College Soccer Recruiting Timeline: What to Do Each Year
By Ethan Harris, former RSL Academy and Weber State player · Updated 2026-10-22
Short answer
Start researching schools and building film as a freshman, start emailing coaches as a sophomore, expect real conversations from June 15 after sophomore year at Division I, and narrow your list and visit schools during junior and senior year.
Freshman year
- Focus on development and grades. Your GPA matters for admission and some scholarships.
- Start a list of schools at every level: D1, D2, D3, NAIA and junior college.
- Record your games so you have footage for a highlight video later.
Sophomore year
- Make your first highlight video and a simple player profile.
- Email coaches at your target schools and share your schedule.
- Coaches at many divisions may not be allowed to reply in detail yet. Keep sending updates anyway.
- June 15 after sophomore year: Division I soccer coaches can begin private messages, calls and verbal offers.
Junior year
- The busiest year. Follow up regularly, attend events where target coaches will be, and consider ID camps at schools that already know you.
- Take official and unofficial visits when invited.
- Narrow your list to schools where you'd be happy even without soccer.
Senior year
- Many D2, D3, NAIA and junior college programs still recruit seniors, so keep emailing.
- Compare offers, financial aid and academics.
- Complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if you plan to play D1 or D2.