Navigating the College Soccer Recruitment Process: Common Mistakes to Avoid

The college soccer recruitment process can be confusing, overwhelming, and full of noise — especially with so many platforms, people, and promises in the mix. Whether you're a player based in the U.S. or coming from overseas, one wrong move can delay or even derail your college dream.

In this blog, we break down the most common mistakes athletes make during recruitment — with sections for domestic and international players — and how to avoid them. Because no matter where you’re from, success in this process starts with clear goals, smart planning, and a realistic mindset.

Understanding the Recruitment Process

To effectively navigate the recruitment process, you need to understand its intricacies. It involves multiple steps and unique strategies that vary based on whether you are a domestic player or an international one.

It’s crucial to keep yourself informed and prepared. Adapting to new challenges can make a significant difference in your journey.

🇺🇸 Common Mistakes for U.S.-Based Athletes

For domestic players, exposure isn’t the issue — but strategy is. Many are relying on outdated approaches that no longer suffice in today’s competitive landscape.

❌ Thinking the Traditional Process Is Enough

Years ago, the typical route — emailing a few coaches, attending some ID camps, and showcasing talent at ECNL showcases — could yield several offers. However, that's no longer the case.

College soccer is more competitive than ever. Thousands of players from across the U.S. and around the globe are vying for the same roster spots.

👉 Soccer isn’t American football or baseball. U.S. players don’t dominate the global pool. Coaches now scout talent from the UK, Spain, Africa, South America, and beyond. This means you have to stand out with a personalized, global-minded approach — the exact model we use at Primus.

❌ Waiting Too Long to Start

Many players delay the recruitment process until their junior or senior year. However, college coaches — particularly at the NCAA D1 and D2 levels — start locking in players 12 to 24 months out.

👉 Start early. Build your profile, create your video, and begin outreach in 9th or 10th grade, not your senior year.

❌ Generic Highlight Tapes

Coaches receive dozens of highlight reels each week. If your video is lengthy, hard to follow, or fails to showcase your strengths, you will likely be overlooked.

👉 Your tape should be 2 to 4 minutes, include position-specific moments, and feature clear labeling. Need help? 🎥 Watch our full video on how to create the perfect highlight reel: How to Make a Soccer Highlight Tape.

❌ Poor or No Outreach

Sending mass emails, using copy-paste messages, or merely hoping to be discovered isn’t enough anymore.

👉 Coaches expect personalized outreach that mentions their school and program and explains why you're a good fit. Lazy messaging is a red flag.

❌ Only Focusing on NCAA D1

Not all D1 programs are elite. Many D2 and NAIA schools outperform mid-tier D1 teams. They may also offer better academics, playing time, or scholarships.

👉 Read our blog breaking down the different governing bodies—College Soccer Pathways: NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA & More—and remember: D1 doesn't mean “best.” Find the right fit, not just the seemingly prestigious name.

🌍 Common Mistakes for International Athletes

International players encounter distinct challenges from paperwork and visas to culture shock and misunderstanding the system. Here are the most common pitfalls:

❌ Underestimating the Timeline

Navigating the college recruitment process as an international player can be time-consuming. Obtaining a visa, applying to schools, clearing eligibility, and confirming scholarships requires significant time—often 12 to 18 months in advance—to avoid last-minute scrambles.

👉 Start early to prevent missed opportunities.

❌ Not Understanding the Levels

Many international athletes mistakenly believe that college soccer in the U.S. consists solely of big stadiums, TV coverage, and pro-level environments. However, that's true for only the top 5 to 10% of programs.

👉 Familiarize yourself with different levels: NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, NJCAA, USPORT (Canada), and CCAA (Canada). 🎯 Not sure what they mean? We break it all down here: College Soccer Pathways Blog.

❌ Relying 100% on an Agent

Some players think an agency will place them while they sit back and relax. This is a mistake.

👉 A competent agency should communicate often, involve you in every step, and clarify your options. But you need to stay engaged—respond promptly and take an active role in the process. Delays in the response can cause you to miss offers.

❌ Judging a School TOO SOON

Don’t dismiss a school based on its website or the appearance of its soccer pitch.

👉 What truly matters is: Will you play? Will you grow? Will the academics suit you? Many players start at smaller or less “glamorous” schools and transfer to bigger ones later. Where you start doesn't define where you finish.

❌ Unrealistic Scholarship Expectations

Not every school offers full scholarships — especially not upfront or in the first year. Athletic aid is often stacked with academic or financial aid.

👉 Be open-minded. A 60% scholarship at a reputable NAIA school might carry more weight than a 20% scholarship at a low D1 with no support.

🎯 The Most Common Mistake of All: Unrealistic Expectations

Whether you are domestic or international, unrealistic expectations can hinder your progress.

• Believing your highlight tape alone will get you offers

• Thinking every D1 team operates like a professional academy

• Underestimating the academic or time demands

• Expecting a full ride without proper research or planning

  
  

👉 The U.S. college soccer system is incredible — but only if you understand it, prepare for it, and maintain realistic expectations.

✅ How to Get It Right

At Primus, we guide athletes through a modern, personalized recruitment process that reflects the current college landscape — rather than outdated methods.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Start early and maintain consistency.

• Be realistic and open to various levels.

• Engage in your own recruitment — don’t just wait.

• Focus on the full fit — playing time, academics, and culture.

• Use trusted support that truly knows how to assist you.

  
  

⚽ Ready to Avoid These Mistakes?

Whether you’re emailing your first coach or narrowing down offers, we will help you make smarter decisions from day one.

👉 Work with Primus — and build your future the right way.