Meyer says recruiting should be easier with move to NCAA

By Meghan Hubbell

Flagler women’s soccer coach, Teddy Meyer, has the task of recruiting for next year’s season. Meyer is a new addition to the Flagler staff, but he is not new to the school. He is a 2000 graduate who played four years on the men’s soccer team. Meyer joined the coaching staff last summer, after coaching at NCAA division I Winthrop University.

Meyer is joining Flagler during a unique time as the school looks to make the transition from the NAIA to the NCAA. He believes this switch will make it easier to recruit new players. In the past Flagler has lost in the recruiting battle to larger schools in bigger divisions such as Rollins College and University of Tampa. Now Flagler will have the opportunity to compete against these schools, hopes to draw in players who may have not previously considered the school when it was in the NAIA.

Meyer is optimistic about next year’s season. Although he will be losing nine graduating seniors, seven of whom are starters, he will be left with several strong players capable of leading the team to success. With so many positions available, Meyer can promise his new recruits playing time, something they may not get right away at other schools.

Although the team has a winning reputation, Meyer says the school’s reputation for academics and specialized majors has been a draw to prospective players. “If I can get a student to come visit Flagler, it is hard for them to turn us down,” Meyer said.

He thinks sports are only a small aspect of a student’s college career, and education should be a top priority to any prospective student. Meyer also said he can not only offer a good athletic program, but also excellent academic opportunities.

Next year’s schedule will be a tough one for the Lady Saints as they try to prove they are capable of competing at the NCAA level. Meyer thinks his current team has a solid reputation entering into the new division. He believes his players will rise to the occasion, proving Flagler is worthy of the challenge.