Stevens Institute of Technology's Head Women's Soccer coach, Jeff Parker, has made a significant impact on the program since taking the head coaching position 17 years ago. During his time at Stevens, Parker has amassed three Empire 8 Conference Championships, seven Skyline Conference titles, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, two Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships, and four Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament invites which led to three ECAC Metro Championships. Along with this, Parker has also had many players receive individual awards such as conference Rookie of the Year, E8 Player of the Year, All-Conference, NSCAA All-Region Team, and Scholar All-Region. 

Related: Athlete Interview: 14 Questions With Professional Soccer Player Claire Winter

Parker earned certifications from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the United States Soccer Federation as well as was on the New Jersey NSCAA Staff and the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Committee, where he was the National Chair for two years. Parker and his coaching staff also were named Empire 8 Coaching Staff of the Year in 2015.

Prior to coaching at Stevens, Parker spent five years coaching at the NCAA Division I level at Georgetown University and Saint Peter's, so he has plenty of experience that can help new recruits navigate the recruiting process. Here are Coach Parker's best tips.

What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit? 

Character. Yes, you have to have a great academic background to gain admission. Yes, you have to be a driven athlete to play at the college level. But it always seems like character and the quality of a person's values is what separates the great from the good.

What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?

Contact us. Don't waste time with recruiting services – take the matter into your own hands and contact the colleges/universities that interest you or have qualities in their academic programs that match your goals.

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When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)

Spring of sophomore year/early junior year. At a time that you have an idea about what type of academic programs in which you are interested. 

What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field?

Aiming to do their best at all times and then being able to bounce back when they don't meet that standard to try again. We expect student-athletes to try to be great at everything they do.

What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?

Contact the coaches, visit campuses, and find the best fit instead of the first offer. Take your time, pursue your priorities, and reach out to the program's that mirror those.

Related: 3 Ways to Mentally Prepare for a Soccer Showcase 

What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?

Find the right fit for you and your family.

What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape? 

They are usually terrible. Would suggest having someone who knows the game to help edit and clip it for you.

What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?

Don't send a bad one. Coaches (at least myself) would always rather see you play than just a few clips of you doing well. (and if you are going to send a few clips, make sure they are outstanding!)

When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?

Highlight reels are not the best way for anyone to get a complete picture of a potential student athlete. Much more important to have good conversations and visits rather than a good highlight reel.

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?

Keep dreaming. Most of the time they are mystical places that people think are the Garden of Eden. Most of the time they are athletic factories that have far more sad stories than good ones. Choose a school for academics and career outcomes first.

How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?

We look up every possible recruit. Make sure your grandmother wouldn't be embarrassed by what you have on your social media site.

Image Credit: Stevens Athletics
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* Originally published on September 13, 2022, by 2aDays Staff