How to prepare for college soccer

How to prepare for college soccer
by TopDrawerSoccer
January 5, 2022

Even after you've committed or signed to play college soccer, one journey ends and another begins. 

With help from the experts at IMG Academy and their soccer program, now is the time to plan your next steps and map out an academic and athletic career path. Here are some tips on how to stay sharp and prepared for the next level even after you’ve already committed or signed an NLI on National Signing Day.

  • Demonstrate your commitment. Plan your training accordingly to play at a more physical, faster pace. Arrive on campus prepared physically and mentally for the challenges that will come.
  • Understand how you will be assessed. Ask the coaches for feedback of what will be expected of you. Work hard at your primary skill set (A skill set is the knowledge, abilities, and experience needed to perform a role on the field. ) For example, a wide player needs to be able to serve a driven ball, bent ball, a clipped ball and be able to deliver quality service whilst moving.
  • Manage expectations. Setting your expectations too high is a destructive behavior that can bring disappointment into your college career. It's okay to expect positive things to happen but the competition will be stiffer and there will be an adjustment period for most student/athletes. Acceptance and sticking with your goals and process is vital when it comes to managing expectations. Accepting things won't always turn out the way you planned so, you can better manage the situation. Too many players want to transfer when things don't work for them instead of staying and fighting for their position or earning their way into the starting 11.
  • Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be frightening but will be necessary if you are to be successful. 
  • Be "college prepared". Make every effort to meet with high school guidance counselors on a consistent basis to make sure all transcripts, test scores etc. are being sent. Stay organized and on top of your academics. The time you put into college preparation and work you put in now will lay the foundation for athletic and academic success.
  • Pay attention to all details and respond to all communications in a timely manner. You will need to send in information such as: Housing forms, equipment sizing requests, orientation dates and more. Make sure you are on top of everything as coaches do not take kindly to chasing players for information!

To learn more about the recruiting process or about IMG Academy’s offerings, register for a free account with TopDrawerSoccer where you can learn more about their soccer development opportunities.

Did you know NCSA offers free college recruiting resources? As the official college recruiting services partner of IMG Academy, you also have access to their tools to help you manage your recruiting journey, make connections, and get recruited. It’s all available when you click here!

Trending Videos
 
IMG Academy Top 150 Rankings
see full ranking:
Boys Girls