Jan 11 • General Discussion/Question?
Recruiting advice: How to stand out at national showcases!
When it comes to national showcases, the recruiting opportunities are massive.
College coaches from across the country flock to these events for one of the few chances all year to get an up-close look at numerous top prospects in one location.
So how exactly does a player stand out at national showcases like MLS Next Fest or ECNL Florida?
To find out, New England Soccer Journal spoke with college coaches across the region about what they look for when evaluating players at these events. The answers ranged from on-field ability to how players interact with teammates — and even their demeanor on the plane ride.
We heard back from five Division 1 and Division 3 women’s coaches, plus a club coach, ahead of the ECNL Girls Florida winter showcase. But their insights apply to prospective men’s recruits as well. Let’s get into it:
On the field
Technical ability is obviously crucial. Coaches primarily look at ball control, agility, passing and individual attacking and defending. But beyond that, there are more nuanced things a player can do on the pitch to stand out.
BU women’s coach Meg Burke, who guided the Terriers to the Patriot League title game in her first season, pays close attention to soccer IQ.
“What stands out most to me is how players affect the game in isolated moments with the ball, but also when they don’t have it at their feet,” said Burke. “We’re all going to notice speed, athleticism, and technical ability, but separation comes from players who have a strong soccer IQ. To impact the game at the next level, they must be able to recognize time and space, while making decisions quickly.”
Another on-field trait coaches consistently focus on is work rate. MIT coach Martin Desmarais, who led the Engineers to a ninth straight NCAA Tournament appearance last fall, was one of the many coaches who said they were drawn to players who show constant hustle, energy, and competitiveness. Those traits are things a player can control.
“Every player at a showcase should be locked in when they have the ball or are defending someone with the ball near them,” said Desmarais. “Show this effort off the ball as well. A center midfielder that connects a bunch of passes is just doing their job, but if that player sprints back to recover and defend and win back balls instead of just jogging back behind the play — that stands out.”
Soccer personality
Aside from the technical and physical elements, coaches feel soccer personality is one of the biggest separators at national showcases. How are you as a teammate? How do you interact with coaches and parents?
Harvard women’s coach Chris Hamblin looks closely at body language — both on and off the field.
“I see how they respond to a mistake, a goal for or against and getting substituted out,” said Hamblin. “The score only matters to college coaches as a reference point. We know a player wants to win. But whether you win or lose isn’t as important as how you win or lose. Both winning and losing can provide great insights into you as a potential student-athlete.”
As Desmarais put it, players shouldn’t get too high or too low.
“Just move on to the next play,” said Desmarais. “Just like a coach wouldn’t recruit someone because of only one great play, a coach wouldn’t stop recruiting someone because of one mistake. Besides, we know you will need to develop. If you make a few similar mistakes, that just tells coaches what you need to develop — we aren’t expecting perfect players. Identifying weaknesses, especially those that coaches think can be easily improved, is also part of recruiting.”
Playing to express, instead of impress, is also vital.
“Players should focus on being the best player they can be, rather than focusing on getting noticed,” said Middlebury women’s coach Peter Kim. “If they are playing to express, they open the door to being seen for a variety of different roles based on the coach’s interpretation of the game and style.”
Yes, the plane ride
Holy Cross women’s coach Ben Graham is like other coaches. He’s looking for hard-working players with good attitudes and good body language. But he also observes players in a unique place — the airport. Graham is usually on the same plane ride as many of the local players and sits near them at the gate. Instead of scrolling on his phone or reading a book, he’s still at work.
“I pay very close attention to the way they are interacting with the people around them at the airport and on the plane,” said Graham. “They are being a little more authentic in that setting. It gives me an insight into their true personality. So my advice is be nice to your parents and the flight attendants.”
Communication
At FC Stars, ECNL director Graeme Blackman tells his players to reach out to college coaches before and after the event. Send them your game schedule. Post it on social media. Make sure they know how to find you at the event. Blackman also encourages players to leverage their club’s relationships with certain colleges, increasing the likelihood they’ll come and watch you play.
Desmarais said receiving emails at least a week before the event helps him plan his schedule. Make sure to include your position and uniform number as well.
“Tell them why you are interested in their college, too. Do this at least a week in advance, and anything within two days of the event runs the risk that the coach is done with their scheduling and travel. Do not email the night before the event for the first time — you will not make the list. That is too late.”
Don’t forget to reach out after the event, too. Thank the coach for attending and send some highlight clips.
Have fun
Although showcases may bring pressure, all the coaches reiterated that playing loose, being yourself, and keeping a positive attitude are essential.
“College coaches will watch you play more than once,” said Blackman. “So don’t stress. Enjoy the experience.”
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Recruiting advice: How to stand out at national showcases!
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