The Dartmouth men’s soccer team is coming off a fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament and a passage into the Sweet 16 under head coach Jeff Cook.

Since Cook took over at the helm 10 years ago, the Big Green have won four Ivy League Championships and made the postseason six times.
 
Cook’s success during the season can be attributed to the offseason at Dartmouth’s Soccer Academy. Former Big Green defender and second-year assistant coach Lucas Richardson said the camp has benefits for both the potential student-athletes and for the program.

“It’s a great way for them to check out the campus and spend some time here,” Richardson said. “They’ll get to know the place and work with the Dartmouth coaches. For us, it’s a great way to see some players that maybe we haven’t been able to see throughout the recruiting process.”

Because of Dartmouth’s location, the camp allows coaches from the host school to see potential players at one time in one place, but also gives other New England colleges the same opportunity.

With that being said, Richardson said the camp’s point of emphasis is player development and enjoyment first, and recruiting second. More than just a member of the staff, Richardson actually attended the camp as a player between his junior and senior year of high school.

“I think one of the reasons I liked it here so much is that Coach Cook really made an effort to ensure that player development and enjoyment come before the recruiting atmosphere,” he said. “It’s something he talks about a lot with all the coaches that work the camp.”

The goal is to make it a positive experience for the campers and for them to leave as better soccer players, Richardson said.

The academy hosts two boys residential academy sessions: July 17-20 and July 21-24. The staff consists of coaches from nine colleges across the country. Dartmouth also hosts a day camp academy July 11-15.

Each residential session is $695 after April 1, while the day camp costs $225 after the same deadline.

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