Rookie: Surviving Your Freshman Year of College Soccer

I bought this because as a high school coach, I enjoy all of Dan Blank's books and think whether they're written for the athlete or the coach, they give me insight as to what I can do to help prepare my high school athletes compete at the college level if they decide to do so. I also thought it would be a great read for my daughter who will be beginning her college playing career this coming fall. As with all of Dan's books, it's a quick easy read packed with helpful info. I actually have and listened to this (and Soccer IQ) on Audible, yet chose to buy the hard copy as well for easy highlighting and reference. This book lets athletes know what will be expected of them when they arrive, the attitude to have to be a competitor, and the attitude to have in order to be a team mate. Definitely recommended for any athlete headed to college (and can even be used for high school athletes as well).

I have read all of Dan’s books and I love them all!! This one is no different. And even though it’s about the college rookie year, there is still plenty of information that hold true for any age level. As a girls soccer coach myself, I can honestly say that Dan’s insight on the female athlete is spot on! Every girls coach in any sport should invest in all of his books right now. Save yourself some time, add them all to your cart right now and then enjoy the ride 😁 They are quick reads with witty humor and a genuine love for the game and the athletes 💖

As someone who both had success and flamed out gloriously in college soccer, I can attest to the fact that everything in yhis book is 100% accurate, especially at larger programs. Every inbound college player, male or female, should read this and even high school players.

When I went to college I didn't play College Soccer, I played College Ice Hockey. My son is 12 and my daughter is 9 so they are not potentially going to play college soccer for several more years (if at all). When I bought this book I was not sure I'd be able to relate and enjoy it as much as Dan Blank's Soccer iQ volumes. Man was I wrong. Rookie was not what I expected, it's way better and not just for soccer players, it's for any type of athlete in my opinion. This book provides great advice on how to compete with peers (with respect and courage), earn a spot for yourself on the "starters roster" and also "playing time". I believe this book would also be a great read for high school athletes who attend schools where there are preseason tryouts and competition to "make the team". For me this book was a fun read and contains advice that not only pertains on the field but to all other aspects of student athlete life, like how to handle their celebrity like status within their own school bubble. Highly recommend.

I can’t wait to use some if these points as a way to help prepare my players fir their collegiate careers. The points in this book cover a lot of ground. And I think this should be required reading for any players, prior to getting in the bus, plane or car for the trip to their first preseason practice.

I bought the author's two Soccer IQ books. I decided to buy this to give to a soon to be rookie college soccer player. Browsed thorough Rookie and find it similarly good easy read as his Soccer IQ books. Among other things, this book discussed first impressions, earning trust and playing time, and understanding how winning games to maintain his/her job is the coach's priority. I think many of the author's advice could apply to other college sports and even to high school sports and would buy this again for my own kids or to give as a gift.

Well written advise, read this book with my twin sons who will both be student athletes ( soccer) next year in college. They were hesitant at first since they do not love to read. However, they quickly became engaged and were sharing insights and parts they liked. They have many take aways. I enjoyed the conversations it prompted as well. I would highly recommend this book to student athletes and their parents as well. I have told some of my soccer parent friends and will continue to do so.

Essential reading for competitive players and their parents. Useful for a very wide variety of sports not just soccer. Don't wait until you are headed for college either. This advice is extremely valuable for any and all players in competitive sports programs - in clubs, entering freshman year of HS or college. Concise and effective. Thank you very much Dan Blank!

As with all of Dan Blank's books this was exceptionally well written, however, I felt their was one glaring aspect that was not covered enough. College soccer is based on the Academics-Athletics-Social pyramid. This book covered the athletics and social aspects: winning a spot on the team and fitting into the team better than I anticipated. His advice in these areas is exceptional as always. That being said, I was disappointed with the lack of advice on the student part of being a "student athlete". Although he does mention study hall, tutors and has one chapter on academics I just don't believe the book had enough of it to be considered a comprehensive guide, nothing will see you off a team faster that academic ineligibility. That concept may not be foreign to former high school players, but former club players may not anticipate the need for good grades and academic recognition.

Excellent perspective that will help our daughter immeasurably. I was recommended to us by NCSA recruiting service in Chicago, it's truly a must read for an incoming freshman player AND great for parents too. I have recommended it to several other parents...Our daughter seems to be taking it all in and is preparing diligently for that first two weeks of training that Dan Blank talks about for new players. Anxious to see it all unfold...thank you, Dan Blank...a soccer dad in Oregon

I bought this because as a high school coach, I enjoy all of Dan Blank's books and think whether they're written for the athlete or the coach, they give me insight as to what I can do to help prepare my high school athletes compete at the college level if they decide to do so. I also thought it would be a great read for my daughter who will be beginning her college playing career this coming fall. As with all of Dan's books, it's a quick easy read packed with helpful info. I actually have and listened to this (and Soccer IQ) on Audible, yet chose to buy the hard copy as well for easy highlighting and reference. This book lets athletes know what will be expected of them when they arrive, the attitude to have to be a competitor, and the attitude to have in order to be a team mate. Definitely recommended for any athlete headed to college (and can even be used for high school athletes as well).

I have read all of Dan’s books and I love them all!! This one is no different. And even though it’s about the college rookie year, there is still plenty of information that hold true for any age level. As a girls soccer coach myself, I can honestly say that Dan’s insight on the female athlete is spot on! Every girls coach in any sport should invest in all of his books right now. Save yourself some time, add them all to your cart right now and then enjoy the ride 😁 They are quick reads with witty humor and a genuine love for the game and the athletes 💖

As someone who both had success and flamed out gloriously in college soccer, I can attest to the fact that everything in yhis book is 100% accurate, especially at larger programs. Every inbound college player, male or female, should read this and even high school players.

When I went to college I didn't play College Soccer, I played College Ice Hockey. My son is 12 and my daughter is 9 so they are not potentially going to play college soccer for several more years (if at all). When I bought this book I was not sure I'd be able to relate and enjoy it as much as Dan Blank's Soccer iQ volumes. Man was I wrong. Rookie was not what I expected, it's way better and not just for soccer players, it's for any type of athlete in my opinion. This book provides great advice on how to compete with peers (with respect and courage), earn a spot for yourself on the "starters roster" and also "playing time". I believe this book would also be a great read for high school athletes who attend schools where there are preseason tryouts and competition to "make the team". For me this book was a fun read and contains advice that not only pertains on the field but to all other aspects of student athlete life, like how to handle their celebrity like status within their own school bubble. Highly recommend.

I can’t wait to use some if these points as a way to help prepare my players fir their collegiate careers. The points in this book cover a lot of ground. And I think this should be required reading for any players, prior to getting in the bus, plane or car for the trip to their first preseason practice.

I bought the author's two Soccer IQ books. I decided to buy this to give to a soon to be rookie college soccer player. Browsed thorough Rookie and find it similarly good easy read as his Soccer IQ books. Among other things, this book discussed first impressions, earning trust and playing time, and understanding how winning games to maintain his/her job is the coach's priority. I think many of the author's advice could apply to other college sports and even to high school sports and would buy this again for my own kids or to give as a gift.

Well written advise, read this book with my twin sons who will both be student athletes ( soccer) next year in college. They were hesitant at first since they do not love to read. However, they quickly became engaged and were sharing insights and parts they liked. They have many take aways. I enjoyed the conversations it prompted as well. I would highly recommend this book to student athletes and their parents as well. I have told some of my soccer parent friends and will continue to do so.

Essential reading for competitive players and their parents. Useful for a very wide variety of sports not just soccer. Don't wait until you are headed for college either. This advice is extremely valuable for any and all players in competitive sports programs - in clubs, entering freshman year of HS or college. Concise and effective. Thank you very much Dan Blank!

As with all of Dan Blank's books this was exceptionally well written, however, I felt their was one glaring aspect that was not covered enough. College soccer is based on the Academics-Athletics-Social pyramid. This book covered the athletics and social aspects: winning a spot on the team and fitting into the team better than I anticipated. His advice in these areas is exceptional as always. That being said, I was disappointed with the lack of advice on the student part of being a "student athlete". Although he does mention study hall, tutors and has one chapter on academics I just don't believe the book had enough of it to be considered a comprehensive guide, nothing will see you off a team faster that academic ineligibility. That concept may not be foreign to former high school players, but former club players may not anticipate the need for good grades and academic recognition.

Excellent perspective that will help our daughter immeasurably. I was recommended to us by NCSA recruiting service in Chicago, it's truly a must read for an incoming freshman player AND great for parents too. I have recommended it to several other parents...Our daughter seems to be taking it all in and is preparing diligently for that first two weeks of training that Dan Blank talks about for new players. Anxious to see it all unfold...thank you, Dan Blank...a soccer dad in Oregon

A great preview for college freshmen about life as a college soccer player. Gives a helpful perspective how to make the most of their first season, and good strategies for getting more playing time.

My son has just begun his collegiate soccer career and I am really happy to have found this book. As a parent, I have spent considerable time discussing, encouraging and warning him about the "next step" in his soccer journey. To have the author "spell it out" so clearly and passionately seems invaluable. A must read!

I purchased this for my daughter who is a student athlete, at the recommendation of her coach. She has found it very helpful as she prepares for college soccer. She is still in high school and has gleaned useful information for now as well.

Fantastic read! I’m surprised that I haven’t seen a book like this before because after reading it, it just makes so much sense. I have to admit that as I was reading it, I realized that there was a lot I didn’t know about the college soccer experience. The author has obviously seen many years of freshmen making the same mistakes over and over again and has written this book to help the next generation of players avoid making those same mistakes. This is one of those books that coaches will be buying for their players.

Excellent information for high school seniors and coaches for that matter. An easy read that can be read intermittently because of the way the book is structured.

This book rocked! My daughter and I both read it! She starts camp this August and I think she is gonna be WAY ahead of the game!!!

I’m glad my coach assigned the rookies this book to read, and I feel like I’ve got advice that I can carry with me these four years and more.

Presents lots to consider for an athlete heading off to college; things you probably wouldn't know about otherwise until you've played a season or two. Get a head start on your college soccer (or other sport) career - read this book!

As a Colleague Coach myself it was a great read. I plan on buying bunch and passing on my players. Thanks again for putting this great book together.

Just finished reading Rookie, and you have managed to pass on 500 or more usable pieces of information for every college soccer player. It was a great insight that can prove invaluable to players getting the most out of their college experience. It will be required reading for ALL, not just the new players.

This is a great resource not only for new collegiate players, but also for returning players. It is full of useful tips, and great discussions about how to maximize the college soccer experience. As a college coach, I know that many player issues could be avoided if players would read Dan's book and think about how his advice can improve their experience. If you play in college now, or plan to play in college, get this book!

Must read for any female play sports, and looking to play at the next level...

As a fan of the Soccer IQ books, I decided to order Rookie also and found it to be equally informative and entertaining. The author does a great job speaking directly to the problems that college freshman run into and preparing them for some of the difficult moments they will probably face as college athletes.

Good information and simple to read.

I enjoyed this advice filled book. It is a great way to kickoff my freshman year of an exciting time of college soccer.

must read for High school seniors wanting to play in college

I thought it was very insightful and informative.I highly recommend this book.

This is a really good book. It's easy to read and makes a lot of excellent points that will help freshman players as they begin their college soccer experience. The section on earning playing time was very enlightening. A lot of players would be smart to read this before they head off to college.

This book is a must for anyone planning on playing college soccer. The content was very informative and presented in such a way a freshman can understand and implement. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Also very easy and quick read.

Gift for my kid... He learned allot

A gift for my club players entering college athletics.

Great book! Enjoyed it and wanted to be a rookie again! Looking forward to passing it along to those starting their college careers

Great read. Read this preparing for my sophomore season of soccer and it really gave me a lot of valuable information I wish I had considered going into my freshman year!

Great read. A must for all HS players and parents. Lots of life lessons that apply on and off the field.

This is a must read for all high school seniors who will be going on to play college soccer. As a former college player, coach, and father of a college bound soccer player this book should be added to the list of must haves right along with the ace bandages and A&D Ointment! I only wish a book like this existed when I was an entering freshman.