One of the biggest misconceptions in college athletics is that going to a junior college for a year or two is an embarrassment, or something parents or youth players would never consider.

This shouldn’t be the case.

Coaches at the junior college level have made careers out of accepting players who are looking for the right situation at a 4-year institution and getting them there.

De Anza College Soccer Head Coach Rusty Johnson has made it a habit of moving players on to the school of their choice after developing as players and students at the junior college level.

“Yesterday was a great day for the men’s soccer program at De Anza College. Three players, all signing full scholarship offers to continue their education, have decided where they would like to enroll next year,” said Johnson. I couldn’t be prouder of these young men and the time they have put in to excellence in the classroom and on the field.”

More and more college coaches are taking junior college transfers over 18 year-old high school players. Why?

They’re more mature, have played 40 games at a level that is consistent with the college game, both physically and tactically.

An added benefit is earning their Associates Degree by taking all their general education classes before transferring, while most likely saving money on tuition and student loans in the process.

The number of college coaches on iSoccerPath’s college panels saying their recruiting classes are made up of more junior college players each year continues to grow. Parents, if your child isn’t quite ready to go away to college, or doesn’t have the best grades or test scores and could use a year or two at home, please check out your local junior college soccer programs.

** Did you know? The classes that students take in their first two years of college are the same general education courses that the freshman take at state and private schools? Time to add junior colleges to your wide net of options to become a student athlete. Stand by soon for a big announcement from iSoccerPath on the Junior College route.