You are receiving these guidelines because you have contacted us with questions about a potential transfer.
Here are some guidelines on what to consider before you decide whether or not to go forward with looking to transfer. Any potential coaches will assess you based on what has happened for you individual and for your current team since you’ve been in the US college system.
- Did you have little playing time, not start all the matches or not compete in many events during the season?
Then you would likely find a college team which is a lower level/same level but with a lower scholarship (this will cost you/your family more). - Have you started all the matches, competed in every event, but not received any individual accolades at the end of the season?
Then you will most likely be able to find a college at an equivalent level for an equivalent scholarship. - Have you received individual accolades? e.g. an “All-Conference First Team” award, which is awarded for being recognised as one of the best athletes in your conference.
Then you could potentially find a higher level team and possibly be offered an equivalent or larger scholarship – but there are no guarantees.
It is important to know what you are getting into before entering the transfer portal (NCAA) or receiving your release form (NAIA). It is also important to understand that these are not just our opinions, but how a coach will look at things when they see you as a possible transfer recruit.
We always want what is best for you, but knowing what you’re getting yourself into is essential before you decide on your next steps. You would need to tell your current coach you are intending to go into the Transfer Portal. When you enter the transfer process you are then free to speak to any other coaches, and they can speak to you. However, it then becomes very, very hard to go back on your decision and recover/keep your scholarship at your current school if nothing else comes up. This can mean you will have to leave and be left with no option but to return home, which is certainly not what you or we want to happen. But it’s important we are clear and honest about the risks!
We understand that there are many reasons to change schools, and not all of them are based on scholarships or even to do with soccer.
This information is not aimed at discouraging you from transferring, but instead making sure you make an informed decision. It is our job to help you do this and weigh up the pro’s and con’s before you do anything – because there are many factors out of your control and our control which make this process complex and uncertain. Please make sure you’ve read the info above, especially about what to expect based on your performances/stats/accolades since arriving in the US and how that would impact your options if you were to transfer elsewhere.
Thank you!
