Before we dive in, do me a favor and move my emails to the primary inbox so you can see the next edition. Each of my emails going forward will have the “⚽️” emoji so they are easy to find.

Key Takeaways ⚽️

1. JUCO rule change ✍️

2. How to take advantage of this opportunity ‼️

3. Action steps 💪

4. Top gear

(This newsletter is a 3-minute read in total)

JUCO Rule Change 📝

Big news for college soccer hopefuls: The NJCAA has updated its rules to ensure that any years you play at the JUCO level no longer count against your four years of NCAA eligibility. This groundbreaking change opens up new opportunities for athletes to develop their skills without sacrificing their future in higher-level college soccer.

Here’s what this means for you:

1. No More Eligibility Concerns: You can play up to two years of JUCO soccer and still have all four years of NCAA eligibility intact. This gives you extra time to grow as a player and strengthen your academic foundation.

2. Build Your Profile: Use your time at a JUCO to create standout highlight reels, gain game experience, and prove you’re ready for NCAA competition.

3. Seamless Transfers: Many JUCO programs have transfer agreements or strong connections with NCAA schools, making it easier to move up when you’re ready.

The Future Of College Recruiting ‼️

The JUCO pathway has steadily gained popularity as a stepping stone for players aiming to reach the Division One level. With this rule change, its appeal is set to skyrocket in 2025. To stay competitive, consider adjusting your recruiting strategy to include JUCO schools if it aligns with your goals.

Here are three reasons why this route is so appealing: it offers a lower barrier to entry both in terms of talent and cost, provides players with the opportunity to further develop their skills, and eases their transition into the college soccer environment. Finally, D1 programs are shifting their focus to the JUCO scene.

How to Maximize This Opportunity:

1. Choose the Right JUCO Program: Look for schools with competitive soccer programs and a strong track record of player development and transfers.

2. Focus on Development: Treat your JUCO years as a stepping stone. Work on improving both your skills and your physical fitness to stand out to NCAA coaches.

3. Network Early: Build relationships with coaches at your JUCO and potential transfer schools. Their recommendations can make a big difference.

4. Keep Academics a Priority: JUCO is the perfect time to boost your GPA or knock out general education requirements, making you an attractive recruit for four-year schools.

Next Steps 💯

This new rule gives you more control over your college soccer journey. If you’re not ready to jump straight into an NCAA program, JUCO can now be a low-risk, high-reward option for your future.

1. Pull a list of 10 JUCO schools that you would be interested in attending.

2. Pull 10 coaches’ emails from those schools (this is pretty accessible online).

3. Send an email to each of them.

Top Soccer Gear:

Browse our top picks, hand-selected to help you or your child improve their game.

Soccer Equipment - Soccer Net and Backstop

Soccer Equipment - Soccer Rebound Board

Recovery Equipment - Leg Air Compression Massager

Feedback is appreciated! Let me know in the comments what pain points, topics, and questions you have so I can continue to provide the most value for this community :)