In order to play for an NCAA team, you must start with a solid academic track record. The minimum GPA for your core classes is 2.3 (source). Even if you are an elite player, if your grades don't, well, make the grade, you won't qualify to play soccer (or any other NCAA sport, for that matter). Hit the books just as hard as you hit the field.

As for D-I soccer (for both men's and women's), recruiters are looking for athletes who started on their varsity soccer teams as sophomores or juniors, as well as players who participate in year-round premiere level club teams. This includes competitive travel teams who often face off against other D-I prospects. In addition, you'll want to have some Olympic Development Program (The ODP, not to be confused with ODB…or OPP) experience (source).

NCAA soccer players must also have physical and mental discipline. You're going to wake up early in the morning to train, eat, and then train some more. And wouldn't you know it? After that, it's training time again. As a freshman in college, you also need to be able to handle the anguish involved in going from being a star high school player to being a college benchwarmer. Unless there's a gap to fill on the team, an older (and better) player will have first dibs, and you'll have to wait it out until he or she graduates. The other option, of course, is working so hard and being so good that you replace the upperclassperson. A playa can dream.