1. COLLEGE RECRUITING 2018

2. KFJ College Recruiting
Hello and welcome to the KFJ college recruiting assistance program. We are happy to provide assistance, guidance and direction during your college search. We know that you have many questions regarding the process and we are eager to help. The KFJ staff are happy to be a part of your process, however, the work must be initiated by you-the player and your family. Please look over this presentation and after you have reviewed it, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or guidance. A contact slide for where to direct questions is included at the end of this presentation.

3. Online Resources NCAA Eligibility Center ScholarshipStats.com
Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete
ScholarshipStats.com

4. COLLEGE SPONSORED SOCCER
DIVISION
MEN
WOMEN
NCAA DIVISION I
205
333
NCAA DIVISION II
214
265
NCAA DIVISION III
415
441
NJCAA
217
181
NAIA
188
198
Info from Scholarshipstats.com

5. SCHOLARSHIP BREAKDOWN
DIVISION
MEN
WOMEN
NCAA DI
9.9 14
NCAA DII 9
NCAA DIII
NONE
NJCAA 18
NAIA 12
Info from Scholarshipstats.com

6. ODDS OF A HIGH SCHOOL* SOCCER-ATHLETE PLAYING IN COLLEGE
MEN
WOMEN
Number of HS* soccer players
420,234
388,339
Number of US college soccer players
39,888
38,873
% of foreign students playing college soccer
10.8%
3.6%
% of US HS* players competing at any college level
7.9%
9.6%
% of US HS* players competing at NCAA DI level
1.1%
2.3%
*High school, NOT club soccer participants
Info from Scholarshipstats.com

7. NCAA RECRUITING RULES
New NCAA DI rules have restricted the timeline in which sport programs can contact prospects.
DII, DIII & NAIA are unchanged
It’s the responsibility of the coaches to abide the rules. The burden is NOT on prospect.

8. Recruiting Calendar – NCAA DIFR SO JR SR
You MAY receive info for: camps, questionnaires, academics, non-athletic X
You MAY call, , text coaches
You MAY visit campus and speak with coaches on-campus
Sept. 1
Coaches MAY call YOU
Coaches MAY , text, IM
You MAY receive recruiting materials
Coaches MAY have off-campus contact
You MAY make an “official” visit
Info from NCAA.com

9. Recruiting Calendar – NCAA DIIFR SO JR SR
You MAY receive info for: camps, questionnaires, academics, non-athletic X
You MAY call, , text coaches
You MAY visit campus and speak with coaches on-campus
Coaches MAY call YOU
June 15
Coaches MAY , text, IM
You MAY receive recruiting materials
Coaches MAY have off-campus contact
You MAY make an “official” visit
Info from NCAA.com

10. Recruiting Calendar – NCAA DIIIFR SO JR SR
You MAY receive info for: camps, questionnaires, academics, non-athletic X
You MAY call, , text coaches
You MAY visit campus and speak with coaches on-campus
Coaches MAY call YOU
Coaches MAY , text, IM
You MAY receive recruiting materials
Coaches MAY have off-campus contact
Conclusion
You MAY make an “official” visit
Jan. 1
Information from NCAA.com

11. Recruiting Timeline FRESH/SOPH JUNIOR SENIOR
Establish academic profile
Develop your “game”
Make a broad list of potential schools
Send coaches your schedule and attend ID camps
FRESH/SOPH
Communicate to coaches - events
Narrow down search
Make campus visits – official & unofficial
Update Eligibility Center
Attend ID camps
Take ACT/SAT
JUNIOR
Continue contact with coaches
Official visits allowed
Complete FAFSA
Complete all application info
NLI signing in February
SENIOR

12. You better have some CAT in you
CHARACTER
Be a great teammate.
Be a “young professional”.
Make the players around you better.
Handle mistakes and defeats with class.
Be coachable!!!
ACADEMICS
Good academics opens doors.
Set the bar early in HS
Know the NCAA standards
Prepare for ACT/SAT
Good grades = $$$$
TALENT
“If you are a good player, we will find you”.
Play at the highest level that you can.
Be willing to play multiple positions.
What are you doing get better when nobody is looking?
Source: Paul Biancardi

13. How to Gain Exposure Don’t wait for schools to recruit you
Schools WANT to know that YOU are willing to do the leg-work
Work with the KFJ staff to identify appropriate schools and that level at which you can play
Ways to get on coach’s radar
ID Camps – great early exposure to school, coaches and team
ODP – excellent vehicle for extra exposure and development
Recruiting Services – no need to spend money, KFJ is your recruiting service.
Highlight Videos – Are useful to introduce yourself to a school/coach, however, you shouldn’t rely of this as your only recruiting tool.

14. Where Do YOU Fit? DI, DII, DIII, NAIA
Is this what you, the student-athlete, want?
Do you love to idea of it or the reality of it?
What type of the following are you willing to accept:
Time commitment
Academic vs. Athletic balance
Social atmosphere

15. Intro Letter To Coach (Part I)
MAKE SURE NAME IS CORRECT
Dear Coach
The opening paragraph(s) should include your name, grade, and graduation year (bold grad year). It should also state your interest in the school and why. Be specific with your interest.
Introduce yourself:
Explore the possibility of playing soccer at your school, visiting campus, meeting with coaches/players, watching me at upcoming events
Purpose:

16. Intro Letter to Coach (Part II)
Club team and jersey number, high school team and jersey number, position(s). Include brief playing honors/distinctions
A good place to give brief description of technical/tactical strengths (sound like a soccer player)
Playing Background:
GPA, ACT/SAT scores or intended test date(s), class rank, academic interests
Academic Background:
Include as much detail as possible about upcoming events, locations, and game times
Upcoming Schedule
Thank them for time. Let them know they can contact your coaches. Include profile if applicable.
Closing

17. Player Profile/Resume
First Name, Last name – Class of 20?? (Appropriate photo is encouraged) Kentucky Fire Juniors / jersey# High School name / jersey# Contact Info: Street name & number City, State, zip code Contact phone number Contact Other info: D.O.B. GPA: ? - Class Rank: ? – ACT/SAT: Score or date taking test (include necessary academic accomplishments) Specific academic interest Club Coach/Contact: Coach name, cell number, address High School Coach/Contact: Coach name, cell number, address Individual / Team Accomplishments: -Include notable accomplishments like: captain, championships, ODP, etc Upcoming events: -Event name, location, game time, field number and opponent
Player Profile/Resume

18. Questions About the Process?
Many of our coaches have extensive college experience and can provide guidance. Please start by reaching out to one of the individuals below Boys questions: Girls questions: