Want to Play College Women’s Soccer?
Want to Play College Women’s Soccer?
Women’s soccer is one of the most popular college sports in the U.S. — and one of the most competitive.
With over 1,500 programs across NCAA, NAIA, and Junior Colleges, thousands of opportunities exist, but only a fraction of high school players earn scholarships. Coaches recruit both U.S. and international athletes, making the process even more competitive.
The good news? With the right strategy, highlight video, and outreach, you can stand out. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: scholarship rules, recruiting timelines, guidelines, video tips, and FAQs.
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Quick Facts: Women’s Soccer Scholarships
- College programs (latest):
- NCAA Division I: ~330
- NCAA Division II: ~265
- NCAA Division III: ~440 (no athletic aid)
- NAIA: ~200
- Junior Colleges: ~180+
- Scholarship limits (equivalency):
- D1: 14 scholarships per team (headcount sport → full rides only)
- D2: 9.9 scholarships (equivalency)
- NAIA: 12 scholarships (equivalency)
- JUCO: Varies by program; some full, some partial
- D3: 0 (academic/merit aid only)
👉 Translation: At the D1 level, women’s soccer is one of the few “headcount sports” — scholarships are full rides. At other levels, money is split.
The Latest Update: Women’s Soccer Recruiting Landscape
- Women’s soccer continues to grow as one of the top NCAA women’s sports.
- Recruiting competition is intense, especially at the D1 level.
- Because D1 offers only full scholarships, spots are extremely limited (14 max per roster).
- D2, NAIA, and JUCO provide more flexibility, with partial awards common.
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Why Women’s Soccer Recruiting Starts Early
- Division I: Coaches often identify players as early as 9th–10th grade. Top showcases (ECNL, GA, ODP, Surf Cup) are heavily scouted.
- Division II & NAIA: Recruiting often peaks in 10th–11th grade.
- JUCO: Many rosters are built later, into senior year, giving opportunities for late developers.
👉 Translation: If you’re not recruited early, don’t panic — later pathways exist.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- Scholarship rules and limits at every level
- NCAA and NAIA recruiting rules & calendar
- Athletic/academic benchmarks by position
- How to create a highlight video coaches will watch
- Common mistakes that cost opportunities
Women’s Soccer Success Stories
“StudBud guided my daughter from a local academy to NCAA Division I on a full scholarship. They knew exactly when and how to contact coaches.”
— Maria, Parent of Class of 2025 Midfielder
“Thanks to StudBud, I went from high school varsity to signing with an NAIA program that fit me academically and athletically.”
— Sophia, Defender, Class of 2024
FAQ Preview
How many scholarships per team?
- D1: 14 full scholarships
- D2: 9.9 (split)
- NAIA: 12 (split)
- JUCO: varies
Do internationals get recruited?
Yes. Women’s soccer has a strong international presence, especially at D1 and NAIA schools.
Can I combine athletic + academic aid?
Yes. At D2, NAIA, and JUCO, packages often combine multiple forms of aid.
👉 See the full Women’s Soccer FAQ.
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Bonus: How to Email Coaches (Templates)
Subject Line Examples
-or-
2025 Goalkeeper – 3.9 GPA – [Academy/HS] – Video + Schedule
Intro Email
I’m [Name], a [Grad/Enroll Year] [Position] from [City/Country], playing for [Club/Academy].
Quick profile:
Height/Weight: [e.g., 5’6″, 135 lbs]
Academics: [GPA, test scores if applicable]
Video: [link]
Schedule: [2–3 upcoming showcases]
I’ve followed [School/Program] and believe my playing style ([distribution, pace, defensive strength, etc.]) matches your team’s system.
Would you be open to evaluating my film and sharing your positional needs for [Year]?
Thank you,
[Name] | [Phone/WhatsApp] | [Profile Link]
Follow up Email
Following up to share my latest highlight clip (top plays in the first 60 seconds):
Since my last email: [new stat, award, or showcase result].
Would love your feedback. Thank you!
Thank-You / Post-Visit Email
Thank you for taking the time to [speak with me / host me on campus / watch me play]. I really appreciated learning more about your program and the culture at [School].
This confirmed my strong interest in [School/Program]. Please let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see from me this season.
Best,
[Name] | [Phone/WhatsApp] | [Profile Link]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not leading with your best clips in video
- Ignoring academics (you’ll miss out on merit aid)
- Waiting too long to email coaches
- Only targeting “big names” instead of fit
- Vague outreach (no GPA, no position, no video link)