I'll chime in...sorry if this is long
My dd just verbally committed this summer to a D1 program. She is a GK class of 2021 (going to be a sophomore in HS). I've learned a lot about recruiting. GKs are special in many ways, especially when it comes to recruiting. GKs are recruited either really early or later than other positions - depends on the player, program, location and type of play and team make up (style of play) at the college. My dd found the right program early on because the coaches were looking for a specific type of keeper and she not only fit their type, but the school is a perfect fit for her. This program wanted a strong leader with maturity that could be a cornerstone of the team on and off the field. Her skills on the pitch and in the net are top notch and developing exponentially. But it was her strength of character, leadership, collaboration with team mates and communication that interested them first. Coaches are very skilled at reading players quickly and thoroughly by how they present themselves on/off the field. We are blessed beyond measure that our GK is 100% sure in her decision to commit to this school and program with a 4 year full ride. My dd is not typical because she not only knew the type/location/culture of the school and soccer program she wanted, but she also knew what she did NOT want. Knowing what she did not want, was actually more helpful than knowing what she did want when it came to knowing she was making the right choice in her commitment.
NCSA (Next College Student Athlete) was a critical part of our recruiting process. We got the information, guidance and coaching she needed to navigate through the complexities of D1, D2, D3, NAIA differences and school options. I highly, highly recommend NCSA. Like any service provider - it's only as good as what you put into it. The best part of NCSA is that it is easy to understand and navigate complicated information and helps the athlete understand the role they plan in doing their research, writing their own communications, and narrowing their list of prospective programs.
A note to parents...keep your role in the recruiting process to a minimum. Your athlete needs to do the work - reviewing and spell checking emails they write is fine. Drafting emails for them is not. Coaches can ABSOLUTELY tell the difference. The first conversation your kid has with a coach, the coach will know who wrote the emails that led up to that conversation. It will be a red flag if the way they sound on paper is different than the way they sound in a phone conversation. You won't do your kid any favors by doing all the research and writing for them. Don't overwhelm them with statistics or by over analyzing the 5 past season wins/loses, etc. of every college on their radar. Help them navigate the process but don't drive
Your athlete can't over-communicate with coaches. Don't assume that if your kid emails a coach once right before a college showcase, that they will be at the game and remember every word that was written in the email. It's about establishing a relationship with the coach, which is a process. Remember, coaches can't communicate with you or the athlete (D1 anyway) until beginning of their junior year. The best way to do that is by calling the coach! Call the coaches of the schools on the short list, email them first and tell them when you will call, then call when you say you will. Coaches can talk to players that initiate the call but they can't call back or respond directly (again, D1). Get to know their practice schedules. You can also call the athletic department and see if they will give you any insight into times that the coach is typically in the office or is able to receive calls. If they want to talk to the athlete, they will one way or another.
Specific to GKs...Always include which half they will play (if they split games with a 2nd keeper). Always invite the coach to watch warm ups. Invest in videos! Make a training video with skills highlights (especially important for GKs that are actively looking at competitive programs).
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, committing is not the end of the process, only a new beginning. Coaches will follow them and check in. They want to see video and examples of play that show the player is working hard, improving and developing, and not being lazy 'since they are committed'. It's even more important to be diligent in the training and communication. They need to see themselves as part of the team before they are actually part of the team
Again, this is my experience and subjective advice having 'been there done that'. And now, we focus on our new club season and plan to watch D1 college soccer with renewed interest
- KK
