With the Division I soccer season kicking off on Thursday, it feels like college soccer has returned to normal. The reality is that college soccer is not close to being back what we remember from the scholastic level, especially in the recruiting game. The universal waiver of an extra year of eligibility threw off the schedule for many programs, and then the lengthy delay to recruiting has left the 2022 class in a tricky situation - perhaps with a pending quagmire to come in future years. 

The reality for the 2022 class has set in as we’ve seen an increase an interest from that class over the last month compared to any other upcoming class. This might seem overwhelming for the players late to the recruiting journey. However, the adversity creates an opportunity. There is no reason to be pessimistic for getting scouted or recruited for the 2022 class. 

Creating a plan of attack is a good first step. There are plenty of tips and tools on TopDrawerSoccer to help players at every step of the process. The TopDrawerSoccer recruiting guide, available to all premier members, is an invaluable resource for all players looking to play at the college level. It includes advice for every step of the journey as well as insight into how to make the recruiting process as simple as possible. 

There are free resources available on the site as well, including how to make the best highlight video, tips from top college coaches, and five tips to stand out to coaches. Those three articles are a great place to start for any player looking to get an opportunity to play at the college level - and include expert opinions on the most common questions for college soccer recruiting. 

If you are early in the process (think freshman or sophomore in high school), this is a great time to start thinking about options and gather as much information as possible. If you are later in the process, be ready to make decisions and have a clear idea of what you want. 

All of the tools and tips will only take prospective players so far though. There needs to be some initiative especially among the 2022 class. This means reaching out to college coaches frequently, advocating for how you can help a program, keeping your grade point average as high as possible so you are seen as an asset both on and off the field for a team. Improving your highlight reel will appeal to college coaches, but being seen in person will go a long way too. Familiarize yourself with the college recruiting window and figure out which events will have multiple college coaches in attendance to give you the most exposure. 

The keys for the players in the class of 2022 looking to get caught in the recruiting journey: utilize as much information is out there and available to you, stay ready (on and off the field) for the opportunity, and advocate for yourself with coaches.