This short write up is to give you an insight into what College coaches look for during the recruitment process, and why they recruit international players.
I recently caught up with Luke Sheekey, Head Coach of Eckerd College Women’s Soccer. Luke is originally from London, and made the move to America to pursue a scholarship in 2006. He graduated from Eckerd College in 2010, after playing four years on the Men’s Soccer team. A real ‘full circle’ moment for him being back at Eckerd now as a Head Coach!
Coach Sheekey gave me my first coaching role when I became the Student-Assistant Coach at Delta State University in 2016. I know first hand just how thorough and committed he is throughout the entire process – not just in recruitment but ensuring he can get the best out of his players, both on and off the field!
Myself with Coach Sheekey at Delta State University.
Now, he’s is at the helm of Eckerd Women’s Soccer – where our very own member of the Athleticademix family, Amy Woodhead, has just begun her Sophomore year! They’re an NCAA Division 2 programme competing in The Sunshine State Conference. Eckerd College is located in St.Petersburg, Florida.
Eckerd College Campus.
I put a few questions to Luke, which can you read below-
What’s the best thing about being a College coach?
Still being involved in the football is the best. Interacting with young people who love the game and want to improve is why I love what I do!
Why do you look at recruiting international players? Do you feel they can offer something different to domestic players?
International players add so much to your programme, both on and off the field. They bring a different way of playing, a fresh mentality and off the field add more to your team culture that enhances the American players experience too. And Americans do a great job of making internationals feel at home!
Do you have any specific procedures in place to help the players settle in once they arrive?
Coming in each Fall to the season helps internationals settle. It’s straight into pre-season and then the season starts, so you’re obviously doing all sorts of things together as a team to build your culture.
What do you look for when recruiting an international player?
Obviously the play is the first thing, a video that stands out. We want them to be athletic so they can have an impact right away in the SSC . After that, we love calls with lots of questions and the player to have a good understanding of what they want from their experience in College Soccer.
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of becoming a Student-Athlete in the US?
You won’t know until you try it! Leaving home is never easy but coming over here for this experience, regardless of division or location, is always worth it. On the field, be fitter and stronger than you’ve ever been when coming over.
It was great to catch up with Luke, and I’m excited to keep tabs on him, Amy and the rest of the team’s success this season!
Hopefully this has given you a little insight into a coach’s thinking during the recruitment process and onwards! If you’re interested in seeing what this journey could look like for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Email- daisy@athleticademix.com or complete our Free Assessment.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
