Talent alone rarely decides who gets a scholarship. Many good players miss out because of avoidable mistakes.
The seven most common
- Aiming only at Division I without knowing if it is realistic.
- Sending short, clip-only highlight reels with no full-match footage.
- Neglecting grades and core subjects.
- Starting too late for testing and eligibility deadlines.
- Mass-emailing coaches with generic messages.
- Accepting the first offer without comparing net cost.
- Paying for expensive services before knowing their true level.
The common thread
Almost every mistake comes from not having an honest, expert view of the player's level at the start.
Avoid them from day one: book a Stride USA assessment and build your pathway on evidence.
Want an honest read on where you stand? Our team reviews every player personally.
Get Assessed Now