PSV Union Football Club

D1 requires at least 14 sports teams, D2 requires at least 10, and D3 is even fewer. There are more NCAA 'regulated' financial aid opportunities in D1, fewer in D2, and still fewer if any in D3, but, most of these schools are 'creative' when it comes to helping figure out 'aid packages'.

An interesting perspective when looking at schools is that the percentage of public v private schools makes a complete turnaround from D1 through D3. For example: At D1, the percentage is public 66% - 34%. At D2 it is public 53% - private 47% and at D3 it is private 80% - public 20%.

There are a few other 'requirements', such as financial aid (scholarships) etc. To see more information regarding Division 1 visit their website listed below..

To be a 'Division 1 College', the college must have a number of 'required sports':
The school decides what Division they want to play in. See link
Division I members must offer at least 14 sports (at least seven for men and seven for women, or six for men and eight for women).
The institution must sponsor at least two team sports (for example, football, basketball or volleyball) for each gender.
The school also must have participating male and female teams or participants in the fall, winter and spring seasons.
Colleges and universities determine the level at which they will compete, and new members must petition to join the division they choose.

The following link is a uself NCAA resource. Click HERE

HOW TO GET RECRUITED

The best ways to get recruited in the order of importance below:

1: Personal recommendation from professional soccer coaches or reputable individuals (current and former professional players and coaches and club coaches or DOC). Most people at the higher levels know each other directly or indirectly. They tend not to share these connections with the players and families and for the most part, its a very private newtork. Getting acess to this network is based on a few criteria. How do you train? What will you be like in 2-3-4 years? Is this player likely to improve and motivated? What are they like technically, tactically, physically? Are the coachable and interested in learning? Do they have a good attitude? What is their committment like now; do they work hard on the practice field and have a good work ethic in the game?

a) Playing ability

b) Coachability

c) Reputation i.e all coaches are in the 'reputation protection' business. They simply wont refer you unles a few criteria are met. Ability. a good attitude, committment to the game and improving as well as a strong desire to play for a particular school will get you the connection you usually need. Players with ability but a poor attitude and poor training habits wont get the introduction they need. Remember, the school is asking for a 4 year reference. They want to know what you will be like in 2-3- 4 years.

College coaches then follow up with a personal visit to games and practices. they will always want to see a player train and play and know the background and habits of a player. what will this player be like when they join a college program? how do they practice? do they train well? are the interested in the game? will they excel? do they have the desire and dedication and aptitude for self improvement (remember there a tonne of NCAA restrictions that prevent college coaches from 'forcing' players to even practice! to improve once in the door? getting into a program and staying in are 2 different things.

2: College ID and summer camps Excellent way for coaches to see players for extended period of time; these camps allow colleges to be creative with NCAA recruiting rules re: recruiting. its a great way for college coaches to get to know the players' personality. coachability, attitude (towards teammates, coaches etc) and training habits; excellent way for players to see the campus and get a feel for the environs and meet the staff)

4: League play and Practice Very important to see players play in their element- coaches like to see how players train). We have had many players offered scholarships and roster spots from being scouted at training games.

5: ID platforms National team, US Soccr Federation Trainings, ODP, PDP, id2 platforms. (even these players will need to get a strong recommendation: training habits; future potential etc)

6: Tournaments Hit and miss. You may play well, or not; Coaches may not see your best performances;You may even not be on the field. they may not even be there- A good place to get 'seen' but you will still need personal references and you will likely be told to attend ID camps and they will follow up more scouting.

5. Video Supplement Be very careful with what you choose to send. Make sure you coordinate with the PSV Director of Coaching to see if your video is going to get you the positive response you are seeking. Most videos are made poorly and can hurt, rather than help, your chances. Coaches know every editing trick in the book. Videos rarely work unless they are very well done. Research thoroughly before sending out any film.

PSV Union player Kelsy Hollenbeck celebrating with Portland teammates

GRADUATING PLAYERS 2012

Dana Schwartz- (committed to a top NCAA school- name withheld)

Amanda Perez- UC Irvine

Nicole Palermo- Univ. of Chicago

GRADUATED PLAYERS

Veronica Perez. University of Washington. former USA U-23 National Team. Current Mexico WNT. 2011 Women's World Cup. Former UW volunteer assistant coach.

Christie Ginanni Colorado College

Alyssa Boddie Princeton

Melissa Woo Cal Poly SLO

Stephanie Woo University of Denver

Maddie Payne Boston College

Stephanie Randall University of San Francisco

Jessie Duller Cal Poly SLO

Samantha Bengston Cal Poly SLO

Lauren Philibosian St Mary's & UC Santa Cruz

Mary Trigg Fresno State

Lauren Tippets- Duke

Players coached by PSV Union staff either privately, in small groups, or teams

Kasey Clark All Time Assists Colorado College. Trained privately and with team. 3 years

Martina Holan-Franko 2nd All Time Leading Scorer Colorado College. Canadian Women's National Team, former professional player and National Champion with WPS LA Sol. Trained privately and on teams.

Lorrie Fair 3 x NCAA Champion at University of North Carolina; US Women's National Team; Philadelphia in WUSA. Former Asst. volunteer coach UNC. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Ronnie Fair Stanford University; US Women's National Team; San Diego & New York - WUSA. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Regina Holan University of Portland; US U-20 National Team. Parade All American. All America NCAA Freshaman and All- Tournament team. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Jennifer Medina UC Berkeley; USA U-16/17 National Team. Former Bucknell Coach. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Brooke O'Hanley University of Portland; Carolina - WUSA National Champions. Former Asst. Vol. Coach UCSB Men's. Trained privately.

Kelsy Hollenbeck 2x NCAA Champion at University Portland. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Tristan Ngoon UC Davis. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Callie Withers Stanford University. Trained privatley.

Elizabeth Dosa University of Michigan. Trained privately

Kelly Sweitzer Colorado College. Trained privatley

Bonnie Bowman Santa Clara. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Jenna Shuer Stanford University. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Hanna Wachtel William & Mary. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Ali Kopfmann Duke. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Leanna Racine Emory. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Penny Schenkkan Emory. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Kelsy Rogind University of Michigan. Trained privately, small groups.

Jessica Koppel Colorado College. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.

Maggie Goldstein Dartmouth. Trained privately, and Small Groups.

Erin Ruck Yale. Trained privately, small groups and on teams.