Seniors starting now

Senior year and just getting started? You're late, not too late.

I recruited as a college head coach. Programs still had needs in the spring every year: injuries, transfers, players who didn't get admitted. Here's a 30 day plan to get you in front of them. Check things off as you go. Your progress saves on this device.

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The 30 day plan

One week at a time. Do the list in order and don't skip film.

Week 1: Get your base ready

Know where you're headed before you email anyone.

Write down the career you're aiming at, then two or three majors or programs that lead there.Start with the career, then the major. Many colleges offer more than one route to the same job.
Build a list of 15 to 25 schools across at least two levels.Include Division III, NAIA and junior college programs. See "Where to look" below.
For each school, check the official athletics website and write down the current soccer coaches, their emails and the date you checked.
Clean up your social media. Coaches look.
If any school on your list is Division I or II, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.Check the current registration page for steps and fees.

Week 2: Film

Most coaches won't go further without it.

Pick one or two full games where you were involved a lot.
Cut a 3 to 5 minute highlight video. Best play first. No long intro.
Before each clip, mark yourself with a circle or arrow so a coach can find you in one second.
Choose plays that fit your position. A center back shows defending, organizing and passing out of the back.
Show both feet and good decisions under pressure. Let the soccer do the selling, not the music.
Upload it where it opens with one click and no login. Keep a full game link ready, because serious coaches ask.
Pin the video to your recruiting profile and social bio.

Week 3: Reach out

One real email to one real coach at a time.

Send your first email to your top 10 schools, one at a time. Use the builder below.
Fill out each program's recruiting questionnaire if they have one, and mention it in your email.
Email your schedule and jersey number to each coach before any event you're playing in.
Log every contact: date, what you sent, what they said, your next step.

Week 4: Follow up and apply

The follow up is where most players drop off. Don't.

About a week after each email, follow up with something new: a game, a grade, updated film.
Apply for admission on time. Admission is its own step, separate from the soccer conversation.
Have the family money talk: what can we pay each year, all four years? Run each school's net price calculator.
Ask an academic advisor at each school how their students get from your major to the career you want.
Ask every coach who replies: "What's the next step in your process, and what's your timeline?"

Career first, then major.

The major on your application matters less than where you want to end up. Many colleges offer several routes to the same career: majors, minors, co ops and internships. Ask an advisor at every school on your list how their players get there while playing a season.

Where to look this late

Many Division I and II classes are mostly set by senior fall. These levels often keep recruiting into spring.

Division III

No athletic scholarships, but merit and need based aid can be large. The NCAA projects over 400 Division III programs each for men and women in 2026 to 2027.

NAIA

Can offer athletic aid and has its own eligibility rules. Start at playnaia.org.

Junior college

Two years of real soccer at a lower cost, with a path to transfer. Start at njcaa.org.

Compare schools on the final number your family pays, all aid stacked, in writing. Nobody can promise a roster spot, admission or money, so be careful of anyone who does.

Build your first email

Fill it in once. Change the school and the reason for each coach. Nothing you type leaves this device.

Send from your own email, not a parent's. One coach per email. Read it out loud once before you hit send.

Free, no email neededAfter the MatchThree actions while the game is fresh, plus a five line follow up email.FreeDownload the PDF

Free by emailThe Recruiting TimelineFreshman to senior, your family's side and the college coach's side.FreeGet the timeline

More choicesNot a senior?Pick your next step after any match: your list, the right coaches, your next contact.FreeGo there

Educational guidance only. NCAA rule basis: 2026 to 2027. Controlled reference: SH NCAA Soccer Recruiting 2026 to 2027 v1.4.0, verified through November 2, 2026. Program counts are NCAA projections as of September 2026. NCAA rules and school policies change. Confirm current requirements with the NCAA Eligibility Center and each school's compliance office.

Questions about this page? Email [email protected]. This is a free prepared resource and doesn't include individual recruiting advice.