What 200+ College Coaches Reveal About Recruiting in 2025
- SR Global
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- Oct 13
- 3 min read
The world of college soccer recruiting is constantly changing, and in 2025 it is more competitive and data-driven than ever.
In the latest episode of the Inside College Soccer Podcast, Don Williams (SRUSA) sat down with Matt Andersonfrom Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK and Matt Baehr from Discover College Soccer. Together they unpacked findings from their surveys of nearly 200 college soccer coaches to reveal what really matters in recruiting today, what coaches value most, and how the process is evolving.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-data-from-over-200-college-coaches-tells-us-about/id1480369430?i=1000731597030
What Coaches Actually Value
Both surveys make one thing clear: recruiting is no longer just about athletic ability.
Across divisions and levels, attitude came out as the number one factor. Coaches consistently said they would rather take a slightly less talented player who is coachable and positive than someone with more ability but poor character.
Other key traits ranked highly included:
Technical ability – control, consistency, and reliability on the ball
Athleticism – important but not everything once a physical baseline is met
Academics – grades and discipline off the field are increasingly important
Soccer IQ – decision-making, game awareness, and anticipation
Work rate – effort and consistency every day
Anderson’s research highlighted that decision-making and mindset often determine who becomes truly recruitable. Once physical and technical standards are similar, how a player thinks, reacts, and learns is what sets them apart.
How College Soccer Recruiting Works Behind the Scenes
Baehr’s findings shed light on how college programs actually operate.
Most college teams work with tight budgets and small staffs. Many programs have only one full-time assistant and rely heavily on part-time or volunteer help.
Around 70 percent of players receive some form of athletic scholarship, but full scholarships are rare. Many players get partial funding that increases over time.
Recruiting is often regional, with most coaches focusing on nearby players to save money. Only a few well-funded programs travel widely to scout.
Email remains the most effective communication method. Coaches prefer clear, personal emails with links to full-match footage.
Highlight videos are often over-edited and provide little context. Coaches prefer uncut match footage that shows real decision-making.
The surveys also found that while the transfer portal and international recruiting are growing, many coaches still struggle to manage them because of limited staffing or compliance challenges.
Development Pathways: United States vs. Europe
Anderson brought a European perspective to the conversation.
In the UK and across Europe, players typically progress through academies that lead directly to professional opportunities. In contrast, in the United States, college soccer serves as both a developmental stage and a pathway to professional or post-college opportunities.
One of Anderson’s most interesting discoveries was the value of unstructured play. Players who spent more time in pickup games and street soccer settings tended to show greater creativity, quicker decision-making, and stronger adaptability. These informal experiences often had more long-term impact than structured training alone.
He also noted that the pay-to-play system in the U.S. limits opportunities for many talented players who cannot afford exposure through expensive clubs or tournaments.
What This Means for Players and Parents
If there is one key takeaway, it is that success in recruiting comes from understanding what coaches truly care about.
Here are the most important lessons from the data:
Train your decision-making and game IQ. These are the traits that separate good players from great ones.
Develop mental strength and coachability. Coaches value effort and consistency more than flashy skills.
Keep your outreach professional. A short, thoughtful email can go further than a social media message.
Be realistic about scholarships. Full rides are rare, and most players receive partial offers.
Play informally whenever you can. Creativity often develops in free, unstructured environments.
Stay consistent and proactive. Coaches are busy; make it easy for them to evaluate you.
Focus on fit over fame. The right program is the one where you will grow both as a player and a person.
Final Thoughts
This discussion, based on the Inside College Soccer Podcast episode featuring Don Williams, Matt Anderson, and Matt Baehr, offers one of the most evidence-based looks at college soccer recruiting today. It replaces opinion with real data and reveals exactly how coaches think and make decisions.
For players, parents, and club coaches, these insights are a reminder that recruiting success is built on preparation, communication, and mindset. Understanding the process from the coach’s perspective gives you the best chance to stand out in a crowded recruiting landscape.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:
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