football match today

Having spent over a decade working with collegiate soccer programs and international student-athletes, I've come to appreciate the intricate dance that is NCAA recruitment. When I first heard the Filipino phrase "Bakit natin pinapaabot du'n pa?"—roughly translating to "Why are we extending it there?"—it struck me how perfectly this captures the recruitment dilemma many international players face. The American college soccer landscape spans nearly 1,200 NCAA programs across Division I, II, and III, yet most recruits focus on maybe 20-30 schools. Why are we limiting ourselves to such a narrow selection when there are incredible opportunities waiting beyond the usual suspects?

I remember working with a talented midfielder from Norway who nearly passed on Providence College because it wasn't on his "dream schools" list. He ended up becoming their captain and now plays professionally in Sweden. The truth is, while everyone chases the same 50-60 powerhouse programs like UCLA or Indiana University, there are hundreds of quality Division I schools with phenomenal soccer programs. Clemson University's women's team, for instance, has made 12 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances yet doesn't get the same attention as North Carolina. The recruitment process often becomes about chasing brands rather than finding the right fit.

The financial aspect is another area where families get tunnel vision. Many don't realize that Division III programs, while not offering athletic scholarships, often provide substantial academic aid packages. I've seen athletes receive $35,000-$45,000 annually in merit scholarships at DIII schools—sometimes more than partial athletic scholarships at DI programs. And let's talk about playing time. At a mid-major DI program, you might actually see the field as a freshman rather than riding the bench for two years at a traditional power. I always advise players to consider the total package: coaching stability, graduation rates, conference competitiveness, and post-graduate outcomes.

From my experience working with recruitment data, the average men's soccer program receives approximately 450 serious inquiries for maybe 6-8 roster spots each year. Yet many quality programs at schools like Loyola Marymount or Colgate University struggle to find the right fits because everyone's chasing the same big names. The women's side shows similar patterns, with Stanford and Florida State receiving thousands of expressions of interest while equally competitive programs like Santa Clara University fly somewhat under the radar.

What many international players don't realize is that the NCAA eligibility process itself can take 6-8 months to complete, and starting late is the most common mistake I see. I've had to deliver the hard news to talented players that they missed their window because they focused too narrowly on their "dream schools" without having backup options. The recruitment journey should be like casting a net—wide enough to catch multiple opportunities, yet targeted enough to ensure quality matches.

Looking back at the players I've helped navigate this process, the most successful placements weren't necessarily at the most famous programs, but at schools where the athlete-coach-program triangle aligned perfectly. One of my former clients turned down a partial scholarship at a Big Ten school for a full ride at University of Denver and became an All-American. His story exemplifies why we need to look beyond the surface and find programs where players can truly thrive rather than just survive. The college soccer experience should be about growth, development, and creating lifelong connections—not just collecting jersey logos.