D is applying to many DIII LAC, strong academics. She has decided last minute that she wants to play varsity soccer after all (SIGH). Do DIII schools have open tryouts/walk-ons? She is a telented player: many conference awards, team captain. Will coaches expand roster sizes for a good player? This in uncharted territory for me, any input would be most appreciated!
I’d have her email coaches at the schools and ask that question directly. Some schools do take a serious look at walk-ons, some don’t. Without knowing the individual schools it’s tough for us to advise you as to whether she could walk on.
Some schools have walk-ons or try outs, others do not. I doubt coaches will expand the roster size, but a lot of things change between recruiting and playing the first game - some team members quit, recruits decide not to attend that school, injuries - so there might be openings.
Thank you both for the input! It’s very helpful.
It can’t hurt to contact every coach she is applying to and letting them she is interested in playing soccer there and ask them how they handle walk ons. She can submit any video she might have and a resume of what she has accomplished athletically and academically. Some schools might have open slots still, so it can’t hurt to reach out.
Agree, she should email the Head Coach, and copy the Assistant coaches, at the schools of interest, immediately. The email should include information about her soccer details – club and high school teams, achievements, etc. and also academic profile. If she is playing club in the spring (would be expected for a college player), she should include her club team info, coach contact, and major tournaments they will be playing. Look at the “stickied” thread on this Forum for Recruiting tips for information on what to put into the email, and also how to prepare a soccer resume – 1 page athletic and academic bio, and what to consider when putting together short film (don’t panic, usually 5 minutes, no fancy graphics and music, we did my kid’s mostly on my iphone and then using imovie).
But with the clock ticking, I’d recommend email first, and then follow up with soccer resume and complete the program’s online recruiting questionnaire, then worry about film. Some programs may have a 1 day winter recruiting clinic which would, at this point, probably be targeting current juniors, but a coach may encourage a prospective walk on to attend that so they can get a look. You may be able to find information about any winter or spring recruiting camps on the program’s website, typically under “Camps” or “Recruiting.”
While many coaches will be wrapping up recruiting after ED1 and ED2 (if a school offers it) are complete, there may be some spots, depending on the school. Whether a program looks at walk ons or not depends on the school and you will only know if she contacts them. Coaches are probably heading to national/regional events recruiting over the next month so, if you haven’t heard back within a week, follow up with another email.