Recruiting Tips for Parents Just Starting the Process

Anyone willing to tell their stories from this 6/15 window and their class of 2027 kid?
We finished the recruiting process for our class '27 kid and it was a whirlwind of a process. Scouts began watching our team in earnest starting with ECNL spring showcases and averaged over 100 schools per game for our last showcase and playoffs. Our team benefitted from having a number of talented players and playing a style that was easy on the eye. About 70% of our team (class '27) have committed at this point.

My DD was fortunate to get interest from the majority of schools on her top 10 list and committed to her top choice shortly after playoffs. We were surprised by how aggressive some schools were with offering offer/scholarship on first call after 6/15. And then there were other schools where we scratched our head on why they ghosted us.

In hindsight a few things we learned is to not do any combine ID camps (w/ exception of Soccer Masters, which I think is a good camp) and that school specific ID camps (w/ exception of top programs) are worthwhile to get on the radar if the school is a realistic target for your player. Lastly, this may sound obvious (and I don't hear this mentioned enough) but what matters most is balling out when the scouts are watching.
 
We finished the recruiting process for our class '27 kid and it was a whirlwind of a process. Scouts began watching our team in earnest starting with ECNL spring showcases and averaged over 100 schools per game for our last showcase and playoffs. Our team benefitted from having a number of talented players and playing a style that was easy on the eye. About 70% of our team (class '27) have committed at this point.

My DD was fortunate to get interest from the majority of schools on her top 10 list and committed to her top choice shortly after playoffs. We were surprised by how aggressive some schools were with offering offer/scholarship on first call after 6/15. And then there were other schools where we scratched our head on why they ghosted us.

In hindsight a few things we learned is to not do any combine ID camps (w/ exception of Soccer Masters, which I think is a good camp) and that school specific ID camps (w/ exception of top programs) are worthwhile to get on the radar if the school is a realistic target for your player. Lastly, this may sound obvious (and I don't hear this mentioned enough) but what matters most is balling out when the scouts are watching.
Congratulations!!!! It goes just as fast as club. Enjoy the ride.
 
We finished the recruiting process for our class '27 kid and it was a whirlwind of a process. Scouts began watching our team in earnest starting with ECNL spring showcases and averaged over 100 schools per game for our last showcase and playoffs. Our team benefitted from having a number of talented players and playing a style that was easy on the eye. About 70% of our team (class '27) have committed at this point.

My DD was fortunate to get interest from the majority of schools on her top 10 list and committed to her top choice shortly after playoffs. We were surprised by how aggressive some schools were with offering offer/scholarship on first call after 6/15. And then there were other schools where we scratched our head on why they ghosted us.

In hindsight a few things we learned is to not do any combine ID camps (w/ exception of Soccer Masters, which I think is a good camp) and that school specific ID camps (w/ exception of top programs) are worthwhile to get on the radar if the school is a realistic target for your player. Lastly, this may sound obvious (and I don't hear this mentioned enough) but what matters most is balling out when the scouts are watching.

Nice... 70% of rising juniors (your team) have already verbally committed. That feels significantly faster than in previous years. Could the pressure from smaller school rosters be driving this trend? Are there other factors pushing players to commit earlier or prompting colleges to extend offers sooner?

Along the same line, is this surge more concentrated among top SoCal clubs, or are other regions seeing similar patterns? Lastly, based on everyone's experience, what percentage of verbal offers typically hold up (both ways) by the time players graduate and enroll?
 
I have a family member who has a daughter that is a top recruit in her sport. I had sn interesting conversation with her yesterday about recruiting. Some things to consider.

One of the schools really spoke about post ( pick your sport) life and what that could look like. They spoke about the networking available to their student athletes and the benefits that this offers to them. I've never really thought about that.

NIL is not discussed upfront but it will be if you make a trip.

If it's important to you and your family, inquire with the coach if the team gets involved with any causes and if they do what exactly does that mean for your kid. Are they expected to wear whatever alternative uniform the school chooses.

Choose the school. Not the coach. Not the team.

My DDs soccer coach left her sophomore year.
 
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