One of the biggest misconceptions is that going to a junior college for 1 or 2 years to play soccer is an embarrassment or something parents or youth players would never consider. Take a look at this post from Coach Rusty Johnson, head coach at De Anza JC. Not only is the program Nationally ranked but Rusty is a former D1 coach and player. Coaches at the JC level take promoting their players to 4 year institutions to get their degrees and continue their soccer careers.  “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. 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,” said Rusty Johnson. 

Don’t look now but more and more college soccer coaches at all levels are taking more and more JC transfers then 18 year old high school players. Why? They are more mature, have played 40 games at a level that is consistent with the college game physically and tactically. They have earned their AA by taking all their general ed classes and to top it off they probably spent no more than $2,000 a year max. More and more college coaches on our panels are saying their recruiting classes are made up more of JC players each year. Parents, if your child is maybe not ready to go away to college, or doesn’t have the best grades/test scores and could use one or two years at home please check out your local JC soccer programs.

** Side Note- did you know the classes that JC kids take in their first two years are the exact same ones that the freshman take at UC’s, 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.

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