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Glossary
A quick-reference guide to the terminology you'll encounter during the college soccer recruiting process.
A one-page document showcasing a player’s soccer experience (clubs, positions, accolades), academic information (GPA, test scores), personal stats (height, dominant foot), and contact details. Sometimes includes a link to a highlight video and social profiles.
A core NCAA requirement stating athletes must not receive payment for athletic performance, endorsements, or representation by an agent to remain eligible. Some NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) activity is allowed under specific rules.
Competitive youth soccer played outside of school teams. These are pay-to-play programs offering high-level training and exposure through leagues like MLS NEXT, ECNL, Girls Academy (GA), and National Academy League (NAL).
Student-run teams at colleges for those who want competitive play without the demands of varsity athletics. They often compete in national leagues like NIRSA or regional club leagues, with tryouts and travel involved.
Designated NCAA dates when college coaches can have in-person contact with recruits and their families on or off campus, and can initiate phone calls, emails, or texts.
NCAA-mandated high school classes (like English, math, science, and social studies) required to meet eligibility standards. Division I requires 16 core courses with specific GPA benchmarks tied to test scores (if used).
Division I: Highest level of NCAA competition with full and partial scholarships; very competitive and time-demanding. Division II: Competitive programs that offer scholarships but may have fewer resources than DI. Division III: Does not offer athletic scholarships but emphasizes balance between academics and athletics.
Time when in-person recruiting (face-to-face contact or evaluations) is prohibited. Coaches may still communicate via phone, email, or social media.
A short window in November when eligible recruits can sign commitment paperwork. This allows student-athletes to secure spots early, typically for scholarship offers.
A recruit’s status to participate in NCAA athletics, determined by academic performance (core course GPA, test scores), amateur status, and registration with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
NCAA-specified times when coaches can watch players compete in person (e.g., showcases, high school games), but cannot have in-person recruiting conversations off-campus.
A year taken off between high school graduation and college enrollment. Players must not compete in organized competitions (like pro or semi-pro leagues) to retain NCAA eligibility.
A short (3–5 minute) video that showcases a player’s top technical and tactical moments. Should include game footage, player ID, jersey number, and positional clips to help coaches quickly evaluate.
A one-day or multi-day event where players typically perform drills, scrimmage, and receive evaluations—often with college coaches in attendance. Some are run directly by colleges, others by third-party groups.
Two-year colleges that offer competitive soccer programs. Many athletes use JUCO as a stepping stone to improve academically, gain playing experience, and transfer to a four-year program.
Formerly a binding document for DI and DII recruits that committed them to a school in exchange for a scholarship. As of 2025, many schools are transitioning away from the NLI in favor of the enrollment agreement, which is equally binding but more streamlined.
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics — A separate governing body from NCAA offering competitive college sports programs, typically at smaller schools. NAIA schools can offer athletic scholarships.
The NCAA’s central hub where athletes register to verify academic records and amateur status. Required for DI and DII recruits.
A visit to a college campus where the school pays for travel, lodging, and meals. Players may stay overnight, meet with the team, and attend classes. DI athletes are allowed up to 5 official visits.
A non-scholarship recruit who is guaranteed a roster spot by the coaching staff, often with the same opportunity to compete as scholarship players.
Any high school athlete who is being evaluated by or has potential to be recruited by a college program. A player becomes a ‘recruit’ once contact is made during permissible periods.
A time when coaches may not have in-person contact with recruits off-campus but can host visits on campus and communicate via phone or email.
A coach or staff member responsible for organizing and managing the program’s recruiting process, including communication, video review, and visit planning.
When a player practices with the team but does not participate in games for one season. This preserves a year of eligibility, often used for development, recovery from injury, or transfer transition.
Standardized tests once required by most colleges for admission. As of 2025, many schools—including NCAA DI and DII programs—are test-optional or no longer require these scores.
Financial aid awarded based on athletic ability. Soccer programs typically offer partial scholarships due to limited budget (DI women’s: 14 max, DI men’s: 9.9). Full rides in soccer are rare.
A tournament-style event designed for players to be evaluated by college coaches. High visibility events are often hosted by club leagues or recruiting platforms, and may include ID components.
A centralized NCAA tool allowing current college athletes to announce their intention to transfer and be contacted by other schools. The process is more transparent but also highly competitive.
A student’s academic record, usually downloaded from the school portal, used by coaches during early recruiting to check GPA and core courses.
A self-funded visit to a college campus, often scheduled by the player and family. Athletes may tour the school and meet with coaches, but expenses are not covered by the college.
A non-binding promise made by a recruit to attend a college. This can change at any time before signing official paperwork or enrolling.
A player who tries out for a college team without a scholarship offer. Some make the roster through open tryouts, others earn scholarships after proving themselves.
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