The conversation provides an in-depth exploration of the college soccer recruitment process, focusing on the impact and dynamics of the transfer portal. It delves into the NCAA's intention behind the portal, the user experience, challenges, and considerations, as well as the recruiting process and individual client scenarios. The conversation delves into the dynamics of youth soccer development, the challenges of the college game, and the impact of individual circumstances on the recruiting process. It also explores the challenges of showcases and tournaments, as well as the importance of adversity and resilience in the recruiting process.

Takeaways

• Transfer Portal Overview
• Recruiting Process Insights Recruiting Process
• Highlight Tape
• Adversity and Resilience

The conversation covers the success and growth of the Hampton-Sydney Men's Soccer program, the unique challenges of recruiting for an all-male institution, and the importance of character and culture in building a winning team. It also delves into the mindset and preparation for the season, as well as the evolving landscape of college soccer recruiting. The college soccer landscape has shifted, impacting player recruitment and decision-making. The importance of finding the right fit and being open-minded is emphasized. Relationships, exposure, and character traits play a crucial role in the recruiting process. The significance of effective communication and life skills development is highlighted.

Chapters

• 00:00 Building a Winning Program
• 09:01 Character and Culture in College Soccer
• 23:00 Evolving Landscape of College Soccer Recruiting
• 28:21 Character Traits and Fit
• 35:32 Effective Communication and Life Skills

The conversation delves into the preparation required for showcase events, the recruiting process for sophomores and juniors, the behind-the-scenes perspective of college coaches at showcase events, recruiting strategies for coaches at different levels, the inner workings of the recruiting landscape, challenges and variables in the recruiting process, and understanding the game within the game in the recruiting process. The conversation delves into the preparation required for a conversation with a college coach, including identifying best fit schools and marketing oneself effectively. It then explores the navigation of the event, focusing on interactions, contact rules, and maintaining a performance focus. Post-event preparation is discussed, emphasizing the importance of reshuffling the big board, seeking feedback, and advising for the future. The necessity of investing in recruiting help is highlighted, emphasizing the need to differentiate oneself in the recruiting process.

The conversation explores the importance of being recruitable, the skills and soft skills required for college recruiting, the role of connections, positioning, and marketability, and the reality of college recruiting. It emphasizes the need for education and preparation to navigate the college recruiting game effectively. The conversation delves into the importance of preparation in navigating the college soccer landscape, highlighting the unfairness of the recruiting process and the need for proactive action. It emphasizes the importance of learning recruiting skills and the role of Temple Athlete Advisory Group in providing advisory support for key decision-making during the recruiting process.

This week, we welcome Mark Plotkin, Head Men’s Soccer Coach at DePaul University (D1), to the show. DePaul competes in the Big East Conference and is looking ahead to a strong 2026 campaign.

Topics this week include:
• Recruiting strategies
• The flawed mindset
• The transfer portal
• Scholarships and Recruiting in the Windy City

We hope you enjoy this week’s episode of Roadmap to College Soccer, presented by Temple Athlete Advisory Group.

Episode 3 of the 'Roadmap to College Soccer' welcomes Chris Koch to the show! Chris is currently an Assistant Coach at Army West Point (D1) and provides some unique insight into their recruiting process. Tune in to hear from a current college soccer coach about the recruitment landscape here in United States.

In episode two, Erik & Grant dive into the college soccer recruitment front talking "exposure isn't the problem".

Our pilot episode is an introduction of Erik & Grant Temple and our new business which is Temple Athlete Advisory Group.We touch on the foundation of our business and talk about what we will cover in future episodes.