In College Soccer, Choosing Between Divisions Is A Defining Moment That Demands Careful Consideration. Here's What You Need To Know.

Beyond the labels, each division offers a unique blend of challenges, opportunities, and experiences. From the relentless commitment demanded by Division 1 where soccer becomes a year-round vocation, to the more flexible yet equally competitive landscapes of Divisions 2 and 3, this article navigates the considerations associated with each division.

Comparing Divisions (and Dispelling Some Myths)

As the journey towards college soccer unfolds, players often stand at a crossroads facing a critical decision: D1, D2, or D3? Before diving into this choice, it's essential to debunk some prevalent myths and embrace the reality of each division.

There Are Quality Teams At Every Level

Contrary to conventional wisdom, extremely competitive soccer isn't confined solely to Division 1. Barry Bimbi, head coach of the Loyola women's team, reminds us, "There's such a wide range of opportunities at the college level. We're Division 1 where we are, but there's a whole different tier system even in Division 1 as far as the quality and level of play. As you get to D2, D3, there's very high-quality teams and programs at those levels too."

There Is Wide Variation Within Divisions

Bobby Muuss, head coach of the Wake Forest men's team, challenges the notion of predetermined categories. "Every program in Division 1, 2, 3, even junior college, are all run differently… I would say that almost every one of us in D2 could have played at a very, very high Division One level." Bottom line, there's plenty of diversity and competitive play within every division.

D2 + D3 Players Still Have A Path To The Pros

Jacori Hayes, a former D1 player and current pro, dispels the myth that Division 2 and 3 are dead-ends on the road to a professional career. "There’s been pros from the gamut of all the divisions." The path to professional success isn't solely monopolized by Division 1. Talent thrives across all divisions.

It’s About Fit For You (Skill + Desired Experience)

One overarching principle should guide your decision: choose based on personal fit, not external expectations. Coach Bimbi suggests "Not necessarily narrowing it down like, I'm a Division 1 player. It's like, well, what's the right fit for you? Do you want to go in and play right away? Well, maybe this program is better than that program for that."

Division 1 Considerations

Division 1 soccer is a high-intensity commitment, offering players a year-round journey that merges academics and athletics in a way that can feel like a full-time job. Below are some of the realities of choosing a D1 college soccer career.

It’s A Year-Round Commitment

Division 1 is no sprint; it's a marathon of dedication and self-motivation. Bobby Muuss says, "…it's a year-long commitment… you have to be self-motivated all the time."

It’s A Full-time Job With School + Athletics

Barry Bimbi underscores the depth of Division 1's time commitment. "The time commitment at Division 1, it's a lot in the fall… their time is taken up… The time commitment, it's a huge, huge difference than what they're used to." Student athletes have to be prepared for an experience that at times can feel more like a full-time job than being a student.

25+ Hours A Week Just For Soccer

When we asked Daylon Schiffel, a former D1 player, his take on the hours student athletes have to put into their sport, he had this to say: "I would say a range of 25-ish hours a week, give or take. If you add in extra hours, if you do weights, how long are you in the training room, how much extra training you’re doing on your own. Outside of school, outside of social life, 25 hours a week. It's a part-time job essentially just by hours, not even counting the physical toll and how tired you’re going to be."

Less Of A Social Life

With so much time going into their sport, D1 college athletes have to be prepared to make sacrifices in other areas. "You have to ask is this something that I really, really want?" Schiffel said. "Do I want to wake up at 6:00 AM and train, and do I want to have two a days? Do I want to be gone three days out of the seven days for soccer? Do I want to give up my social life before school and even during college? There’s a lot of big stuff that you don’t really think about until you’re in it.”

It’s Faster, Stronger, More Physical

Neil Jones, men's head coach at Wisconsin, describes Division 1 as follows when it comes to the level of athleticism: "You have to be able to compete physically at this level. College soccer is extremely fast, it's extremely athletic, and that's a huge portion of how we recruit." He goes on to say, "The level is higher and so the speed of play is going to be a lot higher and the athleticism is going to be higher. The competitiveness within training is going to be higher. You are also going to be playing at an under 24 level. College soccer now is basically an under 24 league. A lot of players are coming to us as freshmen that have been playing in the U-19s."

D2 and D3 Considerations

Stepping into Division 2 and 3, players encounter nuances in commitment and opportunities that shape a unique college soccer experience.

In-Season Is A Similar Commitment

Barry Bimbi reflects on the differences in time commitment between divisions. "…rules are very different at Division 2 and Division 3 as far as time commitments." While the in-season commitment remains similar, Division 2 and 3 offer more leeway in balancing other aspects of life in the offseason.

Off-Season Hours Are Less

The off-season dynamic is distinct. Barry Bimbi points out, "Do you want to dedicate all this time in the off season?" Off-season training, while still demanding, presents a more manageable schedule compared to Division 1's intense regime.

Study Abroad Is Possible For D2 + D3

Unlike Division 1, Division 2 and 3 players often enjoy the flexibility for study abroad experiences. Barry Bimbi notes, "Our girls, undergrad, they can't do a spring semester abroad, but a lot of Division 2, Division 3 players do that." This opportunity extends the horizons of education beyond the field.

D1 + D2 Have More International Players To Compete With

The global talent pool varies across divisions. Bobby Muuss observes, "…Division One a little bit more of an international. Division Two a little bit more of an international…" The competition in Division 1 and 2 is shaped by a diverse influx of international athletes.

D3 Has No Athletic Scholarship, Just Academic

Distinguishing itself from the other divisions, Division 3 doesn't offer athletic scholarships. Alyssa and Jay Beyer emphasize, "D3 school… might be completely different if you are trying to get into a D1 and have to do a walk-on." Division 3's emphasis is on academic excellence rather than financial aid tied to sports.

D2 + D3 Can Cost Less

Division 2 and 3 often present a more budget-friendly option for aspiring college soccer players. Barry Bimbi points out the value of weighing your sacrifices, asking, "How much are you willing to sacrifice other pieces of your life? The studying, the social aspect maybe travel."

Choosing The Right Division For You

Some tips to pick the right division for you.

Talk To Your Coaches To Assess Level

"…coaches… have an understanding of where you fit in…" Neil Jones advises, highlighting the importance of seeking insight from mentors who can evaluate your skills vis-à-vis the different divisions.

Decide What You Want (Not What Others Want For You)

Barry Bimbi urges athletes to stay true to their own desires. "You have to decide what player/person you are." The choice of division shouldn't be influenced solely by external expectations, but should be a reflection of personal ambitions.

Decide If Playing Right Away Is Important

The question of immediate game time is pivotal. Barry Bimbi notes the significance, "Do you want to go in and play right away? Well, maybe this program is better than that program for that." Choosing a division aligned with your playing goals is key.

Don’t Overreach…But Also Don’t Underreach

Navigating the terrain between ambition and realism is crucial. Alyssa and Jay Beyer stress the balance, "there is an extremely wide spectrum… you can even get scholarships into a D3 school…" Striking the right balance ensures a fulfilling college soccer experience.

It’s A Personal Journey

As Daylon Schiffel puts it, "There’s a very big difference between those situations… There’s a lot of big stuff that you don’t really think about until you’re in it.” The college soccer decision isn't just about athletics; it's about a holistic match between dreams and reality.

In college soccer, the choice between D1, D2, and D3 isn't just a label. It's a culmination of ambitions, aspirations, and practical considerations. So, stand at the crossroads and let your own voice guide you towards the division that resonates with your vision of the future.