I’ve received quite a few DMs from anxious parents and players about the current state of Division I women's soccer recruiting. The reality is the landscape has changed almost overnight. Roster limits and fifth-year eligibility have dramatically reduced opportunities. By some estimates, there may be only around 1,700 Division I freshman roster spots available each year, markedly less than ever before. Does that mean youth soccer isn't worth the time, sacrifice, or money? Absolutely not. The biggest mistake we can make is judging the value of youth sports solely by whether it ends with a Division I roster spot. At some point, every player’s career comes to an end. Maybe that’s age 16, Maybe 18. Maybe 21. What matters most isn’t how your career ends—it’s everything the game gave you along the way. The bonds forged on the soccer field endure the test of time. Sports teach discipline, commitment, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and how to handle failure. What's more, studies have shown that roughly 70% of women in C-suite leadership positions participated in competitive sports growing up. Please don't mistake this for saying kids shouldn't dream big. They absolutely should. Set ambitious goals and work your hardest towards them every single day. But don't let a Division I offer become the only definition of success. If that's the measuring stick, we're missing the greatest gifts the game has to offer. #BeautifulGame #LessonsFromSports