On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Borneo from the IUP Women’s Program in Pennsylvania. We talk about his transition to IUP and how he hit the ground running with recruiting, including what he looks for academically and athletically when finding the right fit for the program. He describes the strong academics, college atmosphere, and resources available to help student-athletes balance the demands of the classroom and competing in the PSAC. Lastly, we discuss his possession-based style of play, his approach to developing players during the offseason, and the program’s emphasis on confidence and mental toughness.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Hakari from the Dakota Wesleyan Women’s Program in Mitchell, South Dakota. We talk about how he looks for players who are confident on the ball, competitive, and fit the team culture. He describes the school’s strong academic programs, impressive athletic facilities, and the close-knit community surrounding the university. Lastly, we discuss his possession-focused coaching style and why he believes players should view mistakes as opportunities to learn.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Brad Ruzzo from the Mercer University Men’s Soccer Program in Macon, Georgia. We talk about the changing landscape of men’s college soccer recruiting, including the transfer portal, roster limits, and why Coach Ruzzo continues to put a premium on mentality, work rate, grit, and finding players who fit the culture of the program. He describes Mercer’s beautiful, walkable campus, strong academic opportunities, and the support systems in place to help student-athletes adjust to the demands of Division I soccer and college life. Lastly, we discuss his experienced perspective after nearly two decades at Mercer, his young staff of former players, and a style of play built around defending and attacking as a team, pressing high up the field, and winning important transitional moments.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Johnson from the Dominican Women’s Program in San Rafael, California. We talk about how they recruit a mix of freshmen and transfers and what they look for in players both on and off the field. She describes Dominican’s beautiful campus, small class sizes, and supportive community. Lastly, we discuss their growing staff and a style of play that adapts to best fit their personnel.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Jim Blankenship from the Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Soccer program in Fort Myers, Florida. We talk about how the Eagles are adapting to NCAA roster changes, the transfer portal, and evolving recruiting timelines while continuing to build one of the ASUN’s top programs. Coach shares why Florida Gulf Coast’s ID camps play such a significant role in recruiting, what qualities he looks for in prospective student-athletes, and why the university’s academics, campus, and support systems make it such an attractive destination. Lastly, we discuss the program’s high-energy style of play, the resources available to student-athletes, and Coach Blankenship’s advice for recruits on taking ownership of their recruiting process.

See all our interviews. Check out college soccer ID camp listings. Get valuable free college recruiting resources, all at https://discovercollegesoccer.com/ 

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On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Chris Lemay from the Utah Valley University Women’s Soccer program in Orem, Utah.

We discuss how Coach Lemay and his staff are navigating the ever-changing recruiting landscape, including new NCAA rules, transfer portal strategy, and the importance of ID camps in their evaluation process. Coach also shares what makes Utah Valley stand out, from its new soccer-specific stadium and recent success on the field to the incredible resources and support available for student-athletes. Lastly, we talk about the program’s possession-based playing style, intentional team culture, and Coach Lemay’s advice for recruits on finding the right college fit rather than simply chasing a name or logo.

See all our interviews. Check out college soccer ID camp listings. Get valuable free college recruiting resources, all at https://discovercollegesoccer.com/ 

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On today’s episode, I speak with Coach John O’Reilly from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Men’s Soccer program in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

We discuss how the recent eligibility changes and transfer portal are impacting recruiting, why Green Bay focuses heavily on regional recruiting through MLS NEXT and Canada, and what the staff looks for in players who fit their possession-based style of play. Coach also shares what makes UW-Green Bay an ideal environment for player development, highlighting its smaller campus, strong academic support, and resources that allow student-athletes to focus on improving every day. Finally, we talk about his player-centered coaching philosophy, the importance of finding the right program fit during the recruiting process, and why recruits should spend time watching training sessions and interacting with current players before making their college decision.

See all our interviews. Check out college soccer ID camp listings. Get valuable free college recruiting resources, all at https://discovercollegesoccer.com/ 

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On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Eusebio Marote from the Northern Essex Community College Men’s Soccer program in Haverhill, Massachusetts. We discuss how Coach Marote is building a successful NJCAA Division III program by recruiting local talent, expanding through ID camps and social media, and preparing for the addition of student housing. He shares what he looks for in recruits, emphasizing leadership, character, and a team-first mentality before technical ability. Lastly, we talk about the academic support, affordable opportunities, and player development at Northern Essex, along with how the program helps student-athletes move on to four-year colleges after their time with the Knights.

See all our interviews. Check out college soccer ID camp listings. Get valuable free college recruiting resources, all at https://discovercollegesoccer.com/ 

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On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Kevin Nolan from the Indiana University Columbus Men’s and Women’s Soccer programs in Columbus, Indiana. We talk about building a young NAIA program, how recruiting has evolved with transfers and eligibility changes, and why character and culture are at the center of every recruiting decision. Coach also shares what makes IU Columbus unique, from the opportunity to earn an Indiana University degree on a smaller campus to the chance for players to make an immediate impact as the program continues to grow. Lastly, we discuss his blue-collar coaching philosophy, the experience of leading both the men’s and women’s programs, and his advice for recruits to choose a school where they’ll be happy, develop, and have the opportunity to play.

See all our interviews. Check out college soccer ID camp listings. Get valuable free college recruiting resources, all at https://discovercollegesoccer.com/ 

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On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Spencer Pappas from the Benedictine University Men’s Soccer program in Lisle, Illinois. We talk about the recruiting process for a Division III program, including the importance of ID camps, evaluating players in person, and why academics and character are at the top of his recruiting priorities. We also discuss what makes Benedictine special, from its people and long-tenured staff to the academic and athletic resources available to student-athletes. Lastly, we dive into the team environment, coaching staff, and Coach Pappas’ playing philosophy built around purposeful possession, aggressive defending, and creating attacking overloads.

See all our interviews. Check out college soccer ID camp listings. Get valuable free college recruiting resources, all at https://discovercollegesoccer.com/ 

Join the Discover College Soccer Study Table! Get all the resources you need to manage the college recruiting process!