SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Girls Varsity Soccer Girls' prospects making decisions too early

I get that because females mature faster - both physically and emotionally - coaches get an earlier idea of the players they'll be down the line, but it has gotten out of control with girls in their freshman year making a commitment to a college. Like the college coaches said in this article, it is what it is. "If I don't (recruit early) then I'm going to be playing against the top players that we could have signed." -Duke coach Robbie Church.

I think it is only get worse and I wouldn't be surprised to see middle school commitments in the not so distant future.

I disagree SS! What if the offer is life changing? One that can't / won't be topped? Committing early takes the pressure off the player. It is an honor to be recognized for your talent. Anything could happen, injury, coach leaving, etc. but what if the player stays healthy, continues to excel as a player, the coach stays and the kid gets to live her dream of player soccer at the next level while pursuing her education? There is a good side to this!

I, also, do not see middle school players being recruited because they have not had the opportunities yet to be evaluated while playing at a high level. ODP: National Team, National Pool, Region Team for the most part first takes place the summer before freshman year, Region III and ECNL begins in the latter half of 8th grade. For the most part, these are the type of players that would be making early committments. Although, it is not unheard of, I believe the Notre Dame womens' basketball team had one of their star players commit as young as 8th grade. She was a local talent that they didn't let "get away."

A few other reasons to commit early I have posted before:

1. Players like to know where they are going to plan for their education, career and future.

2. Players use it as motivation to work hard in the classroom and on the field.

3. It gives the player a place / school / team to identify with.

A few reasons why players should not be allowed to commit early:

1. Let them enjoy their middle school and high school without having to stress out at age14 on what school to attend.

2. Players develop at different paces � some are fast bloomers and some take longer.
Some hit the ceiling quick and others go beyond. A player that hits the ceiling early will be frustrated to play in the ACC against players that continue to develop.

3. Do you really want your daughter to make a decision on college (academically and athletically) in middle school?

4. For college coaches it is like looking in the crystal ball and guessing how good she will be in three to four years.

and how many times do teenagers change their minds and intentions? and you wonder why the quit/turnover ratio is so high in college soccer.

Players of this caliber are very driven, focused and love to play soccer. One who committs (sp) early has more than likely already had plenty of interest. Any decision would be well thought out.
I would say that the turnover rate in college soccer is high because the work ethic required to play and succeed is much greater than some are willing.
One who has a scholarship has a different take on college soccer than one whose parents are paying.
Why not celebrate this rather than judge?
These players are not your typical teenagers. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing.

Players in 9th and 10th grade should be playing to get better not to impress a College Coach or to get that scholarship.

Most college coaches are doing now only because some schools have started to commit these players early and they dont want to be left behind. But if you would ask them what they prefer - they would continue to wait until 11th and 12th grade.

The biggest concern for college coaches - and I understand they are driven and focused - is once they got that scholarship- will they shut down with their improvements. College coaches spend hours keeping up with the early committed players to make sure they play at the highest level, they continue to play to the most competitive teams, etc.

In the past most Universities with strong academics like Duke University required their coaches to wait until the high school student had four semester of academics behind them before they could offer a scholarship. This also gave the kid time to mature and make sure she wants to be at this school. Standford just got a kid from California that is a freshmen in high school. So I am sure other good academic schools will follow this trend as well.

I would say that only a select few commit at such an early age because they have been identified as some of the top players in the country. They are already playing at the highest level possible and will continue to do so (this is their opportunity to truly prepare for their college careers)
Fundamental skills and improving are still part of collegiate soccer
I would say that most universities have strong academic programs.
Excelling academically would surely be a goal for an early committment as it would be a key to their future.
Not many players have this chance I think providing a sound academic foundation, encouragement, support, the best training possible, playing at the highest level possible, along with social activities with their friends would be high priorities for an early committment.