D3 Soccer Recruiting Guide
Academics take priority with no athletic scholarships available. D3 offers competitive athletics with a focus on the student-athlete experience. Academic and merit-based financial aid is available.
450+
NCAA Division III schools
No
Athletic scholarships
moderate
Recruiting intensity
Where D3 soccer coaches find talent: the deepest soccer pipelines run through California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey.
D3 Soccer Scholarships
No athletic scholarships - academic/merit aid only
What D3 Soccer Coaches Look For
Coaches at the NCAA Division III 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
Academic fit first
Passion for game (no scholarships)
Technical and tactical IQ
Multi-sport athletes common
Leadership and character
Coachability
Playing Style at D3
- Highly tactical
- Possession-oriented
- Emphasis on technique over athleticism
- Strong team culture
- Regional focus
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 D3 Soccer Highlight Video
Add professional tracking circles to your game footage and get noticed by NCAA Division III coaches.