📌 Individual Player Guide for College Recruiting 📌

Freshman Year: Laying the Foundation

Academic & Athletic Preparation
-Maintain a strong GPA (3.5+ recommended) and take challenging courses.
-Begin preparing for the SAT/ACT (take practice tests).
-Stay consistent in training and improve technical skills, decision-making, and physical fitness.
-Start filming games and saving clips for future highlight reels.

Recruitment & Exposure
-Research and create a list of 20-30 colleges based on academics, soccer level, and location.
-Attend college games (local or streamed) to learn about different playing styles.
–Create a SportsRecruits account and start completing your profile.
-Learn how to edit Veo highlight clips – start compiling your best plays.
-Follow college programs & coaches on social media to stay engaged.

Action Steps:
-SportsRecruits Profile Completed
-List of 20-30 Colleges Created
-Highlight Reel Clips Started

Sophomore Year: Taking the First Steps 

Academic & Athletic Preparation
-Continue maintaining strong grades and plan for the NCAA/NAIA eligibility center.
-Take the PSAT and schedule your first ACT/SAT attempt.
-Increase strength & conditioning with focused training.
-Keep playing at the highest level possible (club, ODP, showcases).

Recruitment & Exposure
-Update and refine your SportsRecruits profile.
–Create & share your first highlight reel with Western Iowa Surf coaches for feedback.
-Start reaching out to college coaches (intro email + highlight reel).
-Attend ID camps and showcase tournaments where college coaches will be present.
-Track all coach interactions (emails sent, responses received) in a recruitment log.
-Learn about NCAA & NAIA contact rules (when coaches can respond to you).

NCAA Contact Rules at This Stage:
–D1 & D2 Coaches cannot reach out until June 15 after Sophomore year.
–D3, NAIA, & JUCO Coaches can respond at anytime.

Action Steps:
-First Highlight Reel Completed
-First College Emails Sent
-ID Camps & Showcases Planned

Senior Year: Making Your Final Decisions

Academic & Athletic Preparation
-Ensure you meet all NCAA/NAIA academic requirements.
-Take/retake the SAT/ACT if necessary.
-Finalize your playing & training schedule to stay at peak performance.

Recruitment & Commitment Process
-Narrow down final top 5-7 college choices.
-Continue emailing and updating coaches on your season, highlights, and academic achievements.
-Schedule official visits and attend final ID camps if needed.
-Compare scholarship offers & financial aid packages.
–Commit to a program (if not already committed) and sign your letter of intent.

NCAA Contact Rules at This Stage:
–D1, D2 & D3 Coaches can make official scholarship offers.
–NAIA & JUCO coaches can still recruit throughout the year.

Action Steps:
-Top 5 College List Finalized
-Official Visits Scheduled
-College Commitment Decision Made

Setting Up Your Player Profile: Guide on accessing and setting up your Veo Player Profile.

Adding and Managing Clips: Instructions on adding clips from matches to showcase your best moments.

Creating Highlights: Learn how to create your own highlights, tag players, and add comments.