D2 Soccer Recruiting Guide
A strong balance of athletics and academics with partial scholarship opportunities. D2 programs recruit regionally and offer competitive play with more flexibility than D1.
300+
NCAA Division II schools
Yes
Athletic scholarships
high
Recruiting intensity
Where D2 soccer coaches find talent: the deepest soccer pipelines run through California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey.
D2 Soccer Scholarships
Men: 9 (equivalency). Women: 9.9 (equivalency).
What D2 Soccer Coaches Look For
Coaches at the NCAA Division II level have specific priorities when evaluating soccer recruits. Understanding these priorities helps you create a highlight video that speaks directly to what these programs need.
Coach Priorities
Strong technical ability
Good game IQ compensates for athleticism
Work ethic and willingness to develop
Balance: Can manage academics and athletics
Regional talent often recruited
Late bloomers welcome
Playing Style at D2
- Tactical and technical
- Mix of direct and possession-based
- Competitive but slightly less intense than D1
- More emphasis on team chemistry
Soccer Position Guides
Each soccer position has different evaluation criteria. Explore position-specific highlight video guides with clips to include and tracking circle placement tips.
Goalkeeper
- Shot-stopping ability (reflexes, positioning)
- Distribution (punts, goal kicks, throws)
- 1v1 situations
Use circle from kickoff and track through entire sequence
View GuideCenter Back
- Defensive positioning and awareness
- Aerial ability (headers on both offense/defense)
- Tackling technique
Circle yourself during defensive sequences and transitions
View GuideOutside Back
- 1v1 defending ability
- Speed (offensive and defensive transition)
- Crossing ability
Track yourself during overlapping runs and defensive recovery
View GuideDefensive Midfielder
- Defensive awareness (reading game)
- Tackling in midfield
- Distribution and passing range
Track yourself through possession sequences
View GuideCentral Midfielder
- Vision and passing ability
- Work rate (offensive and defensive contributions)
- Ball control in tight spaces
Track yourself through possession sequences
View GuideAttacking Midfielder
- Creativity and vision
- Final ball/assist ability
- Dribbling in tight spaces
Circle yourself before making runs and during playmaking
View GuideSoccer Highlight Video Guide
For a complete breakdown of soccer highlight video requirements including video structure, timeline, and all position guides, visit the full sport guide.
Soccer Highlight Video GuideSoccer Recruiting at Other Divisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Create Your D2 Soccer Highlight Video
Add professional tracking circles to your game footage and get noticed by NCAA Division II coaches.