In watching the videos I could find I absolutely agree. Its crazy how much the game has evolved and they continue to get better every year.
Recruiting Tips for Parents Just Starting the Process
- Thread starter MakeAPlay
- Start date
WildcatToad
BRONZE
On November 10, 2022, Semioccerfan wrote the message that I copied and pasted below. At that time, my DD had just completed her 2nd year of D1 Soccer. His words resonated with me then. They have resonated with me for the past 2 years. My DD played her final game of D1 Soccer on Sunday. It has been interesting, to say the least. I am reposting his message now for the parents "just starting the process."
It has taken me a few days to collect my thoughts the best I can but they are still clouded by emotion. Here goes:
Simisoccerfan out!
To Simisoccerfan, thank you for what you posted 2 years ago. There is not a single word that you wrote that is any different than the experience that I/We/My DD had.
And, Damn! I am so proud of my daughter, but so sad it is over!
WildcatToad out!
It has taken me a few days to collect my thoughts the best I can but they are still clouded by emotion. Here goes:
- Soccer was never my daughters number one priority nor should it have been. She loves her school and her teammates. She has had so many wonderful experiences at college and developed life long friends from college and her club. So no she would not change any of her decisions though clearly she wished she played more. She played most games but not all and those were decisions made by others.
- Soccer was probably my number one priority for her for most of her college career and I was wrong for putting it so. As a parent you want the best for your kid. There are many steps on the path from playing AYSO as 4 year old to graduating from a D1 program as scholarship athlete. Very few players make it the end. It is easy to get caught up in that path and always looking for more. The best advice I can give is enjoy the whole journey however far she makes it because it all ends too fast.
- Things will happen that are out of your control. Injuries, torn acl’s, coaching changes, and new recruits every year are a few of them. You have no control over coaching decisions too. These things will change the experience for your kid. Learn to deal with them.
- Coaches are being paid to win. They get bonuses for it too or fired if they lose to much. They also don’t get paid much. Almost every assistant coach makes less then your kid will make in their first job. They have their own agenda and all too often that agenda is not what’s best for your kid. This ain’t club soccer. It’s a business. The sooner you realize this the better. The only time you have any power is in the recruiting process. Some will say the Transfer Portal also gives you power but the grass is rarely greener.
Simisoccerfan out!
To Simisoccerfan, thank you for what you posted 2 years ago. There is not a single word that you wrote that is any different than the experience that I/We/My DD had.
And, Damn! I am so proud of my daughter, but so sad it is over!
WildcatToad out!
Congrats Wildcat Toad on your daughters achievements. A few others are ending after this season as well. Amazing journey for all of you, having played all four years of college, getting their degrees, becoming young adults that I'm sure will be successful. I was able to finally see my daughter play this past year in college, getting all the starts and some conference recognition after the season was over and I couldn't be prouder of her considering everything she has been through. These 4 years aren't easy, that is for sure.
I'll end by saying I HATE INJURIES!!!! 4 of the 6 seniors on my daughters team were lost for the season and listening to them speak at the team banquet was heart wrenching. Hoping more research on ACL's for women will accomplish a reduction in these injuries.