A former Division I and professional soccer player argues that Division III programs often beat Division I for playing time, coaching relationships, and academics. He says professional soccer rarely pays the bills long-term, so pick a school where you'll actually play and get a real degree.
In 2 years from now, your friend who committed to Division I might be jealous of you at your Division III school because while he's riding the bench considering transferring, you're playing every minute and having a wonderful experience with players and coaches and frankly an academic environment that you love even more. A lot of people think Division III isn't very good, and I want to tell you right now that I've played pro soccer with players who played Division III and then have been better than players that have played Division I. It comes often down to circumstance, and the most important factor will be your coach. If you love your coach, you will have a great experience, whether it's Division I, Division II, or Division III. Now, I played Division I soccer, and I had a great experience, and you— all of you guys want to make sure you have a great experience. But I played pro soccer, and I did not make enough money to never work again for the rest of my life. And I know your parents will be telling you, you got to have a backup plan in case something doesn't go well. And I know you athletes are going, well, I'm going to make it pro. And I'm here to tell both of you guys are wrong. It doesn't matter if you make it pro. You're gonna need some type of income to support your pro soccer lifestyle. And even after you playing pro, you're not gonna make so much money in the years of, say, 22 to 35, if you're lucky, to where you never work again for the rest of your life. So you have to go to school. Now, if you prioritize your academics and you go to a great school for soccer, you are more likely to get a job in the workforce because of your soccer background. Businesses want athletes. So now you get to have the combination that makes mom and dad happy, and frankly me, which is academics come first. Then you also get to play soccer in a professional environment, and Division III schools have massively professional organizations where the pitches are beautiful. So I want you to comment Division III, and I'll send you a list of Division III schools that are really good.
