Up until 2019, Leo Weil was the Johns Hopkins Women's Soccer head coach since the beginning of the program in 1992. During his career, Coach Weil won 15 Centennial Conference Championships, been to the NCAA tournament 14 times, including appearances in the Sweet Sixteen seven years in a row, five Elite Eight appearances, and one NCAA Semifinal appearance in 2014.
Weil amassed over 340 wins and tied for the seventh most wins among active coaches in NCAA Division III. Along with this, Weil broke numerous records including tying the record for most wins in a season by any Johns Hopkins team, as well as breaking nine other team records, three career and five single-season records including: highest winning percentage, most goals scored in a single season, and a program record for most assists in school history. With that said, he knows how to win and can help you come out of your recruiting process on top. Here's his advice for recruits like you.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Technical ability, athletic ability, and versatility are the three things most important to me. Obviously, at our school, you have to be a strong student as well. Above all else, who you are as a person is most important to me.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
It starts with an e-mail. Step two is a visit to the campus and a meeting with me. Then, coming to our camp and/or clinics.
Related: Rate Johns Hopkins University
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
As soon as they enter high school. Time of year doesn't matter. E-mail is the best way to get in touch with me.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field?
Same for all three. I expect them to do the best they can do.
What are some mistakes to avoid?
Don't wait too long to contact me, keep in touch, and make sure your communications are clear and accurate (make sure you proofread your e-mail). Don't send out a mass e-mail to a bunch of coaches, we like to be treated as individuals. Don't presume that just because you are a good student and good player that you will be the right fit for our team and our school.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Be prepared when you meet with a coach by doing your homework. Know a little bit about the school and the soccer program. Come prepared with a list of questions you want answered.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
I like to see mistakes and people's reaction to them. I like to see off-the-ball work as well as on the ball, because that's the majority of the game.
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What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Make sure you are easily identifiable, don't make it too long, don't eliminate mistakes, and make sure it is representative of how you play.
When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?
Makes no difference.
What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?
Make sure you have a range of options. You have to be able to market yourself and keep in touch with coaches. If you're not getting the attention you want from a coach, it may mean that they're really not interested.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
I don't use it at all but I'm old-school. Be careful what you post. Once it's out there, it's out there.
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* Originally published on September 15, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
