Taj Eagleson, a soccer recruit committed to USD, started emailing Division I coaches at the end of sophomore year with his stats and a statement of interest. He visited campuses, called coaches, and texted after big games to stay on their radar. He chose USD for the coaching staff's energy and the Southern California location.
How did the MLS MVP get recruited to play college soccer? Even he has a secret for us all to learn from. Hi boss, tell us your name and where are you committed?
I am— my name is Taj Eagleson. I'm committed to the University of San Diego.
And, um, yeah, so this guy's obviously a very good soccer player. When did you start sending emails out?
I started sending emails like the end of sophomore year to schools like UCLA, bigger schools, just to get out there.
And what would you put in those emails typically?
I put my GPA, height and weight, and a bunch of information, who I was playing for, and just telling them that I was really interested in the school.
Now this guy played for the Galaxy. He's a very good soccer player. I actually have seen some video of him. And what was awesome is how progressive and how proactive he was despite obviously being a good soccer player. And we're at UCLA right now. He did send them an email, but you've chosen to go to San Diego. Why San Diego?
Just San Diego, like, it seemed to fit me, my style of play, and I love the coaching staff and obviously the area around it because I'm a SoCal kid. So yeah, I loved it and I'm excited to start there.
And there's no doubt Now, San Diego plays amazing soccer, and they have had a lot of very good years recently. And what's important for all of you, I think, to take away from this gentleman is even despite being such a good soccer player, he had to be proactive to the point where now he likes the coach. Not just the fact that the coach likes him, but you like the coaching staff. What do you like about the coaching staff?
I like their energy. I like they're like super, um, like outgoing and just, you know, give me a lot of confidence. And as an incoming freshman, you know, tend to be nervous and stuff, but I'm not nervous at all.
When did you commit?
I committed last year around May.
Okay. And then did Did you go on visits before you committed? Did you have phone calls?
Yeah, I went on a visit and I had a couple phone calls before. Yeah, just made my decision super easy.
What did you say on the phone calls? Was there something you thought that— something you did that you thought helped your process? Something you may have said or done?
I just showed them that I really was interested in school. It could be any school. I just showed them I was super interested. So then they stayed super proactive.
And what made them believe that you were interested? Did you watch their game film and you compliment them? What did you say on some of those calls?
I would like text them a lot after big games saying like—
Genius.
Yeah, just be like, congrats on the win, or you know, stuff like that. It's important.
I can't wait to watch this guy on TV.
Congratulations, bro. Yes, sir.
