For many young athletes, playing at a prestigious school like Yale is a dream come true. But as anyone who has gone through the recruitment process knows, getting there isn’t easy. It takes a lot more than just talent on the field, it’s about character, academics, and finding the right fit.
Marcus Carrington, the Assistant Coach for Yale Women’s Soccer, attended the OPSM Girls NextGEN Combine in Ottawa and shared some valuable advice for players hoping to make it to the Ivy League.
Carrington’s first piece of advice is one that many young recruits need to hear: keep an open mind. The recruitment process can be stressful, especially for female athletes, who often start the process earlier than their male counterparts. “It’s very easy to look around and see your teammates getting interest from other schools or even committing to a program,” Carrington says. “But everyone’s process is different.”
It’s easy to compare your journey to others, but Carrington emphasizes that each player’s path is unique. “The game is your process, your process,” he says. “Everyone has their spot, so trust that the right opportunity will come.”
When Carrington looks at recruits, he’s not just evaluating their technical skills on the field; he’s paying close attention to how they interact with their teammates. For him, the most important quality in a player is being team-oriented. “I’m looking for a player who isn’t just focused on themselves, but who is making sure the team is better,” he explains.
Carrington stresses that how players act off the ball is just as important as what they do when they have it. He watches closely to see how players react when they lose or win the ball. “Are they looking to the sidelines for guidance, or are they isolating themselves?” he asks. Even in warm-ups, he’s paying attention to whether players are engaging with their teammates or keeping to themselves. This team-first mentality is a must for any player hoping to join the Yale program.
While a strong mentality and good attitude are essential, Carrington knows that you also need to bring your A-game when it comes to soccer skills. But here’s where things get interesting: defense comes first. “In our environment, we have the expectation that everyone defends,” Carrington says. That means even forwards and attacking midfielders need to be ready to contribute defensively.
Carrington looks for players who are technically sound and can keep possession of the ball, but he also values players who stand out by doing the little things that others might miss. “Are they defending well? Are they doing the simple things in tight spaces?” he asks. For Carrington, a player’s ability to adapt and play in different situations is key.
Playing for a school like Yale isn’t just about soccer. The academic requirements are demanding, and Carrington makes it clear that recruits need to be prepared for the challenges of balancing athletics and academics. “At an Ivy League school, time management is huge,” he says. “We ask a lot from our players.”
The academic standards at Yale are among the highest in the country. For Carrington, academic rigor is the most important thing when evaluating a recruit’s grades. “It’s not just about having a 4.0 GPA,” he explains. “What’s most important is the rigor of the classes you’re taking.” That means a player who takes challenging courses but has a slightly lower GPA will be more attractive than someone who plays it safe and takes easier classes.
This focus on rigor reflects Yale’s commitment to recruiting well-rounded individuals who can thrive both in the classroom and on the field.
Carrington also noted that Yale Women’s Soccer is increasingly looking to attract international talent. “We want players who are not just great on the field, but who also want to come to an Ivy League school and study at a world-class institution,” he says. For international players, Yale offers the unique opportunity to play in one of the most competitive soccer conferences while getting an Ivy League education.
For players from abroad, Carrington sees this as an exciting opportunity to experience a new environment. “It’s always awesome to see players from a different landscape, different countries, bringing their unique experiences to the table,” he says.
If you’re aiming to play for Yale Women’s Soccer, Carrington’s advice boils down to a few key points: Keep an open mind throughout the recruiting process, focus on being a team player, and don’t forget that academics matter just as much as soccer.
To listen to Marcus Carrington’s interview with OPSM, visit the OPSM Network Instagram page.
The recruiting process at a school like Yale is competitive, but with the right guidance, work ethic, and focus, you can find yourself as part of a team that competes at the highest level of college soccer. The pathway to playing college soccer is not an easy journey. It’s crucial for players to start 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, one of our OPSM Collegiate Advisors can guide you through this journey.
