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Pitch-Perfect Personality
You strip the ball from the opposing defender and pick up speed…all eyes are on you as you near the 18 and the goalie comes out. You are all alone. Your heart races as you decide where you are aiming…you shoot…CLANK…
The ball hits the post and rolls out of bounds. How do you react?
Every soccer player has experienced a moment like this, but not all soccer players respond the same way. Your reaction to adverse situations on the field allows spectators to judge your character, personality and temperament. The way you carry yourself on the field and bench can win favor, or frustration, from college scouts.
College coaches evaluate size, talent and physical strength, but they also watch for intangibles. College coaches are responsible for creating the best soccer team, and great teams are made up of more than just talented players. Most college coaches place tremendous value in characteristics beyond speed, ball handling and decision making. College coaches seek new players who will be a positive influence on campus and in the locker room, and get along well with the rest of the team. College coaches want to recruit hard workers, not prima donnas.
When a college coach travels to watch you play, he or she hopes you will be the one to hold your head high, even when the ball does not bounce your way. College coaches hope you will reassure your goalie when he or she makes a great save, or more importantly, when the ball slips by. College coaches want to see you listen to your coach, and interact with your teammates. College coaches do not want to see you kick the grass, pout, or argue with the referee.
About the NCSA:
The National Collegiate Scouting Association, the “Official Scouting Organization and Provider of Recruiting Education” for Cal South, is the premier source for matching high school scholar–athletes with colleges and universities across the country. The NCSA is the "Eyes & Ears" of more than 35,000 college coaches, who rely on the NCSA's experienced scouting team and instant response capabilities to provide them with quality prospective recruits. The NCSA prides itself in educating high school student-athletes and their families about the college recruiting process. Visit www.ncsasports.org for more information about NCSA.
