Now is the time of year for high school student-athletes to contact college coaches if they have not done so already, its all about networking, beginning in 9th grade. Here are some things you should be thinking about:

* Be realistic about your level of play. Do not contact programs that are way above your ability. Similarly, be realistic about your academic capabilities.
* Make your first contact in writing. Write a personal letter, indicating why you are considering that particular school. Include athletic and academic information, make it like a resume, and include soccer references. (Use weighty references, people who played the game)
* Follow up with a phone call, e-mail, and visit. Be aware that while the NCAA restricts the type and number of contacts a coach can initiate with a player, players are not restricted in calling or visiting coaches.
* Include a schedule of your upcoming games, tournaments and college-showcases that you will be competing in.
* Have game video ready to send the college coach, from YouTube, be sure you identify yourself properly by name and jersey number.
* Attend a summer camp at a school that you plan to apply to. At the end of the week ask the coach if you are a player he would recruit for his program.
* Do not hesitate to contact a coach outside your geographic area. Most coaches know people all over the country who can watch you play, even if they cannot get to a match personally.
* When you receive a player profile sheet from a coach, fill it out and return it immediately. Do not worry if you do not have all the information requested, such as SAT or ACT scores, fill out as much as you can.
* Try to visit as many campuses you are interested in as possible. This shows the coach that you are seriously interested in his or her school. Call before you visit, set up a meeting with the admissions office, take the campus tour and let coach know of your visit. Stop by his office.
* Stay in contact with the coach after the initial contact. Keep coach apprised of your interest, and any changes in your situation. (new SAT’s, personal and team honors)
* Realize that many coaches are extremely busy. But if you do not hear back from a coach after repeated attempts to reach him or her, recognize that the coach probably is not interested in you. That is why you should never put all your college eggs in one basket.

Good luck with your search! As always, feel free to leave a comment, or send questions to Pat Grecco at soccervol@aol.com.  

To learn more about the LIJSL College Bound Athletes program click here, or go to Pat's web site.