There is no single path to collegiate soccer success, but understanding the landscape is essential. OPSM’s collegiate advisors support athletes by combining personal experience with a deep understanding of the collegiate game. Having competed at high levels themselves, they understand what true preparation looks like.
In this feature, we introduce Vanessa Corry, one of our female collegiate recruitment advisors. Currently finishing her studies at the University of Windsor, where she competed for four years at the U SPORTS level, Vanessa reflects on her own recruitment journey and how her collegiate experience now helps guide athletes through their recruitment process.
What inspired you to become a collegiate advisor?
Although my soccer years are coming to an end, I always knew that I wanted to stay connected to the sport, whether that was through coaching, being a soccer camp counsellor, etc. When I saw this job opportunity arise, I knew that I needed to apply. I’ve also just always loved helping people in any capacity, and while this job not only helps me stay connected with the sport, it also gives me the opportunity to help soccer athletes with my knowledge of the sport, as well as giving them the help that I never got during my recruiting process.
What is your history in collegiate sports and/or at the professional level?
I’ve been competing at the University level in USports at the University of Windsor for four years now, from 2022 to 2025. Growing up, I played at the highest level, starting with the Gloucester Hornets. At 13, I switched clubs to try out for the newly established Ontario Provincial Development League (OPDL) program at the Ottawa South United soccer club. It was a big decision, leaving behind my familiar club to reach a new level. Unfortunately, my first attempt didn’t go as planned, and I didn’t make the team. However, I decided to stay and play Regional. I worked incredibly hard, practicing after coming from practice. Over the years, my dedication paid off, and I became a development player. This meant training with my regional team and occasionally with the OPDL team. I practiced two hours a night and gave it my all at every practice and team lift. This not only helped me grow as a player but also developed my incredible work ethic. When COVID-19 began, I officially joined the OPDL team, which was difficult because everything became zoom practices and zoom workouts, but when everything finally opened up again I was able to compete at that level for two and a half years before University.
What was your recruiting journey as a player like?
My recruiting process as a player was not like the ordinary process. Unfortunately, when the “prime time” for recruiting was happening, covid had hit, which meant that there weren’t many ways to get my name out there. Without games, there was no game film, and without ID camps there wasn’t any exposure. My first ever highlight reel were some old videos taken from my moms phone, and I still figured it out and sent it out to a couple coaches, thankfully enough things started to open up again and I was able to get actual game tape as well as go to a couple ID camps to hopefully get some more exposure. I had basically done everything on my own, with some rides from my mom to the ID camps, creating my own highlight reel, reaching out to coaches, figuring out what works and what doesn’t was a whole process. Time was slowly running out, as the coaches already had their full recruit class, and March had hit and I was losing all hope of being able to play at the University level. At one of the ID camps a University of WIndsor coach for the men’s team told me that I should reach out to the Women’s coach because I would be a great fit. Thankfully, I was able to get a visit, practice with the team, have lunch with the coach, and got an offer to sign with the team back in 2022.
What is your process when trying to find a school that fits an athlete?
One of the most important processes in finding a school that best fits an athlete is to get to know them on a personal level and truly understand their values and expectations. It is crucial to identify their academic and athletic goals. My goal is to ensure that the athlete makes the best decision for themselves and has an overall positive collegiate experience.
What does a day in the life of a collegiate advisor look like?
A day in the life of a collegiate advisor, as I currently experience it, is quite simple for a student-athlete. I’m currently completing my undergraduate degree in psychology and hope to become a sports psychologist. Beyond my student-athlete responsibilities, my role involves extensive research on programs, developing individualized recruiting strategies tailored to each athlete’s needs, and staying informed about rule changes and recruiting trends to effectively connect athletes.
What is one moment of your career that you are proud of?
There are many moments in my career that I am proud of, but one that stands out to me is starting my first OUA game as a rookie and assisting the first goal of the game. I believe rookies are often underestimated when starting their collegiate careers, whether because they are deemed “not ready” or “too young.” I always worked diligently for my achievements and consistently gave my all during practices. The practice before our game versus Brock, my coach informed me that I would not only dress but also start my first OUA game, it felt as though all the hard work and extra hours I had invested in the sport were finally paying off. My goal for the game was not to score, but to enjoy the experience and play my best soccer. I assisted my striker in the 27th minute, and I was so ecstatic that I shed tears. This moment will always be engraved in my memory, and I believe it served as a motivating factor to continue working hard and giving my all.
After a successful collegiate career at the University of Windsor, Vanessa brings firsthand experience to the recruitment journey. Navigating her own process during the uncertainty of COVID-19, she learned how to adapt quickly to constant changes — a skill that remains essential as collegiate recruitment continues to evolve from class to class. Her experience allows her to guide athletes through the process with perspective, honesty, and a steady approach.
As part of the OPSM collegiate advising team, she is committed to helping players find the right environment to thrive both academically and athletically.
Athletes and families interested in working with Vanessa can learn more and get started by connecting with OPSM’s collegiate advising team here.