I agree with what you've said, and have to admit that I'm interested in signing day. I want to know where the top soccer talent is going, and I also want to see the surprises. Signing Day is a fun news day for a HS and College soccer fan and a big deal to the athlete(even if it is redundant).

TROST RESPONDS: I agree with you 100 percent.

Joe - I agree. Unfortunately, this day is so overhyped that the athletes lose track of what is really important - the education they will be getting to benefit them for the rest of their lives. Attrition is a big part of NCAA Division I sports and I would have to guess that 50% of those who sign never make it to their senior year playing the sport they signed up to play. How many of these athletes who quit their sport actually makes it through to the end and end up with a degree? Now, that would be a story ...

If we are still focused on soccer - it should be known that rarely do kids with soccer commitments ever get any publicity on signing day. We should also remember that there are only 14 scholarships for girls and 9 scholarships for boys available for each Div. 1 fully funded program per team. It is unusual that a soccer player gets a full scholarship because the school/coach is trying to give as many good players as he/she can a taste of the scholarship money. What you will find is that many colleges supplement the lack of athletic funding by recruiting kids who have good enough grades to qualify for additional academic money. Also many atletes will choose to go to a school with no funding at all just to play at that school. You will find that beyond the top 100 players coming out annually there is less than a 50% athletic scholarsip available. Usually they will get some kind of additional money after their freshman or sophomore year provided they are still doing the job on the field. Only a few special players will get a full athletic scholarship and it is not limited to players with national team experiences. If you are good and a coach can see that you will be a difference maker, you will get every opportunity to get scholarship money. Another thing about soccer players is that their drop out rate is usually much lower than some of the more big time money making sports. I say that you are right - signing day is way overblown especially toward sports like football and basketball (where every recruit gets a full ride). Soccer kids - well they earn their way athletically and academically and graduate way more often than not.

Joe- One needs not look far and wide to uncover the reason why signing day has got out of control. You can thank you fellow media members for OVER HYPING an event that no one outside of immediate family really cares about.

I totally disagree! for those student athletes who worked hard to accomplish a goal or too... during there four years in high school, why shouldn't they be recognized publicly for a job well done. I'm delighted to see and hear about a child's chance to expand upon his/her education and opportunities, especially when it occur in my own community. As far as long term educatinal benefits, what student athlete thinks not having a degree is more important than obtaining one. Every coach I've encounter quotes "Student first Athlete
second"
Proud parent (Fordham Football)