All Categories

How the NCAA Transfer Portal is Reshaping College Soccer Recruiting for High School Players

4/15/2025

Over the last few years, the NCAA transfer portal has transformed the landscape of college athletics — and soccer is no exception. For high school players dreaming of playing at the collegiate level, this change has brought both new challenges and unexpected opportunities.
What Is the Transfer Portal, Anyway?
Introduced in 2018, the NCAA transfer portal is a system that allows college athletes to officially declare their intention to transfer to another school. Once they enter the portal, coaches from other programs are free to contact them. It's essentially free agency for college sports — and it’s been a game-changer.
The Ripple Effect on High School Recruiting
When it comes to recruiting, coaches now have two major pipelines: high school players and the transfer portal. More often than not, they're leaning into the portal — and here’s why:

Experience Matters: Transfer players usually come with college-level training, game experience, and a better understanding of what it takes to compete at a higher level. This makes them more "plug and play" than a high school recruit who still needs to adjust to the pace, physicality, and demands of college soccer.
Roster Gaps = Quick Fixes: Injuries, academic issues, or players turning pro early can leave sudden holes in a roster. Instead of banking on a high school freshman to step in, coaches often prefer a seasoned transfer who can fill that gap immediately.
Smaller Class Sizes: Some programs are now recruiting fewer high school players per class. Where a coach might’ve brought in 8-10 freshmen a few years ago, they might now only bring in 4-6, relying on transfers to round out the roster.

What This Means for High School Players
So how should high school athletes navigate this shifting landscape? Here are a few takeaways:

Start Early and Be Proactive: With fewer roster spots available for incoming freshmen, standing out early in the recruiting process is more important than ever. Attend ID camps, reach out to coaches directly, and build your presence on platforms like Hudl or Instagram.
Work with an Organization that Understands the Process and Can Help with Connections: Most high school players now have to have to work with an organization to help them navigate what can be a challenging process. With our individualized approach at Right Fit, we can help high school players stand out in the crowd and we can use our connections with college coaches to secure one of the coveted roster spots.
Academic Excellence Is Key: Strong academics can help players stand out, especially for programs that balance athletic and academic standards. It also opens up more opportunities — including at D2, D3, and NAIA schools, which may not rely as heavily on the portal.
Consider a Multi-Step Path: Some players are now looking at junior college or NAIA programs as a stepping stone, with plans to transfer later. It’s a longer path, but for some, it leads to the same destination.
Be Open to Different Divisions: While D1 gets a lot of the spotlight, D2, D3, and NAIA schools are still recruiting heavily from high schools and offer great soccer and academic experiences.
Develop Beyond the Field: Leadership, communication skills, and mental toughness are increasingly important. Coaches want players who are ready to handle the transition to college life, not just play the game.

Final Thoughts
The transfer portal isn’t going away — and while it’s added complexity to the recruiting process, it’s also a reminder that there’s no single path to college soccer. High school players who stay informed, adaptable, and focused on continuous development still have plenty of opportunities to play at the next level.
It’s a new era, but talent, work ethic, and the right mindset still go a long way. Reach out today and we will help you find the right fit!

0 Comments

Why Spring Matters in college recruiting

2/3/2025

0 Comments

Spring is a key time for recruiting coaches to scout potential talent. Many players focus on their fall and winter seasons, but college coaches are watching, evaluating, and making decisions throughout the spring and have a lot more time to focus on recruitment when they are not in the midst of a tough season. This is when recruitment heats up—particularly for rising juniors and seniors. If you want to stand out, staying organized and on top of your game can make all the difference.

1. Build Your Recruitment Timeline
One of the first steps in organizing for the spring is creating a personalized timeline for the recruiting process. College soccer programs have different recruitment schedules depending on the division (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, etc.), and knowing when to send out emails, attend showcases, or take official visits can vary.

2. Prepare Your Recruiting Materials
Recruitment isn’t just about your on-field performance—it’s also about how you present yourself. Organizing your recruitment materials early in the spring will save you a lot of stress as the season progresses.
Here’s what you need:

Highlight Reel: Your highlight reel is essential. This is your first impression with coaches. Aim for a 3-5 minute video that shows off your technical ability, game awareness, and athleticism. Make sure it’s high quality and includes the best footage from your club and high school seasons.
Resume: A soccer resume is a must. It should include your playing history, achievements, academic info, and contact details. Be sure to highlight any relevant honors or tournaments you’ve participated in.
Transcript: Keep your academic transcript updated, even if you’re just starting your recruiting journey. Many coaches will want to see your grades, and some programs have academic requirements for recruitment.
Contact Information: Ensure you have an easy-to-read, well-organized email template that you can personalize when reaching out to coaches. Respond promptly to any coach emails or phone calls, and stay professional throughout.

3. Attend College Showcases and Camps
Spring is a great time to attend college soccer showcases and camps, where coaches will be present and actively scouting talent. These events give you the opportunity to showcase your skills in front of multiple schools at once. They also offer a chance to get a feel for the atmosphere of different programs. Make sure to avoid the money-making camps.
Look for showcases that are attended by coaches from colleges you’re interested in, and make sure to prepare beforehand—this means arriving with your materials ready, playing your best, and engaging with coaches.

We can help with all of these things at Right Fit College Recruiting. Set up a free consultation today!

0 Comments

Thoughts on the College Soccer Process

How the NCAA Transfer Portal is Reshaping College Soccer Recruiting for High School Players

Why Spring Matters in college recruiting

Authors

Archives

Categories