

70: Special Episode: Women’s College D1 Soccer - The Requirments No One is Telling You (from the Strong Female Athlete Podcast)
7 snips Apr 2, 2025
Erica Sutter, a sports performance specialist and speed training expert, joins the conversation to unpack the intense world of Division I women's soccer. She discusses the evolving recruitment landscape, including the impact of NIL deals and the transfer portal. Sutter dives into the importance of strength and conditioning, emphasizing tailored training for aspiring athletes. The dynamics of college recruiting are likened to dating, revealing how coach decisions affect player commitments. Lastly, she highlights key fitness tests shaping the conditioning of D1 players.
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Top 25 Recruitment Shift
- Top 25 college soccer programs mainly recruit national team-level players or exceptional transfers. - Development opportunities for freshmen to grow into starters have drastically diminished.
Dedication Leads to Success
- Andre trained a 14-year-old girl with natural talent and professional mindset who progressed through youth nationals to a top 25 D1 program. - Her success came from family strategy, strong mental approach, and dedication to training and recovery.
Be Exceptional and Consistent
- To make a top 25 D1 soccer team, players must be athletically and technically elite and consistent. - Mental toughness and the ability to perform under pressure are crucial for recruiting success.