Ace Your Soccer Showcase: Tips from a Current College Player
Advice from Leonie, who attended our showcase and got a soccer scholarship!
College soccer recruiting season is here! The Keystone Sports College Soccer Showcase Tour 2024 is coming soon to four European cities: Lillestrøm, Madrid , Oxford and Hamburg. Join us for exclusive days dedicated to men’s and women’s soccer, along with expert-led presentations full of insights on college soccer, studying in the US, and valuable tips to boost your recruitment success.
Soccer showcases like this one provide players with a fantastic opportunity to display their talent on the field and connect directly with college coaches. Don’t miss out on this chance to catch coaches’ attention and take an important step towards securing a soccer scholarship in the US!
Leonie Kuhrt from Germany attended our college soccer showcase in 2023. Her experience led to a soccer scholarship, and she’s now playing college soccer and studying Sports Management at Bethel College in Kansas.
Curious about what it’s like to attend a showcase for soccer? Not sure what to expect, how to prepare, or what comes next? We spoke with Leonie, who’s ready to share her top tips and insights to help you make the most of your soccer showcase experience!
What was it like playing in front of US college coaches?
“I was nervous at first, which I think is normal because it’s an unfamiliar situation, but it was a great experience. As soon as the showcase games started, you don’t even notice the coaches anymore; it felt like any other soccer game. ”
Did you have any interactions or networking opportunities with the coaches?
“Yes, there is the opportunity to talk to coaches at the showcase, and there is an extra time slot in the schedule where coaches can ask players for an interview. I had a few conversations with coaches on the spot. It was very interesting to get a first impression and see what these interviews are like. “
How did the showcase help you in your journey to securing a soccer scholarship in the US?
“It helped me a lot. It gave me a better idea of how things work in the US. You can always talk to someone at the showcase and ask questions. The showcase matches are recorded, and you get access to the video material later, which you can use for your highlight video. There are coaches on the spot, but there are also coaches who are not attending in person who can watch the games later. It gives you a stage to showcase yourself and your qualities.”
What was the process like from participating in the showcase to eventually getting recruited by a US college?
“After you finish everything and have your highlight video, it really gets going. After the showcase, I texted with different coaches and then made appointments for Zoom meetings. These coach-player meetings continue until you finally decide on a university.”
What challenges did you face, and how did Keystone Sports help you overcome them?
“I found it difficult to make the right decision. I had many great conversations with coaches and offers, but I wasn’t sure what was right for me. Keystone Sports supported me and helped me see each offer from different perspectives. They know US college coaches and universities and can provide tips or hints you might not be aware of. This helped me tremendously.”
What advice would you give to players who are attending the upcoming showcases?
“Be yourself, have fun, and make new connections! I met great people from all over Germany with whom I am still in touch. Also, don’t worry too much and try to play freely. See the showcase as an opportunity to gain your first experience and enjoy it.”
How should athletes prepare themselves, mentally and physically, for the showcase?
“You should definitely prepare yourself and bring a good level of fitness to the showcase; this will help you perform at your best and impress the college coaches. Mentally, prepare for the fact that a showcase is very intense and exhausting, but remember to have fun and stay open-minded. Try not to overthink too much!”
Why do you think the showcase is such a valuable opportunity for student-athletes?
“It gives players the perfect chance to showcase themselves and talk to US coaches in person. You’ll get a first impression of everything and gain experiences that will help you in the soccer recruiting process. You play matches with a variety of players, allowing you to learn from them and make new friends.”
What do you enjoy most about being a student-athlete in the US?
“Soccer-wise, it’s great fun to have so many games and to improve every day as a player. I also enjoy living with my teammates. All the freshmen live on the same hallway. We study together, go out to eat, watch movies, or just spend time together.”
How has your experience studying and playing soccer in the US changed your life?
“It has definitely changed my life. Now I can combine soccer and academics; everything is in one place. Before moving to the US, I had an hour’s drive to practice almost every day; now I walk three minutes to get to the soccer field.
I’ve left my comfort zone and can live my dream here. At first, it was scary, but everyone made me feel very welcome, and I knew I had made the right decision. You meet so many people, learn about new cultures, and make new friends. Every day brings new experiences and fun with my team!”
We extend our warmest thanks to Leonie for sharing her college showcase experience. Do you also want to play soccer in the US while earning a college degree? Don’t miss the Keystone Sports College Soccer Showcase Tour 2024!
Our recruiting event for college soccer is an excellent step toward securing your dream soccer scholarship in the US. Get more information about the college showcase and register via the links below!
Nordics college showcase:
5-9 December – LSK Hallen in Lillestrøm, Norway
– Registration for Swedish players
– Registration for Danish players
– Registration for Norwegian players
– Registration for coaches
Spain College Showcse:
6-7 December – Campo la Mina (RCD Carabanchel) in Madrid, Spain
– Registration for players
Germany College Showcase:
8-12 December – Stadion an der Dieselstrasse in Hamburg, Germany
– Registration for players
– Registration for coaches
UK college showcase:
16-17 December – Oxford City FC in Oxford, United Kingdom
– Registration for coaches
Share this article:
About the author
Paulina Romo
Paulina Romo, SEO Specialist at Keystone Sports, holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has a background in equestrian sports, specializing in dressage. Shaped by international experience gained from work and studies in Sweden, South Korea, Germany, and Spain, Paulina brings a diverse blend of marketing skills and perspectives to her role.
More related articles
College Tennis Showcase 2023
Keystone Sports Tennis Showcase 2023 and its prep day breaks all records! Read more about the first day of the tennis recruiting event.
CSUSA men’s scandinavian soccer showcase – December 2022
Increase your soccer scholarship chances! Register for CSUSA’s Men’s Scandinavian Soccer Showcase in December 2022 – find all the dates here!
Keystone Sports Making Tennis Showcase History
Record-Breaking Success After four exciting days brimming with tennis, networking, and inspiring talks, we are delighted to announce that the 2023 edition of the Keystone Sports College Tennis Showcase is etched into history as the biggest and greatest showcase ever