How can I find colleges with soccer teams?

I'm a high school junior and I play soccer. I really want to continue playing in college, so I'm looking for schools that have soccer teams. Ideally, I'd like to find out about both varsity and club soccer options, and I'm curious about how competitive these teams usually are. Does anyone know how I can start researching colleges with active soccer programs? Any tips on how to balance soccer and academics would also be appreciated!

One way to get started with your research is to visit the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) website. The NCAA is a governing body for college sports and their website has a list of all schools that participate in varsity soccer, divided by division (Division I, II, and III). Keep in mind that Division I and II schools often have rigorous training schedules and high competitiveness, while Division III programs could offer a bit more balance between athletics and academics.

For club soccer options, you might consider checking out the NIRSA (National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association) website. They oversee collegiate club sports, including soccer, and you can find a listing of all colleges with club teams there.

As far as understanding the competitiveness of these teams, each school's athletic department website will generally have information about their recent seasons, including their record, who they played against, and any championships they've won. This could give you an idea of how competitive the various programs are.

When it comes to balancing soccer and academics, it's all about time management and finding a routine that works best for you. Some key strategies would be to stay organized (i.e., keeping a detailed schedule), making sure to plan out when to do your schoolwork around training and games, and not holding back from reaching out to resources on campus for help (be it an academic advisor, tutor, or even a professor). Remember, colleges have numerous resources available to student-athletes to help them succeed both on the field and in the classroom!

Lastly, make sure to mention your athletic accomplishments and dedication to soccer in your college applications, as this can convey your teamwork skills, leadership, discipline, and commitment. This information can be very valuable for admissions officers when reviewing your application. Good luck with your college search and in your soccer career!