Want to Play Soccer in College? Consider This

If you want to play soccer in college, you can narrow your choices in schools before ever speaking to a coach.

First, watch games of the teams you're considering. It's not always possible due to the distances, but if you check the schools' schedules, you might find a game they're playing in your area. For instance, in the UAA Conference, Emory plays Carnegie Mellon and the University of Chicago. It might be easier for you to go to Pittsburgh or Chicago than Atlanta.

Even if you can't visit schools you think you'd like to attend, watch local college games. There's a big difference between high school and college soccer. It helps to watch several games in various NCAA Divisions to see the speed, skill, strength and size required.

If you visit a school, check out the field. Take note of its condition. Is it natural or artificial turf? What are the training rooms and equipment like? Poor facilities can contribute to injuries. Check out the athletic center. Are there indoor training facilities? How about a weight room?

Look at the websites of the schools' soccer teams. How many games do they play? The number of games vary by conference, but D1 schools often have a heavier schedule than D3.

Look at the roster. Are the players mostly local? Are a lot of seniors graduating? Are the players in your position juniors or seniors or mostly younger? (Understand coaches might ask you to play a different position.)

How successful has the team been? The more successful the soccer program, the more competition you might have for a spot on the team.

How long has the coach been at the school? A school with a new coach and a weak record can be an excellent opportunity to play as a freshman.

While you're looking at the schedule, get a feel for the amount of travel involved. The amount of travel involved for schools varies a lot by conference. The UAA Conference, mentioned above, includes The University of Chicago, Emory, New York University, and Carnegie Mellon University. Those teams fly to several games and the number of players making the trip is limited. On the other hand, the schools in the North Coast Conference are all within a bus trip. Both conferences are Division 3.

Athletic scholarships are only available at D1 and D2 schools, but the number is limited. If coaches from D1 or D2 schools aren't contacting you, it's unlikely that you'll receive a soccer scholarship. Many D3 schools are private. Private colleges are generally more expensive than public, but they sometimes have more generous financial aid packages, so the differences might not be as great as you'd think.

If you do a little research, you might narrow the list of schools that interest you. However, it's always worth considering a school if the coach contacts you. Check the school out and visit if possible before crossing it off you list. Remember, attending a school whose coach was interested in you gives you the best chance to play.