June 15th, Key Date for High School Players

For soccer players, June 15th after sophomore year marks the moment when Division 1 & 2 college coaches can begin reaching out directly – turning months of waiting into instant opportunities for verbal offers, texts, and recruiting conversations.

The Reality of June 15th – It’s Not Just for Elite Players

Let’s be honest about what June 15th really looks like. The top 1% of soccer players – those already on coaches’ radars from top showcases and elite tournaments – could wake up to emails from Division 1 & 2 programs.

Generally speaking, almost all forms of contact from Division 1 coaches are allowed by June 15 after an athlete’s sophomore year, including verbal offers, emails, calls, texts, and recruiting letters.

But here’s what most players don’t understand: June 15th isn’t just about who gets contacted first. It’s about when communication lines officially open for everyone.

Before this date, there is zero off-campus communication allowed between a coach and a recruit before June 15 after an athlete’s sophomore year. After June 15th? Every player can start building relationships with college programs.

If your phone wasn’t buzzing on June 15th, you’re not behind – you’re just getting started at the right time.

The Numbers Every Soccer Player Should Know

College soccer coaches have been watching players long before they can contact them.

In fact, in NCSA’s survey of D1 women’s soccer coaches, 7% reported that they began evaluating talent before 9th grade, 45% began evaluating talent in 9th grade, and 47% began in 10th grade.

For men’s soccer, 74% of D1 coaches reported that they began evaluating talent in the 10th grade and 22% began evaluating talent in 11th grade.

• Top recruits get early attention because coaches have been tracking them for years. But coaches also need to fill their roster spots, and they can’t all be five-star recruits.
• By junior year, many soccer coaches will have their rosters filled. This makes June 15th after sophomore year your crucial window to get on their radar before spots disappear.
• Division 2 programs often recruit players who were close to D1 level but didn’t quite make the cut. This creates huge opportunities for players willing to be proactive in their outreach.

Division 2: The Hidden Opportunity

While everyone focuses on Division 1 programs, Division 2 soccer offers incredible opportunities that many players overlook.

Here’s what makes D2 special:

• More scholarship money per player: D2 programs can usually offer up more scholarships spread across their rosters.
• Academic flexibility: Many D2 programs have different academic standards than highly competitive D1 schools
• Playing time opportunities: Less competition for starting spots compared to D1 powerhouses

What Actually Happens After June 15th

Once June 15th passes, here’s what becomes possible for every soccer player:

Direct Communication: June 15 after sophomore year: Coaches can start extending verbal offers and sending athletes all forms of communications (texts, DM, emails, mail, etc.). Coaches can start calling athletes at this point.

Campus Visits: August 1 before junior year: Athletes may begin taking official or unofficial campus visits. Athletic departments can also start participating in recruits’ unofficial visits, helping to schedule activities or meetings with coaches.

Real Recruiting Conversations: No more waiting for generic responses. Coaches can discuss playing time, scholarships, and how you fit into their program.

The Club Soccer Reality Check

Here’s something that separates soccer from other sports: Simply put, playing high school soccer is not enough to get recruiting attention from most colleges.

In 2025, club soccer has become incredibly influential, and college coaches expect that their recruits have club soccer experience.

But don’t let this discourage you if you haven’t played elite club soccer. Many D2 programs recruit players from lower-level clubs or even strong high school programs. The key is targeting the right level and being proactive in your outreach!

Your Post-June 15th Action Plan

Whether you got contacted on June 15th or not, here’s how to maximize this opportunity:

1. Cast a wide net: Don’t just focus on D1 programs. Include 8-12 D2 schools in your target list. Also, don’t ignore D3 and NAIA schools as well!
2. Be proactive: If you don’t hear from anyone on June 15th, don’t get discouraged. Emails, highlight videos, and ID Camps are your best companions.
3. Highlight your development: Show coaches how you’ve improved since they might have last seen you play.
4. Consider D2 seriously: Many D2 programs offer better scholarship packages and playing time than D1 benches.
5. Update everything: Make sure your highlight videos, transcripts, and contact information are current.

Communication Is Now Open – Use It

The biggest mistake soccer players make is thinking June 15th is only for elite recruits. It’s actually when every player gets the chance to start building relationships with college programs.

You don’t need to wait for coaches to find you. You can reach out to any program at any level and start meaningful conversations about your soccer future.

Ready to take advantage of open communication? CollegeNovo helps soccer players at every level navigate recruiting conversations with D1, D2, and D3 programs. We’ll help you identify the right schools for your skill level, craft emails that get responses, and follow up effectively to keep conversations moving forward.

Sign up for CollegeNovo today and start those recruiting conversations that could change your soccer future.