Roadmap to College Soccer : Temple Athlete Advisory Group

In Episode 13, Grant and Erik sit down with Mike Graczyk, assistant coach at Notre Dame and the goalkeeper coach behind National Player of the Year and MLS SuperDraft pick Bryan Dowd. Mike has coached at Stanford, New Mexico, and in the USL before landing at Notre Dame, where the Irish have reached two College Cup Finals in the last five years.He breaks down what actually separates goalkeeper recruits at the highest level, why Notre Dame tells families they have to love both soccer and Notre Dame to be successful there, how warm connections shape who gets a real look, and what families get wrong when they feel like they have lost traction in the recruiting process.He also gives his honest take on the proposed two semester season, the Five-for-Five eligibility rule, and what the transfer portal changes mean for high school recruits.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background11:01 Recruiting Insights and Priorities19:09 Navigating the Recruiting Process29:06 The Joy of Coaching at Notre Dame36:07 Fifth Year Eligibility and Roster Cap44:20 Advice for Aspiring Athletes50:40 World Cup PredictionsNew episodes every Friday. Follow on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Book a free strategy call with TAAG: https://templeathlete.com/strategy?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=notre-dame-graczyk&utm_content=ep13-description

In Episode 12, Grant and Erik sit down with Mark Fetrow, Head Men's Soccer Coach at Villanova University. Mark played at Penn State, was drafted by Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Supplemental Draft, and has spent his entire coaching career building programs in the Philadelphia area — including eight years as Associate Head Coach at Villanova before returning as Head Coach in 2023.He breaks down exactly what he looks for in a recruit beyond the field, how warm connections and trusted relationships change who gets a real look, what the full year season and five year eligibility changes mean for D1 programs, and what he would tell a junior year athlete who feels lost in the recruiting process right now.If your athlete is targeting D1 soccer, this episode is one of the most honest and practical conversations we have had on this show.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background09:37 Recruiting Process25:33 Full Year Calendar30:56 Impact of Full-Year Sports36:04 Five and Five Rule43:18 Navigating the Recruiting Process49:47 World Cup and Soccer PredictionsNew episodes every Friday. Follow on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Book a free strategy call with TAAG: https://templeathlete.com/strategy?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=villanova-fetrow-interview&utm_content=ep12-description

The NCAA is on the verge of changing college sports eligibility forever — and if your athlete is in the 2027 or 2028 recruiting class, this episode is required listening.Grant and Erik break down the proposed Five-for-Five eligibility model, what it actually means for roster spots, why the 2027 class is most directly in the crosshairs, and how stacking this change on top of the two semester season and transfer portal compression creates a landscape that looks nothing like it did even two years ago.They also get into what it actually looks like when a family lets the recruiting process happen to them instead of driving it — and why that story ends the same way every time.New episodes every Friday. Follow on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Book a free strategy call with TAAG: https://templeathlete.com/strategy?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep10-player-perspective&utm_content=description

In Episode 10, Grant and Erik sit down with two current D1 athletes — Luke Kirilenko (Wake Forest) and Lewis Johnson (Hofstra) — who both developed in European professional academy systems before navigating the NCAA recruiting process and transfer portal firsthand.They break down what coaches actually look for, how to ask the hard questions when being recruited, what it feels like to be in the transfer portal, and why standing out has very little to do with what happens on the field alone.Luke and Lewis also talk about Mentora, their mentorship platform built by current D1 athletes for youth soccer players looking for guidance, accountability, and real perspective from people who have already walked the path.New episodes every Friday. Follow on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Book a free strategy call with TAAG: https://templeathlete.com/strategy?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep10-player-perspective&utm_content=description

The NCAA just announced a major change to D1 Men's Soccer, and if your athlete is a 2027 or 2028 recruit, this effects you directly.In Episode 9 of the 'Roadmap to College Soccer', Grant and Erik break down the proposed two semester season, what happens to the transfer portal, the five year eligibility rule, and what all of it means for families navigating the college soccer recruiting process right now.New episodes every week. Follow on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Book a free strategy call with TAAG: https://templeathlete.com/strategy?utm_source=youtube_ep9

The conversation provides an in-depth exploration of the college soccer recruitment process, focusing on the impact and dynamics of the transfer portal. It delves into the NCAA's intention behind the portal, the user experience, challenges, and considerations, as well as the recruiting process and individual client scenarios. The conversation delves into the dynamics of youth soccer development, the challenges of the college game, and the impact of individual circumstances on the recruiting process. It also explores the challenges of showcases and tournaments, as well as the importance of adversity and resilience in the recruiting process.TakeawaysTransfer Portal OverviewRecruiting Process Insights Recruiting ProcessHighlight TapeAdversity and Resilience

The conversation covers the success and growth of the Hampton-Sydney Men's Soccer program, the unique challenges of recruiting for an all-male institution, and the importance of character and culture in building a winning team. It also delves into the mindset and preparation for the season, as well as the evolving landscape of college soccer recruiting. The college soccer landscape has shifted, impacting player recruitment and decision-making. The importance of finding the right fit and being open-minded is emphasized. Relationships, exposure, and character traits play a crucial role in the recruiting process. The significance of effective communication and life skills development is highlighted.Chapters00:00 Building a Winning Program09:01 Character and Culture in College Soccer23:00 Evolving Landscape of College Soccer Recruiting28:21 Character Traits and Fit35:32 Effective Communication and Life Skills

The conversation delves into the preparation required for showcase events, the recruiting process for sophomores and juniors, the behind-the-scenes perspective of college coaches at showcase events, recruiting strategies for coaches at different levels, the inner workings of the recruiting landscape, challenges and variables in the recruiting process, and understanding the game within the game in the recruiting process. The conversation delves into the preparation required for a conversation with a college coach, including identifying best fit schools and marketing oneself effectively. It then explores the navigation of the event, focusing on interactions, contact rules, and maintaining a performance focus. Post-event preparation is discussed, emphasizing the importance of reshuffling the big board, seeking feedback, and advising for the future. The necessity of investing in recruiting help is highlighted, emphasizing the need to differentiate oneself in the recruiting process.

The conversation explores the importance of being recruitable, the skills and soft skills required for college recruiting, the role of connections, positioning, and marketability, and the reality of college recruiting. It emphasizes the need for education and preparation to navigate the college recruiting game effectively. The conversation delves into the importance of preparation in navigating the college soccer landscape, highlighting the unfairness of the recruiting process and the need for proactive action. It emphasizes the importance of learning recruiting skills and the role of Temple Athlete Advisory Group in providing advisory support for key decision-making during the recruiting process.

This week, we welcome Mark Plotkin, Head Men’s Soccer Coach at DePaul University (D1), to the show. DePaul competes in the Big East Conference and is looking ahead to a strong 2026 campaign.Topics this week include:• Recruiting strategies• The flawed mindset• The transfer portal• Scholarships and Recruiting in the Windy CityWe hope you enjoy this week’s episode of Roadmap to College Soccer, presented by Temple Athlete Advisory Group.

Episode 3 of the 'Roadmap to College Soccer' welcomes Chris Koch to the show! Chris is currently an Assistant Coach at Army West Point (D1) and provides some unique insight into their recruiting process. Tune in to hear from a current college soccer coach about the recruitment landscape here in United States.

In episode two, Erik & Grant dive into the college soccer recruitment front talking "exposure isn't the problem".

Our pilot episode is an introduction of Erik & Grant Temple and our new business which is Temple Athlete Advisory Group.We touch on the foundation of our business and talk about what we will cover in future episodes.