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Everyone Wants to Play College SocceR, But Do You Know Why?

“I want to play college soccer.”

It’s one of the most common things we hear from athletes. But when we ask a simple follow-up “Why?”  the answers get a lot more vague.

The reality is this: saying you want to play in college isn’t enough. If you don’t understand why you want it and what you're truly hoping to get out of the experience, you risk chasing the wrong opportunities, wasting time, or burning out before you even start.

This blog is about helping you find clarity. Because your “why” shapes everything.

🎯 The Most Common Reasons Players Give and Why You Should Go Deeper

Here are a few things players say when we ask why they want to play in college:

✅ “To get a scholarship”

That’s great, but:

  • Are you open to different types of aid (athletic, academic, international grants)?

  • Are you clear on how scholarship levels work (full vs. partial, D1 vs. NAIA)?

  • Do you understand what’s realistic based on your grades and level?

If your only goal is “a scholarship,” you could end up choosing a school that’s cheap but doesn’t offer your degree, your lifestyle, or a meaningful playing opportunity.

✅ “To go pro”

Big dream and we respect it. But:

  • Do you know which levels actually produce pro players? (Hint: not just D1)

  • Are you choosing a program that will develop you, not just one with a big name?

  • Are you prepared to be a student, too... just in case?

Wanting to go pro is valid, but make sure your pathway allows you to grow, play, and stay visible, not just sit on the bench for four years.

✅ “To keep playing the game I love”

One of the best reasons. But even that needs more thought:

  • Are you choosing a program where you’ll actually play?

  • Is soccer your only motivation or is the school a good fit outside football too?

If your main driver is love of the game, your recruitment strategy should prioritize fit, team culture, coaching style, and overall experience. Not just hype or ego.

🧠 Why Knowing Your “Why” Changes Everything

Here’s the truth: every decision you make from what schools you contact, to what level you aim for, to which offer you accept, should be guided by your goals.

Clarity helps you:

  • Pick the right school, not just the best known name

  • Have smarter conversations with coaches

  • Filter out bad-fit opportunities that waste your time

  • Stay motivated when things get tough because you know your end goal

⚠️ Have You Thought About the Demands?

College soccer isn’t just a continuation of your club season, it’s a full-time lifestyle.

Before you commit to this path, ask yourself:

  • Are you ready to wake up for 6am lifts before class?

  • Can you handle training, studying, and traveling all in one day?

  • Are you okay with doing coursework on a 5-hour bus ride home from an away game?

  • Are you mentally prepared to compete every day for your spot, not just once a week?

This isn’t meant to scare you it’s meant to prepare you. Because if your “why” is strong, the demands become worth it. But if you’re unsure, the grind can feel overwhelming.

Knowing what’s coming helps you stay ready, not caught off guard.

🏫 Real Examples We See at Primus

📌 Player A wanted to study engineering, but was chasing D1 programs that didn’t even offer it. Once they got clear on priorities, they chose a high-level D3 where they could play and study what they loved.

📌 Player B dreamed of going pro, so they chose an NAIA program where they could start from Year 1, build their highlight reel, and focus on growth. They’re now training with pro clubs back home in the summer.

📌 Player C was simply burnt out from the constant tournament grind. Once they defined their “why,” they chose a school in Canada where the season fit better with their lifestyle and long-term goals.

🔁 “Play College Soccer” Means Something Different for Everyone

It could mean:

  • A scholarship to help you afford your education

  • A stepping stone to the pro level

  • A personal goal after years of hard work

  • A chance to travel, meet new people, and grow as a person

Whatever your reason, own it. Be honest with yourself. That clarity will guide every step of your recruitment process.

🟡 What We Do at Primus

At Primus, we don’t just ask what level you want to play at, we ask why you're playing at all. Then we build your recruitment journey around that.

Because when your path matches your purpose, everything changes.

👉 Ready to define your why and build your own pathway?

 
 
 

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