A guide to picking the right prep school for soccer

Dennis Klimashov ’28, Charles Hickey ’27, and Myles McEwen ’29 celebrate after an Austin Prep scoring play.

This story is sponsored content, written by the Seamans Media Custom Content Studio

When families ask me how to choose the right prep school for soccer, I always tell them the same thing: start by thinking bigger than soccer.

Coaching at Austin Preparatory School has reinforced this for me year after year. The families who are happiest with their decision are the ones who see soccer as part of a much larger journey, one that includes academics, character development, leadership, and community.

The right prep school should develop the whole student, not just the athlete.

Academics always come first

At Austin Prep, our soccer players are students before they are anything else. It’s the expectation. If a player is struggling in the classroom, we address it. Teachers, advisors and coaches communicate regularly. We make sure our athletes understand that their long-term success depends on their academic foundation.

When families are exploring schools, I always encourage them to ask: How will this school support my student-athlete academically? Is there structure, including advisory systems, tutoring, and faculty access, that ensures accountability?

A strong soccer program means little if it compromises academic growth. At Austin Prep, the balance is intentional. Practices, games, and travel are coordinated with the school day in mind. We expect discipline on the field, but we demand responsibility in the classroom.

Coaching philosophy matters

As a coach, I think often about the impact we have beyond tactics and formations. A prep school coach shapes confidence, resilience, and leadership. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

Our approach at Austin Prep emphasizes development over ego. We work on technical growth, tactical awareness, and fitness, but also communication, accountability, and a team-first mentality. I want our captains to lead by example. I want younger players to feel integrated and valued. I want every athlete to leave our program more mature than when they entered it.

Families should ask coaches about their philosophy. Do they rotate players thoughtfully? How do they develop younger athletes? What style of play do they teach, and why?

These answers reveal whether a program prioritizes growth or simply short-term results.

Competition in New England

Soccer in New England prep schools is highly competitive. Many schools compete in leagues under the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), widely regarded as one of the strongest environments for high school soccer.

At Austin Prep, we do not compete in a specific league, which allows us to build our own schedule and challenge our players week in and week out. The level of competition pushes our athletes to elevate their preparation and mental toughness.

Families should understand what that competition looks like. How many games are played? What does travel entail? How often does the team train? A strong league is a gift, but only if a student-athlete is ready for the commitment.

Player development and resources

One of the advantages of Austin Prep is our commitment to year-round development. Access to quality fields, strength and conditioning support, and athletic training resources matter. Injury prevention, recovery, and smart programming allow players to improve without burning out.

We also recognize that many athletes participate in club soccer. We encourage communication and balance. Our goal is not to overextend players but to help them manage their full athletic calendar responsibly.

Development happens in each season and over the long term, with every practice, game, and year contributing to years of steady growth.

Culture defines the experience

Culture may be the most important factor of all.

At Austin Prep, our soccer program reflects the broader school mission: discipline, respect, integrity, and leadership. Older players mentor younger teammates. Captains set the tone. Accountability is shared.

I often tell families to visit campus and watch a practice. Observe how players interact. Are they engaged? Do they respond to coaching? Is there energy and focus? The culture you see in those moments is the culture your student-athlete will live in every day.

College guidance and the bigger picture

Prep schools also play an important role in guiding student-athletes toward college opportunities. In New England, soccer often intersects with high-academic institutions, including programs within the Ivy League, the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), and the Patriot League.

At Austin Prep, we take an honest, individualized approach. Not every player is a Division 1 athlete, and that’s OK. We help families understand realistic pathways and ensure academic goals remain aligned with athletic aspirations.

Recruitment is a process. Our job is to guide, support, and provide perspective.

Final shot

Choosing a prep school for soccer is ultimately about fit.

From my perspective at Austin Prep, the best outcomes happen when a student feels challenged but supported, pushed but understood, and held accountable while still encouraged to grow.

Soccer can shape a young person in powerful ways. It can build resilience, teamwork, and confidence. But it works best when it’s woven into a strong academic community with shared values.

When families ask me what to look for, I tell them this: Find a place where your student-athlete will grow in every direction. If soccer helps open doors, wonderful. But the real goal is preparing them for who they will become long after the final whistle.

Interested in playing soccer at Austin Prep?

Austin Prep is always seeking talented student-athletes to join our soccer program. To inquire, complete the form below or email Michael Bolduc Jr., assistant soccer coach at Austin Prep, at [email protected].

Learn more about Austin Prep Soccer or submit the form below.

About the writer

Michael Bolduc Jr. (’20) is head assistant and goalkeeper coach at Austin Preparatory School. A goalkeeper with competitive experience at the high school, collegiate, and semi-professional levels, he currently plays for Boston Emeralds FC in the UPSL and previously competed at Lesley University, where he earned New England Collegiate Conference All-Championship Team honors. A former captain at Austin Prep, he was recognized as a Conference All-Star at both goalkeeper and center back. In addition to his work at Austin Prep, Michael serves as the MA North Director of Goalkeeping at Seacoast United Soccer Club, where he leads goalkeeper development. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision, leadership, communication and mental toughness, reflecting his playing background and commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.

This story is sponsored content, written by the Seamans Media Custom Content Studio