colleges and that you be identified as early as possible. Important vehicles for showcasing your abilities include tournaments, club soccer, high school soccer, and the Olympic Development Program. Many coaches begin identifying potential prospects in a player's junior year of high school.
A possible course of action for the prospective college player should include the following:
1) Do a thorough review of potential colleges you would like to attend using the factors described above.
2) Prepare a letter of introduction to the coach at your colleges of interest; this letter would include such things as a player profile describing:
- Your name, address, and telephone number
- High school and club team
- Grade point average, SAT scores and academic interests
- Player position
- Athletic and academic awards
This letter should be sent during the junior year and again at the beginning of the senior year. You should also include a schedule of tournament and club and high school league games so that a coach can have an opportunity to see you on as many occassions as possible.
3) Follow up by personally contacting coaches at the colleges in which you are interested: introduce yourself and listen to their program description. Visit colleges of interest.
4) Continue to improve your grade point average. Coaches would rather not invest in a player who has a marginal grade point average who risks their eligibility once in college.
And remember: a college coach will have the above type of interchange with you and at least 25 other prospects. Being prepared academically, athletically, and organizationally will enhance your possibilities as a college player prospect.