Betting on Yourself: The Right Message for College Soccer Recruits

The Problem with Fear-Based Messaging:

In the pursuit of playing soccer at the collegiate level, the pivotal question often boils down to one's willingness to bet on themselves. For some, it's a leap of faith that leads to success, while for others, it might not pan out as planned. Both outcomes are valid and acceptable in this journey.

Lately, I've observed a prevailing trend in the college soccer recruiting cohort on social media. Various recruiting agencies, along with some D2, D3, NAIA, community college, and Juco programs, seem to be actively discouraging aspiring players and their parents from considering Division 1 & Division 2 options. They employ fear tactics, warning about potential bench-warming, unhappiness, and the looming specter of the transfer portal, painting a grim picture of an athlete barely scraping by.

Some even adopt a plea in an effort to fill rosters, sending a message akin to, "Don't forget about us; we're still an option." While I understand the need to shed light on the challenges of top-tier college soccer and present alternative pathways, this fear-based approach is fundamentally misguided. The reality is that college athletics, regardless of the division pose immense challenges. The age range of competitors expands, and the pool of players diversifies exponentially (to name a few). So, what should the message be?

It should resoundingly echo, "Bet on yourself." We, as coaches and recruiters, yearn for athletes who possess the confidence to place their bets on their own potential. We seek the absolute best, and we hold ourselves & those around us to high standards. Regardless of your perceived playing level, understand this: thriving in ANY college soccer environment demands relentless effort and a daily determination to earn your place. Whether or not you have this mindset is exactly what gets answered by a responsible coaching staff at the conclusion of their carefully designed & thoughtfully executed recruitment of an athlete. Regrettably, there are also many D1 & D2 programs that fail to convey this vital message. Their recruitment strategies may be antiquated, devoid of the vigor required to inspire and attract hungry athletes towards their program. Fanning the flames of fear about the challenges of collegiate soccer at the highest level contradicts the mindset of a triumphant athlete.

Those who peddle such messages on social media inadvertently diminish their own work, implying that choosing their program is more of a guaranteed ticket to a successful collegiate career. Success in college soccer, is not merely handed out; it's earned through dedication, hard work, and acceptance of a perpetual state of vulnerability anchored to an unwavering belief in oneself.

So, to the recruits and parents weighing their options, remember this: the choice to bet on yourself is not just a valid one, but an essential one. It's a commitment to your own potential and a declaration that you're willing to put in the work, no matter the level. In the end, it's this very mindset that separates the champions from the rest at any level