Former Union Women's Soccer goalkeeper Katie Piechnik, was a three year high school varsity letterman in ice hockey, soccer, and lacrosse at The Taft School. There she earned the title of Founder's League All-Star, while maintaining an impressive GPA. At Union, she has earned the title of Liberty League All-Academic Team. Looking back on her high school and college career, she has plenty of solid advice for recruits looking to go to the next level.
Why did you choose to play for Union?
I chose Union because after my overnight [visit] I realized how supporting the team is and it provided a great balance between school, sports, and social life.
College ID camps are an excellent way for college coaches to identify potential recruits. What camps would you recommend that high school soccer players attend if they want to get noticed by the Union coaches?
Union typically hosts an ID camp which would be great to go to, but with a change in coaching staff I am unsure as to what will happen with those. I recommend going to camps that have more than one school because there are more coaches to be seen by. Also, if there is a school you're particularly passionate about, go to that camp as well. Exposure is important, so the more camps you go to the more coaches will see you.
Do you feel that Union coaches prefer to evaluate recruits at club tournaments and showcases? And should high school athletes play for a top-tier club team in order to get recruited by Union?
[Union's newest] coach goes to a lot of tournaments and showcases. I did not play for a top-tier club team because being at prep school did not particularly allow me. A lot of my teammates did play for top-tier teams, and if it is possible I recommend it. It allows for far greater exposure.
When did you start reaching out to coaches, and how did you go about that process? Email, social media, or phone? How often should a recruit stay in touch with a coach?
I had a very unique recruitment process and I started pretty late. I started in the beginning/middle of my junior year which is fine at the D3 level. I sent a recruitment video and email to any of the schools I was interested in. I sent follow up emails a week later if I hadn't received a response, and kept that pattern until I was able to hear [back]. From there, coaches typically gave me a phone number which I could either text or call with questions.
Related: Five Recruiting Tips for A College Soccer Goalie
How often would you communicate with coaches, and what sort of personal stats/information would you give them?
Communicate with the coach whenever you have a question or If you're wondering about the process. It shows interest and likely the coach will want to help or will turn you to an assistant or player who can help more. Stats are important for school and soccer. Sports stats are dependent on your position, but if there are stats such as goals, assists, or save percentage are always good to share. However, stats aren't everything. For school it is important to share your GPA and ACT/SAT scores because academics are extremely important at the D3 level since there aren't athletic scholarships.
How can a potential recruit make their recruiting video stand out?
Do show yourself in all points in the field, not just consistently doing one skill. It is good to show you're a versatile player, if you're a forward don't just show yourself scoring goals, show yourself getting back on defense and winning back a lost ball. Don't get too flashy with effects–you're showcasing your skill not your technological ability.
Related: Want to Wow Recruiters? Top 5 Platforms to Help You Create the Best Highlight Reel
How can an athlete stand out to Union coaches?
Something really important to Union is personality. On your overnight or meeting with the coach is your first judge of character and the coach will definitely be asking the players how they feel about the player.
What GPA and test scores should a high school athlete shoot for if they want to play soccer for Union?
- SAT middle 50%: 620-690 critical reading, 650-750 math
- ACT middle 50%: 28-33
- Average stats, they may differ for athletes but even athletes are expected to be high achieving students first
Union is a DIII school and does not grant athletic scholarships to athletes. If a high school athlete wants to go to Union but doesn't have enough money for tuition, what are their options?
Union has pretty good financial aid and work study opportunities, but there have been many instances of players not coming because of the cost.
What is the number one characteristic that a recruit will need to be a great Union soccer player?
Well-rounded. Every player is not just a player; they are active in many places on campus and are expected to represent the program well in all endeavors.
What is the most significant difference between being on a high school soccer team and a college one?
Many players come in expecting they are going to be a top player in college because they were top in high school. They have to be patient and earn their opportunities.
Should recruits be mentally prepared to play different positions if a coach needs them to?
Yes. 100%, no question.
Benefits of playing for a DIII school?
The balance between school, sports, and social life. You are more than just an athlete in DIII.
What can an athlete do to get kicked off the team?
Not following team rules such as drinking on a night that doesn't follow the rules. Also, falling behind academically. It happens, but there are too many resources to be making excuses and the player must make their academics a priority.
If you could go back in time, what is the one thing you would change about your recruiting process?
Making the decision to pursue soccer instead of ice hockey sooner and going to more ID camps.
What makes a GREAT Union soccer player?
Positivity, caring, grit, passion, drive to succeed in every aspect of life.Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on September 27, 2022, by Brandon Sires
