How to Know You’re Behind in Recruiting—And How to Catch Up

How to Know You’re Behind in Recruiting—And How to Catch Up

10 key warning signs—and the action plan to get you back on track.

📌 Why This Matters

College soccer recruiting moves faster every year. If you’re not on top of the timeline, you risk missing opportunities, coach attention, and roster spots. Use this guide to spot the red flags—and implement a catch-up strategy that works.

⚠️ 10 Signs You’re Playing Catch-Up in Recruiting

  1. No College Coach Contacts Yet
    If it’s junior year and you’ve never received an email or DM from a coach, you might be off their radar.
  2. No Highlight Video Ready
    Coaches expect a polished 2–3-minute reel by sophomore year. If you’re still editing, you’re late.
  3. Missing Key ID Camps
    You haven’t attended at least one major showcase or regional ID camp by spring of junior year.
  4. Unorganized Outreach Tracker
    If you’re scribbling notes in a notebook or forgetting who you emailed, you’re behind on follow-ups.
  5. No Published Recruiting Resume
    A one-page PDF with stats, achievements, and contact info should be ready early in junior year.
  6. Grades or Test Scores Not Reported
    Coaches look at academic eligibility early—if you haven’t sent transcripts or test scores, you’ll stall.
  7. No Official Visit Offers
    By senior year, many recruits have at least one official visit lined up. Zero invites? Time to hustle.
  8. Limited Club Coach Support
    If your coach isn’t helping with introductions, you’re missing advocacy that other players get.
  9. Budget Blowouts & Last-Minute Fees
    Scrambling to pay for a late–season showcase or video editing? That’s a sign you didn’t plan early.
  10. Feeling Overwhelmed & Stressed
    Panic is an indicator you’ve let the timeline slip. A confident recruit has a clear plan.

🚀 How to Catch Up—Fast

1. Build a Recruiting Roadmap Today

  • Download a 12-Month Action Plan: Map out camps, transcripts, film deadlines, and follow-ups.
  • Use a Digital Tracker: Log every email, call, and visit in a shareable spreadsheet.

2. Create Your Highlight Reel in 48 Hours

  • Film your top 5–6 clips (via phone is okay)
  • Use a free online editor (like iMovie or Clipchamp)
  • Keep it under 3 minutes—focus on first touches, passing, and scoring

3. Email Coaches Strategically

  • Prioritize programs that fit your level—don’t spam everyone
  • Send a one-page resume + video link in your first email
  • Follow up once, two weeks later, with new film or achievements

4. Attend a Showcase Next Weekend

  • Pick a regional camp that’s still registering
  • Email the coach ahead of time so they look for you on the field
  • Ask for feedback in person—coaches remember engaged players

5. Partner with Your Club Coach

  • Ask them to send recommendation emails
  • Have them introduce you to their college contacts
  • Leverage their network to get official visit invitations


🎯 Next Steps & Resources

Inside The Premier Playbook, you’ll find everything you need to Catch-Up:

  • A recruiting timeline template you can customize
  • Email & DM scripts for every stage
  • A highlight video checklist and DIY editing tips
  • A college coach outreach tracker Google Sheet

👉 Download your digital copy now or grab the paperback on Amazon. Stop scrambling—start governing your recruiting path like a pro.

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