Sting Soccer Club

Your path to
college soccer.

A guide to the college recruiting process for Sting student-athletes and their families.

College advisory

College athletic recruiting is a complex process. To save families time and energy, we've put together helpful information and links to make it more efficient and less intimidating.

Everyone matters, directors, coaches, parents, and athletes, in finding a pathway to whatever level a player wants to achieve. There is a place for everyone.

Sting is here to guide you while players and parents take the lead in researching and communicating with schools and programs that fit their needs.

Recruiting Timeline

What to do, and when

  • Freshman / Sophomore

    • Gather information on schools you like that have programs to help you achieve your goals and ambitions.
    • Create a list of 10–20 schools that interest you. Organize them into three tiers: Tier 1 (dream schools), Tier 2 (very realistic), Tier 3 (I like these too).
    • Keep your GPA up and work hard to develop as an athlete and soccer player.

  • Junior Year

    • Take the SAT or ACT. Retake it if needed to boost your score.
    • Narrow down your list of schools to 5–10.
    • Keep your GPA up and develop as an athlete and soccer player.
    • Contact and offers from college coaches may start. Some students may need to make a decision.
    • Do not panic if you aren’t being pursued.

  • Senior Year

    • Narrow your list to 5, and be prepared to add schools that weren’t previously on it. The right program is out there.
    • Keep your GPA up and continue to develop as an athlete and player.
    • Do not slip during the second semester, schools can withdraw acceptance if grades drop dramatically.
    • The National Letter of Intent signing period begins mid-November and ends in late July.
    • Many seniors decide late in their final semester. There is no single perfect route, every path is different.

Recruiting FAQs

Common questions

How should athletes and parents communicate with college coaches?
  • You, as a prospective student-athlete, can communicate at any time.
  • College coaches, depending on division, your grade, and time of year, may or may not be able to respond.
  • Coaches get 10–100 recruiting emails a day, so a response can take time, sometimes months.
  • Proofread your emails, make them personal, and pay attention, it’s easy for a coach to turn away someone who shows a lack of interest.
  • Coaches want to hear from the student-athletes they will coach, not the parents. Parents can help, but the athlete must show commitment.
  • Don’t get discouraged. There is a program and school for everyone, be patient and make a positive impression.
What should I think about when deciding if a school is a good fit?
  • Climate, what kind of weather do you like?
  • Population, large school, smaller, in between?
  • Location, regional? driving distance from home? city, beach, mountains?
  • Cost, including travel to and from home. Is financial aid an option?
  • Academics, is your degree offered? Do your grades/scores fit? What academic support exists?
  • Athletically, have coaches shown interest? Is there a need for your position and the role you want?
  • Visit, every campus is unique. Take notes, list pros and cons, and compare.
Is one division (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, JUCO) better than another?
  • Divisions are separated by the number of scholarships and sports offered, recruiting rules, and other factors.
  • Enrollment does not determine level of competition.
  • DIII schools tend to be high-achieving academically, but strong academics exist at all levels.
  • NAIA is a separate governing body with different eligibility and recruiting rules.
  • Junior College is usually 2 years, can be very competitive, costs less, and can lead to transferring to a 4-year school.

Helpful resources