Tim Johnson, Recruiting Manager

Illinois Wesleyan University

[email protected]

(312) 610-6015

I was a two-sport athlete through high school, competing in both soccer and wrestling. After high school, I went on to play soccer for Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, earning a varsity letter my freshman year. When I had gone through the recruiting process, though, I navigated it on my own, was not given much direction from my coaches and was not able to maximize my exposure because of that. I was lucky enough to still find a great opportunity to play at the college level, but I know I limited my options because I did not take the right steps and had limited exposure. I was able to play soccer all four years, and it was a life-changing experience. Playing collegiate soccer was an incredibly great experience for me; most of my long-standing friends have come from playing soccer, and I would like every student-athlete to be able to have the same opportunity.

The recruiting process is a very difficult one to navigate because it is continuously changing and it is never the same for two athletes.  I want to help educate every family, ensure they know the best route to take and allow their son or daughter to have the best options because I was not given that same assistance. My biggest piece of recruiting advice would be to start early, do not turn down options on because you are not aware of the school, and make sure you are not relying on an performance alone to find the right opportunities.