With over 400,000 girls playing high school soccer in the U.S., the women’s college soccer recruiting process is both exciting and highly competitive. About 10% of high school girls soccer players go on to play in college, and only around 3% play at the NCAA Division I level. Success in the recruiting process takes more than talent, it requires planning, persistence, and the right exposure. In this guide, we walk you through how to get recruited for women’s college soccer, including every key step to help you confidently navigate the path to college soccer.
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Key Takeaways: How to Get Recruited for Women’s College Soccer
- Start Early: Many women’s soccer recruits commit earlier than their male counterparts—some as early as sophomore year.
- Build Your Recruiting Profile: Showcase your game film, academic info, and personality in a digital profile that coaches can access anytime.
- Create a Standout Highlight Video: Capture your soccer IQ, decision-making, and athleticism in game-action clips.
- Reach Out to Coaches Directly: Don’t wait to be noticed. Send emails, attend ID camps, and follow up regularly.
- Stay on Top of Key Dates: Keep track of soccer recruiting calendars, test dates, and application timelines.
- Keep Your Grades Up: Academics play a major role in admissions and scholarship opportunities.
- Know the Rules: Understand the NCAA recruiting rules and timelines for women’s soccer.
How Does Women’s College Soccer Recruiting Work?
From a college coach’s perspective, the process includes:
- Early Talent Scouting: Coaches often begin identifying soccer talent in club tournaments and ID camps by freshman or sophomore year.
- Player Evaluation: They assess tactical awareness, athleticism, and team fit through game footage, live evaluations, and personal interactions.
- Relationship Building: Strong communication skills, responsiveness, and coachability matter just as much as soccer skills.
- Campus Engagement: Coaches may invite top soccer prospects to visit campus, tour facilities, and meet current soccer players.
- Making Offers: Offers are extended based on the program’s needs, a recruit’s fit, and scholarship availability.
- Compliance: Coaches must follow NCAA soccer recruiting calendars and restrictions by division.
For recruits, the key is to stand out early, communicate clearly, and stay committed to development on and off the field.
When Should You Start the Recruiting Process?
If you want to play women’s college soccer, start no later than your sophomore year. Many Division I coaches begin tracking potential recruits in 9th or 10th grade. Waiting until junior year could mean missing out on top opportunities, especially at D1 programs. See NCAA contact rules for women’s soccer for more details.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Are You Ready for the Demands of Women’s College Soccer?
College women’s soccer demands strong time management. You’ll juggle practice, travel, strength training, and recovery sessions alongside academics. Coaches evaluate not just athletic ability but also your discipline, focus, and commitment to the grind of being a student-athlete.
Are You Competitive Enough?
Women’s soccer recruiting is intense. Recruits need to assess where they stand and where they can grow. Talk openly with your club coach and seek an evaluation from a credible third party like NCSA to understand your true level and trajectory.
What Level Is Right for You?
With competitive programs across NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and junior colleges, choosing the right level depends on your goals and development. Consider watching college games and asking:
- Could I compete at this level in a year or two?
- How important is playing time to me?
- Do I fit into this team’s style of play?
- Am I ready for the academic and athletic balance?
Check out the video below to see NCSA Recruiting Coach and former D1 and NAIA college coach Lindsey Boldt break down why women’s soccer recruits should consider all division levels when they start the recruiting process.
Do You Need to Play Club Soccer?
Absolutely. Club soccer is essential for most women’s recruits, especially for those targeting Division I or II programs. Most college coaches recruit heavily from events like ECNL, Girls Academy, and regional showcases. A strong club background demonstrates you’ve faced top competition and can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
How your Coach can help
Your club or high school coach can play a key support role by advising you on the right level of play, making calls to college coaches, or even helping you prepare for camps. But remember, you are your own best advocate. Be respectful of your coach’s time and be prepared when asking for help.
Researching schools and building your college list
Start with a broad list of 20–30 schools, considering factors like location, academics, team culture, and campus life. Divide your list into:
- Safety Schools (5–10): Schools where your academic and athletic profile exceed their standards.
- Target Schools (10–15): A solid fit based on your ability, grades, and personal preferences.
- Reach Schools (5–10): Competitive schools that stretch your academic or athletic goals.
Refine your list as you engage with coaches and learn more about each program. Visit our list of best women’s soccer colleges for student-athletes to start your research.
Creating a highlight video for women’s soccer
A great recruiting video can be the difference maker in an athlete’s recruiting. While coaches prYour highlight video should show your strengths in game scenarios: movement off the ball, vision, technical skills, and decision-making. For field players, include 20–30 plays from real match footage. Goalkeepers should show shot-stopping, distribution, and communication.
Make your video easy to follow with clear labeling and a short intro and include it in every coach email you send. Get more tips in our soccer highlight video guide.
how to contact women’s college soccer coaches
Start by filling out each program’s recruiting questionnaire, then send a personalized email with your video, key stats, and why you’re interested in the school. Follow up with a phone call. Coaches remember athletes who take the initiative.
Respond quickly to all coach communications, and keep them updated with new stats, videos, and game schedules. If you’re struggling to connect, ask your club coach to help arrange a call.
Why phone calls matter: In a digital world, a phone conversation stands out. It also gives you a chance to ask direct questions and get a feel for the coach’s personality and interest.
Learn more in our full guide to contacting coaches.
Attending the Right Camps and Showcases
Top women’s college coaches spend much of their recruiting budget attending club tournaments, ID camps, and regional showcases. Choose events strategically based on where your target coaches are attending.
Before committing to a soccer camp or showcase, research past coach attendance and confirm interest from programs on your list. Reach out beforehand to let the coaches know you’ll be there.
Insider Tip: Being on the right club team often opens the door to the best events. Ask club directors which tournaments have the best exposure and what support they offer during recruitment.
Managing the Women’s Soccer Recruiting Process
Once you’re in the recruiting pipeline, stay organized. Early on, you’ll spend a few hours weekly sending emails, researching schools, and preparing your materials. During lulls, like college season, maintain communication and keep improving.
Key tasks to stay on track:
- Update Your NCSA Profile regularly with new highlights, test scores, and academic info.
- Schedule College Visits—official and unofficial—to assess campus fit.
- Track Eligibility: Register with the NCAA or NAIA eligibility center and complete all required steps.
- Prep for ACT/SAT: Take these early so you have time to improve your score if needed.
- Complete the FAFSA: Submit it as close to October 1 as possible to maximize financial aid options.
- Check in With Coaches: Monthly updates go a long way in showing coaches your progress and continued interest.
- Revisit Your School List: Add or remove schools based on coach feedback, visits, and program research.
Understanding Women’s Soccer Scholarships & Negotiation
College coaches often offer partial scholarships that combine athletic aid with academic or need-based financial support. To negotiate effectively, it’s smart to have offers from multiple schools and a solid understanding of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Learn more about women’s soccer scholarships and how to negotiate an offer.
Can Women’s Soccer Players Get Paid in College?
Yes. Women’s college athletes can earn money through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Starting in 2025, Division I schools can also provide direct compensation through a revenue-sharing model. Payments vary by school and sport, and deals over $600 will go through the new NIL Clearinghouse.
Take Control of Your Recruiting Journey
With the right guidance, persistence, and tools, you can find a women’s soccer program where you’ll thrive. Our team at NCSA, many of whom are former college athletes, can help you every step of the way.
Create your free recruiting profile and get started today!
