CSTruth-™ Relating to the future, present and former college soccer player and coach. The Truth Behind College Soccer. Tell your story and leave your legacy!
If a college coach is trying to decide between two recruits with similar abilities and potential, their first tie-breaker would be?
📚 Grades 📚
Athletic scholarships are limited. Good grades equal good academic scholarships which helps the college coach save money.
#CSTruth
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
If you truly understand soccer you would know there are JUCO’s, NAIA’s and NCAA D3 programs that can beat NCAA D2 and D1 programs.
Don’t be afraid of “soccer level” stereotypes. Plenty of competitive programs at every level.
#CSTruth
So many players commit to their dream school and then they sit the bench for the first 2-3 years when they could have been successful at so many other schools. You have to decide if you want to be on a college soccer team or play for a college soccer team.
#CSTruth
Recruits,
Look around you. There are thousands of kids at these showcase events and 10x more that didn’t qualify/attend these events.
• Everyone wants NCAA D1 Power 5, but only .5% will actually play P5.
• Everyone wants NCAA D1 but only 1.5% will play D1.
• MOST of you…
Incoming Freshman:
Please understand that the fitness, and pace in college is like nothing you’ve experienced before. Make sure you’re working out, doing your summer workout book, and if possible playing soccer with your teammates in college.
#CSTruth
A full ride in college soccer does exist, but only through your academics.
For a full ride in college soccer, you must combine your athletic scholarship + Grades + GPA + ACT/SAT to = a Full Ride.
The better your grades are the more money for school you'll receive.
#CSTruth
DM: The same coaches who complain about players saying D1 or bust are the ones who only recruit ECNL. Stop pressing the easy button and realize there are quality players that either geographically or financially don’t have the opportunity to play ECNL.
-Parent
#CSTruth
Truth 💣
Recruits: Appreciate your high school playing days. There's nothing quite like the experience of performing in front of your community and a crowd made up of friends and family, while also sharing the field with your classmates.
The feeling of belonging and pride in your school…
🚨June 15th 🚨
Recruits,
If you get a call today , next week, or next year…..be thankful you got a call.
Be thankful you’re one of the 7% that got a call. More importantly, be thankful you didn’t give up!
Don’t ever quit on your dream.
Trust the Process!
#CSTruth
Defenders,
If you’re too soft you can’t play for me.
I need a physical defender, one who can play out of the back, pass short & long distances, get in on the attack, yell at their mids & forwards when they’re not working, win headers, defend 1v1, dribble out of tight…
Men’s College Soccer
Is it a big deal to say you play or played college soccer?
7.9% of U.S. high school men’s soccer players ended up competing in college across the Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA and junior college levels.
So yes it is a big deal!
#CST
I’m convinced kids don’t watch soccer on tv as much as they should. I mean truly watch soccer without being on their phone. Especially on the women’s side in 🇺🇸 .
A lot of the tactical details that affect the game are fixable just by watching soccer.
-College D1 HC
#CSTruth
Rules:
1.Conditioning–3x’s a week.
2.Lifting-2x’s a week.
3.Touching a ball 5-7x’s a week. Practice can be substituted for ball work.
4.Functional Training-once a week is mandatory.
5.Always take 2 days off to Stretch, Recover & Juggle. DO NOT take 2 consecutive days off.
#CSTruth
Defenders,
If you’re too soft you can’t play for me.
I need a defender who’s not afraid to lay a shoulder on someone, who can play out of the back, go on the attack, and yell at their midfield and forwards when they’re not working.
I need a defender that can lead!
#CSTruth
On behalf of our staff at College Soccer Truth, we want to thank our followers. We have an impressive following all thanks to you.
I know our content can be brutally honest at times but we believe in telling the Truth about the good, bad, & ugly side of college⚽️.
🙏🙏
#CSTruth
Bad Players-Don’t take much seriously.
Average Players-Take games seriously.
Good Players-Take practice & games seriously.
Great Players-Take grades, nutrition, warm-up drills, individual work, weights, conditioning, film study, practice, games, & recovery seriously.
#CSTruth
Recruits,
Do you need a list of questions to ask college coaches? Do you know what questions they may ask you?
Here’s a list for you.
Do your research well before your calls with college coaches.
Be ready to ask & answer questions.
See all 4 photos:
#CSTruth
Manchester United Runs:
A lot of colleges use this for their fitness test.
Post your attempt and let’s see if you have what it takes.
The Grind never stops.
#CSTruth
Players: I know between soccer, school, and just being a kid life is stressful right now. So don’t go weeks without talking to your mom and dad. You’ll never be too old to lean on them when you need them.
#CSTruth
Recruits,
If you play outside back and you want to get recruited, just make an overlapping run from 18 to 18, receive the ball, and cross it in. Then watch how quickly coaches highlight your name on the player profile sheet.
#CSTruth
“2 percent of high school athletes are awarded athletic scholarships to compete in college.”
-NCAA
If you’re that 2%, congratulations because it’s a massive accomplishment.
#CSTruth
Why D1⚽️? It’s the best.
Why D2⚽️? Good soccer with a balance of athletics & academics.
Why D3⚽️? Play soccer, amazing degree, & student life.
Why NAIA⚽️? Athletic scholarships & an opportunity to play.
Why Juco⚽️? Play soccer, develop, save 💰 & transfer.
#CSTruth
Recruits:
Choose a school b/c it gives you the academic major you WANT and the internships you NEED.
If you can accomplish those two and receive an opportunity to play college soccer, you’ve won.
Don’t sacrifice 40 years of your life over 4 years of college soccer.
#CSTruth
Incoming Freshman,
Here are some of the major differences between club and college soccer.
College ⚽️:
1. SPEED OF PLAY👈
2. A lot more Physical👈
3. Emphasis on proper nutrition
4. Emphasis on proper rest
5. Time management
6. FITNESS👈
7. Emphasis on culture
#CSTruth
30% is an average offer. Depending on the school, on average 40-60% covers full tuition. Getting your tuition paid for at any level is practically a full ride in college⚽️. If you get your tuition paid for, congratulations, that’s big time! Most will never get that offer.
#CSTruth
Women’s College Soccer
Is it a big deal to say you play or played college soccer?
9.7% of U.S. high school women's soccer players ended up competing in college across the Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA and junior college levels.
So yes it is a big deal!
#CST
College Players and Recruits,
Thank your parents every chance you get.
You may not realize it, but they’re making huge sacrifices for you.
And they would sacrifice it, all over again, because they wouldn’t trade the memories or your smile for anything in the 🌎.
#CSTruth
Recruits,
Don’t worry about your league standings or club rankings. College coaches don’t recruit rankings, they recruit athletes that are well developed in soccer technically and tactically.
You just need to get in front of them and show them you can play.
#CSTruth
Incoming Freshman:
Your parents aren’t paying club dues anymore. You’re on an athletic scholarship now, that means the soccer team is paying you,that makes you an employee. Soccer is no longer about participation, it’s about results.
The best 11 will play. Are you ready?
#CSTruth
“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career playing Division 1 soccer at”
Recruits, if you’re D2, D3, NAIA or JC commit…..own it!! Take some pride in your story, in your legacy, and in your TRUTH!
Don’t worry about what…
Herod couldn’t KILL Him
Satan couldn’t SEDUCE Him
Death couldn’t DESTROY Him
The Tomb couldn’t KEEP Him
King of Kings!
Son of God!
Lord of Lords!
Great High Priest!
Prince of Peace!
Immanuel!
Word of God!
What a NAME.. the name of JESUS
Merry CHRISTmas!
#CSTruth
The only way 99% of you have a chance of getting a full ride is by combining your athletic scholarship money with your academic scholarship money to equal a full ride.
Only the 1% out there get a full ride on just athletic money.
Your grades need to matter too!
#CSTruth
Recruits,
The schools you want, will often be the ones that ghost you and provide a terrible recruiting experience.
The schools you don't care much for, will often surprise you with a great experience and the best offer.
Be open to every possibility.
#CSTruth
No one said college soccer would be easy, but you always have a choice.
A. You can quit! (No more fitness, practice, or soccer.)
OR
B. You can hold your chin high and say you graduated a College Student Athlete. (Be a part of only 5% around the world who made it.)
#CSTruth
Incoming Freshman,
Make sure you come in fit.
Listen to me again because I can’t stress this enough.
Make sure…..you come in fit.
Do you want to be considered for playing time your freshman year?
Show up to preseason as one of the fittest players on the team.
#CSTruth
The recruiting process has evolved!
Advising kids based on the OLD-school way will only force them to be left behind.
1. College coaches will find you if you're good.
False! You go to them. Tournaments, ID camps, club games.
2. Your coach will take care of the college…
If you want to play D1 or at an elite academic D3 school, your BEST chance is by playing for:
-MLS Next
-ECNL
-GA
You don’t have to like it or agree with it but it’s the truth. Yes, there are anomalies but the general truth👆stands. Just look at the college rosters.
#CSTruth
August 1st: 🚨🚨🚨
College Soccer has officially started.
Don’t make plans. Not until November or December.
It’s time to grind now.
Let’s gooooo!
#CSTruth
Every recruit wants an offer.
Not all recruits want:
-6am weights and conditioning
-8am classes
-2pm mandatory study hall
-4pm practice
-6pm film review
-12 hour work days in college.
#CSTruth
You want to be elite?
You need all 4.
-Technical Ability ✅
(first touch, passing, settling)
-Tactical Ability ✅
(understanding of the game)
-Athletic Ability ✅✅✅✅✅✅
(speed of play)
-Mental Toughness ✅✅
(control, commitment, challenge, confidence)
#CSTruth
According to
@NCAASoccer
, the estimated probability of a high school athlete competing in NCAA College Soccer:
Men: 5.5%
Women: 7.1%
Congratulations! You should be proud.
#collegesoccer
#CSTruth
Mental Toughness is:
-Being willing to do what other athletes won’t do
-About your attitude and the way you think
-A habit – the more you train it, the stronger it becomes
-Consistently performing regardless of your situation
-Remaining confident under pressure
#CSTruth
Recruiting Process 101: Coaches are always watching.
At an ID camp and I just saw a player stay behind after a game to pick up all the trash left on the bench. I automatically wanted that player on my team.
The little things you do can earn you a roster spot.
#CSTruth
Players:
Yeah the season may feel long, but ask every graduate and they’ll tell you they wish they could have one more preseason, and one more season. You’ll miss it when it’s all over. Enjoy every moment.
#CSTruth
Recruits,
Do me a huge favor.
You do well taking photos of yourself on campuses, ID camps, facilities & with college coaches, but how about a picture with the real heroes?
Your parents!
Those experiences aren’t cheap. Share the journey/photo with your parents please.
#CSTruth
“God is real. God loves you. God wants the best for you. Believe that! Learn to pray. It’s easy, and it is so good for your soul. People are going to tell you that you’re perfect just the way that you are. You’re not. You’re imperfect. You always will be, but there is a powerful…
To all the Spouses out there married to a high school, club, or college coach,
We want to thank you from the bottom of our heart.
It’s not easy being married to a coach and not everyone can do it.
Thank you for truly supporting my passion.
-Coach
#CSTruth
Recruits:
If you lose the ball, do whatever it takes to win it back.
College Coaches don’t expect you to be perfect when they come out to watch you play, but they expect you to react with a competitive-attitude to fix it.
How you react after a mistake is crucial!
#CSTruth
Recruits,
Keep emailing…
Keep calling…
Keep texting…
Keep practicing…
Keep playing games…
Keep making highlight videos…
Keep attending showcase tournaments…
Keep posting your content!
Never stop selling your brand!
All it takes is one school to like you.
#CSTruth
H.S. Seniors,
You still don’t have a school to play at? There’s nothing wrong with playing at a junior college. Get your two years of academics at a low cost and improve your game. Then transfer after that. Some of the best players have been junior college transfers.
#CSTruth
Recruits,
If you’re afraid of contact, if you’re afraid to head the ball, if you don’t challenge 50/50 balls, don’t worry about the recruiting process because you’re not going to be wanted in college.
#CSTruth
Recruits: Not every social media verbal commitment post means they’ve earned a full ride athletic scholarship or any athletic scholarship at all.
Some of those post are:
-walk-ons
-favors to the parents who donate to the school
-favors the club coach so they can send the…
You are who you hang out with.
Surround yourself with people who
motivate you, challenge you, push you, and inspire you.
Surround yourself with the best and the brightest in what you want to do.
Surround yourself with people that will help you attain your goals.
#CSTruth
Recruits,
Juggling a soccer ball improves timing, spatial understanding, touch, motor coordination, balance, body control, leg strength, and confidence.
The first impression for a college coach will be your technical ability.
Can you juggle 400x?
What about 500x?
#CSTruth
Still debating which youth club ⚽️ league is better on the women’s side?
The college coaches scouting attendance was MUCH lower at the GA event than the ECNL event this weekend.(Same weekend)
Even the USA 🇺🇸 scouts favored ECNL this weekend.
@ECNLgirls
@GAcademyLeague
#CSTruth
Recruits, 🚨
D1 doesn’t guarantee happiness.
So don’t get disappointed because your teammates are going D1 and you’re not.
Just because they’re going D1 it doesn’t guarantee they’ll play or be happy.
Focus on your process, your story, and your legacy, & no one else’s.
#CSTruth
High School Athletic Directors:
If you didn’t let an NCAA D3 athlete or any athlete who didn’t receive a NLI today, shame on you.
Just because they don’t have an athletic scholarship award to their name it doesn’t it’s not a big deal.
Let them celebrate too!
#CSTruth
Recruits & Players:
Understand which of your teammates you can play to in space. Which of them need the ball at their feet. Who can play tiki taka and who you can be direct with.
You’ll eliminate so many mistakes by understanding what your teammates can & can not do.
#CSTruth
Recruits,
Juggling a soccer ball improves timing, spatial understanding, touch, motor coordination, balance, body control, leg strength and confidence.
The first impression for a college coach will be your technical ability.
Can you juggle 100x?
What about 200x?
#CSTruth
DM-“The biggest problem in US soccer isn’t bigger, faster, stronger. It’s cost. How many families can afford the 10k to 15k a year ECNL/DA/club programs?”
👏👏👏👏👏-
#CSTruth
Recruits:
Just a friendly reminder as you start to play in college recruiting tournaments.
Tell your parents to SHUT UP!
Tell them to leave the officials alone, leave you alone, and stop being sideline coaches!
College coaches don’t want to deal with those ☝️parents!
#CSTruth
A Player’s Typical College ⚽️ Weekly Schedule:
Time in Class - 12-18 hours
Preparation for Class - 18-27 hours
Practice - 10-12 hours
Weight Training - 2-3 hours
Film/Team Meetings - 1-3 hours
2 games - 6 hours
Average travel - 6-12 hours
It’s not easy or for everyone.
#CSTruth
Recruits: Everyone wants an Offer…..
But NOT everyone wants.….
• 6am Weights & Conditioning
• 8a-12pm Class
• 2pm Team Meeting
• 2:30pm Film
• 3-5pm Practice
• 5:30pm Recovery
• 7pm Study Hall
Next Day... ..DO IT AGAIN!
#CSTruth
Players:
It’s extremely difficult to get playing time at the college level.
It’s even more difficult to get consistent playing time at the college level.
So if you received playing time this year, congratulations, it really is a big accomplishment.
Don’t let up!
#CSTruth
Your fitness affects your technical ability.
Your fitness affects your tactical ability.
What are we saying?
Your fitness will have a strong influence on your game.
There’s not a lot you can do affectively in soccer when you’re not fit.
#CSTruth
It doesn’t take talent to apply constant pressure on the ball. It’s just effort. A willingness to press and put your opponent under constant pressure. If you’re too tired to do so just come sit by me on the bench.
#CSTruth
Recruits:
The technical and tactical we can work on that, but I need the recruit who I don’t have to yell at to move to get open. Give me the recruit who doesn’t shy away from a tackle, who’s going to battle, press every chance they get, and compete for 90 minutes.
#CSTruth
To ALL the College Athletes out there:
No matter where you're competing at, from Juco to Power 5 and everywhere in between, you should be proud of yourself!
Only 7% of HS athletes go to the next-level, don't take your opportunity for granted.
Trust The Process!
#CSTruth
The truth is that life is hard. You won’t be able to control everything like you want so setbacks are unavoidable. Life will punch you in the face. When it does, staying down will be easy, but getting up will be difficult and no one will do it for you. You have to do it.
#CSTruth
Recruiting Events This Weekend: 🚨🚨
MLS Next-California
Girls Academy- Arizona
ECNL Boys-South Carolina
ECNL Girls-Tennessee
Girls College Showcase-North Carolina
Elite 64 Boys-Florida
College Coaches get after it!
Recruits, tag your event!
#RecruitMeSoccer
#CSTruth
Bad Players-Don’t take much seriously.
Average Players-Take games seriously.
Good Players-Take practice & games seriously.
Great Players-Take grades, nutrition, warm-up drills, individual work, weights, conditioning, film study, practice, games, & recovery seriously.
#CSTruth
Recruits & Parents, let me tell you a secret. College coaches don’t care about your wins or losses. They don’t care about your league standings or rankings.
They care to see you play. Playing in games or a showcase in front of them is all that matters for recruiting.
#CSTruth
Is it worth it?
The 6am’s, the fitness, the long practices, the meetings, the cold tubs with all the bumps and bruises.
You don’t know?
Ask any player who’s had a successful season, who’s won a conference title or been a national champion if it was worth it.
#CSTruth
Verbal Commitments:
Recruits, when you commit, please make sure you thank your parents, family, coaches, teammates, and God when you announce your verbal commitment.
Everyone had a hand in helping you accomplish your opportunity.
#CSTruth
What is NAIA?
That question is asked way too much. Youth soccer coaches, please educate your players of all the soccer associations they can play at. NAIA programs offer atheltic scholarships, competitive soccer, and strong academic programs.
#CSTruth
God's plan is always the best.
Sometimes the process is painful and hard. But don't forget that when God is silent, He's doing something for you.
Trust the Process!
#CSTruth
NCAA Division III Signing Day:
Signing day “technically” doesn’t exists for D3, but guess what? Who gives a damn! It’s a proud moment. Your verbal commitment means just as much as everyone else. I hope your High School AD helped you celebrate it with everyone else.
#CSTruth
Seniors,
A lot of you out there are waking up realizing your college career is over or coming to an end.
Whether you made your conference tournament or not, finish strong. Play till the final whistle and enjoy every moment.
You’re going to miss it all. I promise!
#CSTruth
“I need to see you play”
“Send me your schedule”
“Come to camp”
“Send me more video”
“I’ll be in touch with your coach”
“Let’s keep in touch”
“I’ll come watch you”
“Looking forward to seeing you play”
Recruits,
NONE OF THAT 👆MEANS YOU’RE BEING OFFICIALLY RECRUITED.
#CSTruth
Players:
An average team culture is afraid to be honest in practice because they’re worried about their friendship off the field.
But a Great team culture respects the honest criticism from teammates and it doesn’t change their relationship off the field.
#CSTruth
The Cost of Success
1. Late Nights
2. Early Mornings
3. Very Few Friends
4. Being Misunderstood
5. Feeling Overwhelmed
6. Questioning your Sanity
7. Being your own Cheerleader
In the end, it will all be worth it!
#CSTruth
Recruits, 🚨🚨🚨
One bad touch in a game won’t make or break a decision for the college coaches watching you, but your attitude after that touch will.
So be mindful what you do after a poor touch or poor decision.
#CSTruth
I don’t care if it’s an inter-squad scrimmage, an exhibition game, or a regular season game…..
THE PLAYING TIME IS EARNED!
Playing time is never guaranteed regardless of what kind of game it is.
THE PLAYING TIME IS EARNED!
-Coach
#CSTruth
DM: Before I leave I want freshman to know that it gets harder and harder to play or travel the older you get. Your coaches never stop recruiting. They bring in great/better players every year. So please remember, you have to earn it every year.-D1 Senior
#CSTruth
👏👏👏👏
Players,
Your fitness results say a lot about your commitment to doing what is asked of you.
You are the only one responsible for your fitness and it is one of the very few things over which you have complete control of.
Will you do the work when no one is watching?
#CSTruth
If you show your players you care for them, they’ll run through a brick wall for you.
Push them, keep them honest, discipline them when needed, but show them you’ll be there for them when they need you.
Show them they’ll more important than the game.
Balance.
#CSTruth
June 15 Matters! 🚨🚨
College coaches are calling club coaches as we speak to schedule phone calls with recruits.
Offers will be made, commitments will happen.
Even the college coaches that will attempt to sensitize June 15th to the vast majority of recruits who will NOT be…
Recruits, a truth about life is that your club and HS friends right now that you’re so worried about what they think of you…..you’ll lose contact with most of when you go to college.
Long after college, you’ll be lucky if you stay in touch with one or two from HS.
So stop…