For many college soccer players, the dream is to one day play professionally. While talent may be a prerequisite for making the jump from college soccer to the pro ranks, it also requires significant mental toughness and the right mindset. Trevor DeMar Banks, Assistant Coach for Yale University Men’s Soccer, attended a recent OPSM NextGen Combine and he sat down with us to share advice for players hoping to make the leap.
“Do what you’re doing now, really well,” Coach Banks says.
One of the most important things Coach Banks emphasized was this: don’t get too caught up in the idea of being a pro. Instead, focus on doing your best in the present. Whether you’re playing for a top-tier program or a smaller school, excelling in your current role is what will ultimately get you noticed.
“If you do what you’re doing now really well, people are going to see you. People are going to say, ‘What’s that kid’s name?’” Coach Banks says. He explains that if you focus on improving your game every day and all the small details that come along with that, the opportunities to play at the next level will come. You don’t have to constantly be thinking about going pro. The work you put in now, on the field, in training, and off the field, is what will set you up for the future.
A word that Coach Banks repeatedly uses is ‘measurables’. Measurables are the aspects of your daily routines and training regimes that players need to focus on in order to make it to the pros. The little details about doing the extra work and staying disciplined that help shape you into a complete player, and they go beyond what happens on the pitch. We’re talking about your nutrition, fitness, and mental approach.
“Being a pro doesn’t just happen on the field,” Coach Banks explains. “It’s about doing the little things every day. Running when you don’t feel like it, getting in that extra work after practice, and keeping your body in shape.” It’s also about staying on top of your academics, being a good person, and contributing to your community. All of these factors contribute to your development, and they will be noticed.
Professional players don’t just perform when things are going well, they also know how to deal with the lows. In college, you’ll have games where everything clicks, but you’ll also have tough games where things aren’t going your way. The key is to stay consistent and resilient through all of the highs and lows.
“You have to be able to deal with adversity,” says Coach Banks. “What are you doing when you’re not getting the ball or not playing well? Can you turn those moments into something positive?”
Playing for a top college program like Yale means you’re going to have to juggle both academics and soccer. That balance is adversity in itself. Playing at a high level in soccer is demanding, but doing well in the classroom is just as important.
“You have to be able to succeed academically while also working toward your goal of playing at the next level. You need players who understand the balance between academics and athletics, and who can handle the pressure of both,”
Not every college program is set up to develop players for the professional level, but many provide the right environment for growth. It’s important to find a program that challenges you and helps you improve. It is clear that Trevor DeMar Banks and Yale University have a clear recruiting plan that allows them to have success on the pitch, in the classroom, and develop players that will go on to have success in their own fields or at the professional level.
Lastly, Coach Banks encourages players to seek out guidance and connections that can help them take the next step. College programs often have networks of scouts and contacts in the professional world, and using those connections can open doors. Additionally, attending combines or showcases where scouts are present can provide great exposure.
Making the jump from college soccer to professional soccer isn’t easy, but it’s not out of reach either. By focusing on excelling in your current role, embracing the “measurables,” staying mentally tough, balancing academics and ambition, and finding the right program to develop your skills, you can put yourself in the best position to succeed. Keep working hard, stay focused on your goals, and trust that with dedication and the right mindset, you can make your dream of playing professionally a reality.
To watch Trevor DeMar Banks interview with OPSM, visit the OPSM Network Instagram page.
It’s crucial for players to start their college soccer recruiting journey early and have all of the resources available to them in order to succeed. For those that are willing to commit to the work needed to excel on the field and in the classroom, speak to one of our OPSM Collegiate Advisors to receive expert guidance on your pathway.
