It would be interesting to see a more detailed break down of those stats. I know from experience that at least 50% of the girls recruited on a soccer team for any college will not be there as a senior. They usually make it through the freshman year but the burn out will start in the summer before their sophomore year. They find their freedom from their parents and start to realize their is a bigger world. Or they have a bad injury and decide it is not worth it any more. My daughter had a major knee injury in her freshman season and this spring was really her first time back as a Junior. It has been hard on her to rationalize playing any more. But she is in the minority of players that will finish out all 4-5 years on a woman's soccer team.
Personally, it should be a combination of everything. First find out if your child really wants to play soccer at the college level. If they don't then apply for academic programs and what best suits your child's development. If they do then go and start talking to the colleges and see who is interested. My child liked the smaller schools, and wanted to be close to home. So that limited the schools of choice and then she picked the one that worked for her. And through all the problems, she has continued to love playing soccer and loves her teammates. She has created bonds with players that will last a very long time. But of the 14 that started with her only 4 remain. Playing sports in college is extremely challenging especially after the freshman year when the classes are no longer a review from high school. My daughter is proof that it can be done but it is not easy and will wear on your soul at times.....
