NCAA D1
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Mercer University Men’s Soccer – Coach Brad Ruzzo
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Brad Ruzzo from the Mercer University Men’s Soccer Program in Macon, Georgia. We talk about the changing landscape of men’s college soccer recruiting, including the transfer portal, roster limits, and why Coach Ruzzo continues to put a premium on mentality, work rate, grit, and finding players who fit the culture of the program. He describes Mercer’s beautiful, walkable campus, strong academic opportunities, and the support systems in place to help student-athletes adjust to the demands of Division I soccer and college life. Lastly, we discuss his experienced perspective after nearly two decades at Mercer, his young staff of former players, and a style of play built around defending and attacking as a team, pressing high up the field, and winning important transitional moments.
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Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Soccer – Coach Jim Blankenship
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Jim Blankenship from the Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Soccer program in Fort Myers, Florida. We talk about how the Eagles are adapting to NCAA roster changes, the transfer portal, and evolving recruiting timelines while continuing to build one of the ASUN’s top programs. Coach shares why Florida Gulf Coast’s ID camps play such a significant role in recruiting, what qualities he looks for in prospective student-athletes, and why the university’s academics, campus, and support systems make it such an attractive destination. Lastly, we discuss the program’s high-energy style of play, the resources available to student-athletes, and Coach Blankenship’s advice for recruits on taking ownership of their recruiting process.
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Utah Valley University Women’s Soccer – Coach Chris Lemay
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Chris Lemay from the Utah Valley University Women’s Soccer program in Orem, Utah. We discuss how Coach Lemay and his staff are navigating the ever-changing recruiting landscape, including new NCAA rules, transfer portal strategy, and the importance of ID camps in their evaluation process. Coach also shares what makes Utah Valley stand out, from its new soccer-specific stadium and recent success on the field to the incredible resources and support available for student-athletes. Lastly, we talk about the program’s possession-based playing style, intentional team culture, and Coach Lemay’s advice for recruits on finding the right college fit rather than simply chasing a name or logo.
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University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Men’s Soccer – Coach John O’Reilly
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach John O’Reilly from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Men’s Soccer program in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We discuss how the recent eligibility changes and transfer portal are impacting recruiting, why Green Bay focuses heavily on regional recruiting through MLS NEXT and Canada, and what the staff looks for in players who fit their possession-based style of play. Coach also shares what makes UW-Green Bay an ideal environment for player development, highlighting its smaller campus, strong academic support, and resources that allow student-athletes to focus on improving every day. Finally, we talk about his player-centered coaching philosophy, the importance of finding the right program fit during the recruiting process, and why recruits should spend time watching training sessions and interacting with current players before making their college decision.
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Seattle University Men’s Soccer – Coach Nate Daligcon
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Nate Daligcon from the Seattle University Men’s Soccer program in Seattle, Washington. We discuss the recruiting process at the Division I level, including the importance of players proactively reaching out to coaches and how Seattle approaches building its recruiting lists. Coach Daligcon shares what makes Seattle University unique, from its downtown Seattle location and World Cup training facilities to the close-knit atmosphere created by its smaller, private-school environment. Lastly, we talk about balancing high school recruits with transfers and internationals, while emphasizing culture, player development, and finding the right fit both on and off the field.
