NCAA
Divisions I, II and III
The largest US system. Athletic aid differs by division, and Division III does not award athletic scholarships at all — academic and need-based aid applies instead.
A scholarship is not one moment.
It is a system built over years — development, competition, exposure and recruitment support, joined up rather than sold separately.
The five stages
How the pathway works.
Step 01
Identify
A conversation with Joe about where a player is now, what she wants, and whether the program genuinely fits.
Step 02
Develop
Year-round technical, tactical, physical and mental work with coaches who see her every week.
Step 03
Compete
Matches that test the training against real opposition, so progress is measured rather than assumed.
Step 04
Be seen
Four showcases a year, ID clinics, and the March tour of up to 12 US universities.
Step 05
Progress
Support through enquiries, conversations and decisions as a player pursues university opportunities.
Being seen
Preparation only pays off in front of the right people.
University coaches recruit the players they have actually watched. Blizzard’s calendar is built so that happens repeatedly over a season rather than once.
Four showcases a year, ID clinics, and an annual March tour of up to 12 US universities where players train and play on campus.
Recruitment support
Joe leads the university conversations himself — identifying programs that fit a player academically, athletically and financially, making the introductions, and staying with it through the process.
For what is included for your player specifically, and anything that would carry an additional cost, ask Joe.
Understanding the routes
NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA and U SPORTS.
“A soccer scholarship” means different things in different systems. Part of Joe’s job is matching a player to the route that actually suits her.
NAIA
Smaller US institutions
Often overlooked, frequently a strong fit, and able to combine athletic and academic awards.
NJCAA
Junior college
A two-year route that can lead on to a four-year program, and a genuine option for players who need more development time.
U SPORTS
Canadian universities
Staying in Canada, with its own award structures and eligibility rules. For many families this is the right answer.
94%
Full or near-full scholarships
A club-reported outcome for Blizzard players who went on to university soccer. Individual outcomes vary.
57
Players in the published record
Named by year with their destinations, 2018 to 2023. See the record
12
Universities on the March tour
Up to 12 US university programs visited annually. See the calendar
What we can and cannot promise
Blizzard commits to seeking opportunity for every player and to being honest about what is realistic. Admission, roster places and scholarship funding are determined by the receiving institution. No outcome is guaranteed.
What coaches look for
Beyond the highlight reel.
Can she play at the speed?
Decisions under pressure, not skills in isolation. This is what showcase minutes reveal and video rarely does.
Will she hold up physically?
University seasons are compressed and relentless. Conditioning is assessed as closely as technique.
Is she a good teammate?
Coaches ask the people who know her. Having a coach who genuinely does is worth more than any introduction email.
Start the conversation
Where is she now, and where does she want to go?
Those two answers shape the whole plan. Joe will give you an honest read on both.