The Top 5 Recruiting Myths

There are a number of myths that anyone engaging with the college recruiting process should be aware of. Many of the myths result from a lack of understanding by parents and student-athletes of how the process really works. This is understandable — after all, most parents and student athletes are going through this process for the first time. The recruiting process is often complex and difficult to understand. Only 5% of high school soccer players successfully transition to a college soccer roster. Understanding the misconceptions about college recruiting can reduce frustration and help your recruiting journey be a more successful one. Here are the top 5 recruiting myths:

Myth No. 1:  NCAA Division I is the best option

Participating in intercollegiate athletics at any level is a tremendous accomplishment, but Division I certainly isn’t the only good opportunity. Ultimately, the best opportunity will be at the college that is the best FIT for you. This could be found at a D-2 or D-3 college. If you want to determine your level it is helpful to play in front of 85 coaches at Future 500 and see which colleges contact you after camp.

Myth No. 2:  The college recruiting process starts at the beginning of your senior year in high school

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to wait too long to start the recruiting process. College athletic recruitment is incredibly competitive, forcing college coaches to begin identifying and recruiting prospective athletes earlier and earlier. If you wait to start your recruiting efforts until your senior year, you most likely will be too late. 

Myth No. 3: You need a commercial quality highlight video

College coaches are not looking for a commercial with fancy effects, they want to focus on your skills and be able to quickly decide if you’re a candidate for their program. Future 500 films all games from elevated towers in high definition, available for purchase and for coaches to view after camp as part of their efforts to identify you.

Myth No. 4: Good grades don’t matter if you are a good athlete

You have to qualify for admission academically for any college you are considering athletically. And while some colleges may be able to “dip” their admissions requirements a little to land a top recruit, they can only dip so much – and if you are below that, you won’t be admitted. 

Myth No. 5: If I’m good enough, the college coaches will find me

College coaches have recruiting budgets, and except for Division I football and basketball, those budgets are limited. As a result, they are usually pretty targeted in how they search for recruits – attending a few specific events. In 2018, 94.3% of the coaches at Future 500 contacted multiple players after camp. Future 500 is prioritized and attended by 75+ coaches as part of the limited time and money they have to watch players. If you wait around to get recruited, it may never happen, even if you are talented enough. You need to put yourself in the spotlight for coaches to see. There is no better place to do this than at Future 500, with 75 coaches present.