MCSA’s U19 boys had an incredible experience at the recent college showcase event at San Jose State University. Fun fact: MCSA Directors Coaches Shane Huff and Joe Munoz played for SJSU coach Simon Tobin during their college years!

At MCSA, we understand that not all of our players aspire to play soccer at the collegiate level. However, for those who do have that dream, we are committed to providing the resources and opportunities to make it a reality. Our goal for players with high aspirations is to help them build a platform to be seen and heard on a bigger stage.

Opportunities at Every Level

“We firmly believe that for players willing to put in the time and effort, there is a place for them at the next level,” says Shane Huff, MCSA Club President. “There are numerous opportunities, whether it’s junior college, NAIA, Division 3, or even Division 1 or 2. It may not always mean playing at a top-tier school straight out of high school, but there are plenty of avenues to pursue.”

Soccer as a Vehicle for Education and Life Experiences

Our job is to help players create opportunities for themselves. This involves providing high-quality training and playing opportunities, as well as helping them understand the broader benefits of pursuing soccer beyond MCSA and high school. Soccer can be a powerful vehicle for creating educational and travel opportunities otherwise unseen.

Our very own coach Felipe Chavez is a prime example. Felipe’s journey showcases the power of dedication and hard work, from his days at Ukiah High School to playing at Mendocino College and then the University of Saint Mary in Kansas. Without soccer, Felipe would not have pursued higher education. Today, he is living his dream as the head coach for Mendocino College’s Men’s soccer program and as a coach and director at MCSA, providing for his family through his passion for the game.

Investing in Technology for Player Exposure

To help our players gain exposure, we have invested in high-quality AI technology to record high school-age teams’ home games. We use Trace, a camera that identifies, follows, and spotlights each player during the game, automatically delivering a playlist of highlights with the player front and center. This makes it easier for players to create video highlights for college coaches.

Leveraging SportsRecruits for Recruitment

We’ve recently invested in SportsRecruits, an online platform designed to unify the college recruiting process to generate exposure, create connections, uncover opportunities, and help student-athletes play the sport they love at their best-fit college. SportsRecruits offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help players build their profiles, upload videos, and connect with college coaches. Here are some key features:

• Athlete Profiles: Built to college coach specifications and contain all the athletic, academic, and personal information coaches need.
• Video Integration: Upload unlimited video, including Trace game film, to build highlight reels.
• Recruiting Exposure: Build a target list and connections with college coaches.
• School Search: Players can filter colleges and universities based on athletic division, academic selectivity, geographic location, and more.
• Roster Needs: See open roster spots published by colleges to discover and attract prospective student-athletes.
• Target List Management: Organize players’ recruiting journey by classifying and monitoring progress with each target school.

Showcase Tournaments

MCSA’s U19 girls take time to pose during a College Showcase tournament at Davis Legacy.

We also identify college showcase tournaments for our high school-age teams to ensure they receive the necessary exposure. Recently, our U19 boys attended a showcase at San Jose State University, and our U19 girls played at a showcase at Davis Legacy. These events are crucial for getting our players in front of college scouts and coaches.

Access for MCSA Players

As a club, we have invested in Trace and SportsRecruits so high school-age players can use them for free. Following a successful pilot with our U19 boys and SportsRecruits, we will hold an informational meeting for families interested in using this resource in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

“We’re dedicated to creating pathways for players who dream of playing soccer at the next level,” Huff explains. “We provide the tools, support, and opportunities needed for those willing to put in the work. This isn’t for everyone, but for players who see themselves playing beyond MCSA and high school, our investments in technology, such as Trace and SportsRecruits, and college showcase events ensure our players have the best chance to succeed.”

For more information on how we support our players and to get involved, contact us directly. Together, we can help your child reach their soccer dreams and beyond.