Master Checklist

Academics

Tap a task to track your progress on this device, or download the printable checklist. For the bigger picture, review the Year by Year Recruiting Roadmap.

• Meet with your school counselor and ask whether your classes support your future college and NCAA eligibility goals.
• Build consistent study habits and take your grades seriously from the start.
• Learn where to find your high school's NCAA approved core courses, if college soccer is a goal.

Soccer and personal development

• Ask your Celtics coach what skills, habits, or areas of your game deserve the most attention.
• Develop healthy training, recovery, nutrition, and strength habits.
• Begin saving useful game footage when it is available.
• Keep your social media positive, respectful, and appropriate for college coaches to see.

Explore the process

• Learn the differences between NCAA divisions, NAIA programs, and junior colleges.
• Start noticing what matters to you in a college: location, size, academics, team environment, and cost.
• Talk with your family about your interests without putting pressure on yourself to choose a school.

Academics and eligibility

• Check your grades, course schedule, and academic progress with your school counselor.
• Review the NCAA Eligibility Center guide and determine which account is appropriate for your situation.
• Check individual college admission requirements before deciding whether standardized testing makes sense for you.

Recruiting materials

• Create a professional email address that you will check regularly.
• Build a simple player profile with your graduation year, position, club team, academic information, and coach contact.
• Begin collecting strong game clips and create a clear, concise highlight video.
• Use the Player Profile and Communication guide for profile tips and sample emails.

College research and outreach

• Create an initial list of schools across different divisions and college soccer pathways.
• Ask your Celtics coach for honest feedback about your development and potential college fit.
• Research academic programs, team rosters, campus environments, and general college costs.
• Learn when college coaches are permitted to respond or initiate recruiting communication for their division.
• Begin thoughtful outreach when appropriate, understanding that some coaches may not yet be allowed to reply.

Academics and eligibility

• Review your transcript, core courses, and graduation plan with your school counselor.
• Confirm that your NCAA Eligibility Center account matches the divisions you are considering.
• Check whether your target schools require, recommend, or do not consider SAT or ACT scores.
• Plan any standardized testing around individual college admission requirements, not outdated NCAA testing rules.

Communication and exposure

• Send personalized emails to college coaches and keep a record of your communication.
• Share your updated profile, highlight video, club schedule, and upcoming showcase information.
• Follow up after meaningful conversations, campus visits, camps, or events.
• Discuss showcases and ID camps with your Celtics coach before spending money on events.
• Update your player profile, college list, and video as your goals and experience develop.

College visits and affordability

• Visit campuses when possible and ask about academics, team culture, roster needs, and player development.
• Learn the difference between official and unofficial visits.
• Research tuition, housing, scholarships, grants, and each school's net price calculator.
• Talk with your family about a realistic college budget and financial priorities.
• Track application deadlines and school specific financial aid requirements.

Applications and eligibility

• Submit college applications before each school's deadlines.
• Confirm that your transcripts and any required documents are sent to the appropriate colleges and eligibility organizations.
• Complete any remaining eligibility or certification requirements for the division or association you plan to join.
• Keep your grades strong and finish required coursework through graduation.

Financial aid and offers

• Check the current FAFSA application, school priority deadlines, and any additional financial aid forms.
• Compare your actual net price after grants and scholarships, keeping loans and work study separate.
• Ask whether athletic or academic aid can change and request scholarship terms in writing.
• Confirm what your offer includes, how long it lasts, and what conditions apply.
• Review any signing agreement carefully and ask questions before accepting an offer.

Your final decision

• Ask direct questions about your potential roster role, coaching expectations, and team environment.
• Consider academic programs, campus support, location, affordability, and your life beyond soccer.
• Discuss your options with your family and Celtics coach.
• Tell coaches respectfully when you have made a decision or are no longer pursuing their program.
• Continue training, enjoy your final season, and celebrate the path you chose.

• Take care of your academics, physical health, and mental well being.
• Keep your family and Celtics coach informed as your goals change.
• Communicate honestly, respectfully, and professionally.
• Save important emails, deadlines, college contacts, and financial documents in one place.
• Ask questions when something feels confusing, rushed, or too good to be true.
• Remember that the right fit matters more than a division label or someone else's timeline.