In this coach‑player dialogue, a talented MLS NEXT athlete asks how to stand out among the many prospects. The coach explains that talent alone isn’t enough; the key is to be seen repeatedly by college coaches. He advises securing genuine interest months before showcases by emailing schools, confirming the coach’s positional and class needs, and using generic camp invitations as a chance to probe interest. The coach recommends attending top‑school camps even without prior interest, but to pre‑email the coach and send comprehensive video footage. He stresses that a highlight reel is insufficient; players need “every‑touch” videos that show all actions. Finally, the coach offers a personalized call for the player and parents, inviting viewers to comment “call” to schedule a consultation.
Chapters
Coach, I'm working so hard to get noticed, but with so many players in MLS NEXT, how do I stand out? Listen, you're very good at soccer. I think you're very talented, but being talented is not what the recruiting process is only about. It is about getting seen the most often. Now the good news is you are getting exposure because you play MLS NEXT at those events, but you've got to get them to come to your games, and for that to happen, you must get genuine interest months before the showcase. I've tried to email schools, but I just keep getting invited to camp. When you get those emails from college coaches about coming to camp, that's part of this process. When you If you get those generic emails, you must follow up with, "May I confirm you're looking for," enter your position, "for the class of," enter your grad year. And even when you get a generic email, you must ask that question because if they respond with, "Yes, they're looking for your position," now you know that it's up to you to do well at the camp so then they then come to your showcase. As an MLS NEXT player, there's even an argument because you are an elite level player that you should go to some camps without any genuine interest. You always wanna try and get genuine interest leading up to the camp, but if it's your top school, book the camp and then spend the rest of that period of time before the camp emailing them that you're coming and send them video. I just have a highlight video. Can I ask you a question? How many every-touch videos do you have right now? You can't have only a highlight video and expect to get genuine interest. You're going to have to have every-touch videos also. Can I schedule a call with you and my parents? If you want more help playing college soccer, comment "call" and we can schedule a call with you and your parents.
