Don't expect coaches to come banging down your door. If they do, great. Yet there are numerous factors that limit the scope of college coaches' recruiting, including money, time, geography, and a dizzying number of potential players.

Faced with college coaches' recruiting limitations, it's up to you to be assertive and get your name out there:

• Have some conversations with your current coaches about what they think is the right college level for you. You can also ask them if there are specific colleges that they recommend.


• Talk to players you know who have gone on to play college soccer. What do they think is right for you?


• Start thinking about what you really want out of your overall college experience.


• Enlist your parents' help in working through this book.


• Dedicate yourself to finding and securing the right environment. An investment of your time and energy now will pay off down the road.


• Embark on NCAA unofficial visits, or if you have the chance, NCAA official visits.