MV Soccer 09-10
Statistics Page 2009

Coach O spent a week at San Francisco State this summer attending the NSCAA coaching class. It was great to see so many informed coaches all in one place. Coach O took the time to ask several college coaches about how they get their players. Information that might help in your decision making process is included below. The first comment from every coach is to be informed. Coaches are much more interested in players that are interested in their school and have looked to see if the school and soccer program is a fit for the individual. There are differences in what coaches can offer at every level: junior college, NAIA, and NCAA at Division I, II, and III.

Once you have determined that you are interested in a particular program, contact the coach via e-mail or a letter. Include a little academic information to make sure you qualify but include your soccer achievements and statistics (DVD's aren't a necessity because they don't show speed of the game). If you will be participating in college showcases or large tournaments, contact the coach months in advance because they have long lists of players to try and see. Unless you are a top player, there are advantages to looking close to home because college coaches can't attend too many tournaments so you might get a second look if you are local.

Some schools have camps (often during the summer) that prospective players can attend at any high school age. Information about the camps are usually obtained when contacting the prospective coaches. The coaches warn that far more players think they are better than they are and are quickly taken off of their lists. It is imperative that players choose schools that are a good fit initially to get the interest of the coaches of the programs they have chosen in the brief time that they are viewing.

College coaches cannot send you any official information until your junior year and junior college coaches may not contact you at all. However, you may contact schools before then. There are many junior colleges that have great programs but have difficulty getting good players because they don't offer scholarships. There are a lot of opportunities available by going the junior college route including getting a good idea of whether your level of play is good enough for the next level.

The NSCAA offers all types of coaching courses. Young players can attend weekend courses to begin seeing the other side of the field. The website also has a fun tactical situation quiz section that is worth viewing.