In trying to explain how the quality levels in various affiliations stack up... I finally think I've got a data driven illustration. The Power Ratings come from the Massey Ratings page and are based on 2019, but it's a great illustration of the diversity within each affiliation as well as how they kind of stack up (I think). It's worth pointing out that a team competing against an opponent with a Massey rating 2 points higher still has a significant chance of winning, so when you compare a team with a rating somewhere in the 5's with a team in the 7's (for instance), that's still a very competitive match...

The hype

The reality

Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on October 23, 2020, 12:24:59 PM
Yeah .. I mean ... 'inspire'? That is a rather individualistic term that I don't think really gives us much per the best coaches in DIII argument. Furthermore, none of the DIIIs on there are there because of coaches we even considered. That isn't a knock, but UWO has had a few coaches in the last few years ... Williams is known as a revolving door of sorts ... and Rochester got up there from one coach in the Rushmore convo, but he hasn't been there in a long time now - the current coach, though, is doing very well for sure.

Yes, I think it's a bit of misfit into the Mt Rushmore discussion, but I didn't really think it needed it's own topic either. There's quite a bit of overlap, though. Maybe a few of these folks might be more future contenders than current ones? But are there any programs that jump out at you as missing or particularly good fits? I mean, Yeshiva's coach doesn't make Mt. Rushmore yet, but what he's accomplished in Spanish Harlem is pretty amazing in my book...

This is more of a snapshot ranking than a Mt. Rushmore... but what do you think? Who's missing? Who's overrated? https://collegeathleticadvisor.com/inspire/

Top 5 "Programs That Inspire" (out of 20)

1. Wisconsin – Oshkosh (WI, NCAA Division 3)
2. NW Missouri State (MO, NCAA Division 2)
3. Williams College (MA, NCAA Division 3)
4. Azusa Pacific University (CA, NCAA Division 2)
5. University of Rochester (NY, NCAA Division 3)

Quote from: Buck O. on October 17, 2020, 07:29:59 AM

Quote from: Northern_Explorer on October 15, 2020, 11:05:28 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 15, 2020, 07:07:05 PM
lists like this CAN be fun -- like best places to live or retire -- but they are not to be taken literally...or for me at least, seriously.  There are dozens and dozens of schools that could be "best" depending on the individual in terms of the desired and within reach criteria for that individual.

lol... your free, hypothetical list would be fun, and much cheaper than the free, actual list that isn't worth discussing... gotcha big man. My expectations were low, but man, I overshot...

Northern, you seem to be unable to participate in a civil discussion or to address the merits of an issue.  Run along.

lol... let's see.

Who would you dump off the list? Who's a glaring omission... besides Messiah I don't think a single one has come up.

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 15, 2020, 07:07:05 PM
lists like this CAN be fun -- like best places to live or retire -- but they are not to be taken literally...or for me at least, seriously.  There are dozens and dozens of schools that could be "best" depending on the individual in terms of the desired and within reach criteria for that individual.

lol... your free, hypothetical list would be fun, and much cheaper than the free, actual list that isn't worth discussing... gotcha big man. My expectations were low, but man, I overshot...

I thought it'd be fun to actually dig into the list, but you're asking for stuff you could copy and paste from their website...

I thought it was bad form to do this, but

QuoteRankings are based on a subjective assessment of student experience in four areas:

*Holistic development of student-athletes in the institution
*Academic achievement & support for the academic success of student-athletes
*Overall college experience for participants within the program
*Affordability/Graduation Rates/Student Satisfaction

These rankings are meant to highlight programs that may not be widely publicized despite having achieved consistent elite status in competition and in elevating the lives of participating student-athletes. While this is a subjective list, we believe these rankings present an informed starting point for a discussion about where student-athletes can excel as "triple-threat" competitors (academics, athletics, and socially) in college and in their future lives.

I think they answer your question pretty clearly, tbh

Quote from: Another Mom on October 15, 2020, 08:07:40 AM
Yes, I read the link with the 3 principals' background before posting my question.  There are 3 people on the team. One is a track and field coach living in China. One is a basketball coach, and the third, Dave Morris, lists coaching experience,  but does not say for which sport.

Given the apparent lack of soccer experience/connection my question was genuine: I would be interested to learn why you think they have the expertise to assess hundreds of men's soccer programs.

google would be your friend on that sort of thing... I get it though, if your fav school isn't on it, it must be corrupt or stupid or something... you couldn't have a company that sells its expertise simply demonstrate that expertise... that wouldn't make any sense at all, because having well constructed lists that help people and showcase great programs... I don't know, wouldn't be good for business? wouldn't demonstrate the expertise they sell? /sarc

Quote from: Another Mom on October 14, 2020, 09:30:08 PM

Quote from: Northern_Explorer on October 14, 2020, 06:10:52 PM
pretty sure that group has the expertise to identify and publicize elite men's soccer programs that meet those parameters, even stipulating that "knowing everything about everything" is beyond us all...

I would be interested to learn about that group's expertise in that case.

Why do you think the programs listed are elite?

you know there's a link at the top of the thread, right?

not sure if anyone is going to see this, but College Athletic Advisor did its "Programs That Inspire" top 10's on lacrosse and it's a pretty impressive list:

https://collegeathleticadvisor.com/inspire/

Men's Top 4:
1. Salisbury University (MD, NCAA Division 3)
2. Le Moyne College (NY, NCAA Division 2)
3. Wesleyan University (CT, NCAA Division 3)
4. Tufts University (MA, NCAA Division 3)

Women's Top 5:

1. Middlebury College (VT, NCAA Division 3)
2. Adelphi University (NY, NCAA Division 2)
3. Salisbury University (MD, NCAA Division 3)
4. Gettysburg College (PA, NCAA Division 3)
5. West Chester University (PA, NCAA Division 2)

Quote from: Another Mom on October 14, 2020, 11:25:35 AM
I do not believe I said anything about knowing more than anyone else. What I did say was that it was impossible for anyone to know everything about every men's soccer program,  including every division level, particularly since some of their parameters are subjective  and thus not easily verified.

pretty sure that group has the expertise to identify and publicize elite men's soccer programs that meet those parameters, even stipulating that "knowing everything about everything" is beyond us all...

Quote from: Another Mom on September 30, 2020, 02:41:55 PM
It is a joke.

It's a website purporting to offer advice on college athletic recruiting.  There is no possible way they can assess every college soccer program in the country especially using such subjective parameters.

I do agree Amherst is inspiring though.

so the program you know is great, but yes, how could anyone (or any group of people) know more than you!? lol... okay...

Messiah & Wheaton both certainly could be in there, but exactly who do you kick out? And what about Middlebury?

I've been following these lists and now they've added football... Some great programs highlighted (and some MIA).

https://collegeathleticadvisor.com/inspire/

THE TOP 20 (RANK, SCHOOL, AFFILIATION)
1.   St. John's University (MN, NCAA Division 3)
2.   University of Central Missouri (MO, NCAA Division 2)
3.   Wisconsin – Oshkosh (WI, NCAA Division 3)
4.   Texas A&M Commerce (TX, Division 2)
5.   University of West Florida (FL, NCAA Division 2)
6.   Salisbury University (MD, NCAA Division 3)
7.   Minnesota State University (MN, NCAA Division 2)
8.   Carroll College (MT, NAIA)
9.   Wisconsin - Whitewater (WI, NCAA Division 3)
10.    Valdosta State University (GA, NCAA Division 2)
11.    Grand Valley State University (MI, Division 2)
12.    Marian University (IN, NAIA)
13.    Linfield College (OR, NCAA Division 3)
14.    Chapman University (CA, NCAA Division 3)
15.    Savannah State University (GA, NCAA Division 2)
16.    Trinity College (CT, NCAA Division 3)
17.    Muhlenberg College (PA, NCAA Division 3)
18.    Union College (NY, NCAA Division 3)
19.    Benedictine College (KS, NAIA)
20.    Shepherd University (WV, NCAA Division 2)

Criteria:

These holistic program rankings are open to all 4-year U.S. collegiate level programs sponsoring football outside of NCAA Division 1 (so this is a top 20 out of over 500 colleges & universities). Rankings are based on a subjective assessment of student experience in four areas:

•   Holistic development of student-athletes in the institution
•   Academic achievement & support for the academic success of student-athletes
•   Overall college experience for participants within the program
•   Affordability/Graduation Rates/Student Satisfaction

These rankings are meant to highlight programs that may not be widely publicized despite having achieved consistent elite status in competition and in elevating the lives of participating student-athletes. While this is a subjective list, we believe these rankings present an informed starting point for a discussion about where student-athletes can excel as "triple-threat" competitors (academics, athletics, and socially) in college and in life.

They did a very interesting women's list last week. I'll be curious what people think of the men's version. It's pretty D3 heavy.

The full top 20 and explanation is here... https://collegeathleticadvisor.com/inspire/

Top 5:

1. Amherst College (MA, NCAA Division 3)
2. SUNY – Oneonta (NY, NCAA Division 3)
3. Cal State – Los Angeles (CA, NCAA Division 2)
4. Ohio Wesleyan (OH, NCAA Division 3)
5. Centre College (KY, Division 3)

Just saw this come out today from a college consultant group. They seem to be planning to release lists like these in most sports, interesting list of NAIA/D2/D3 programs from a student-athlete angle... I enjoyed looking at it anyway (and it started an argument almost immediately). The website lists criteria, etc... https://collegeathleticadvisor.com/inspire/

Women's Soccer, Fall 2020


The Top 20 (Rank, School, State, Affiliation)

THE TOP 20 (RANK, SCHOOL, AFFILIATION)
1.   William Smith (NY, NCAA Division 3)
2.   Western Washington (WA, NCAA Division 2)
3.   Christopher Newport University (VA, NCAA Division 3)
4.   College of St. Rose (NY, NCAA Division 2)
5.   University of Tampa (FL, NCAA Division 2)
6.   University of Chicago (IL, NCAA Division 3)
7.   Grand Valley State (MI, NCAA Division 2)
8.   Westmont College (CA, NAIA)
9.   Johns Hopkins (MD, NCAA Division 3)
10.    Sonoma State (CA, NCAA Division 2)
11.    Middlebury College (VT, NCAA Division 3)
12.    Benedictine College (KS, NAIA)
13.    The College of New Jersey (NJ, NCAA Division 3)
14.    Rollins College (FL, NCAA Division 2)
15.    St. Edward's University (TX, NCAA Division 2)
16.    Pomona – Pitzer (CA, NCAA Division 3)
17.    Indiana Wesleyan University (IN, NAIA)
18.    Hardin-Simmons University (TX, NCAA Division 3)
19.    Colorado School of Mines (CO, NCAA Division 2)
20.    UMass - Boston (MA, NCAA Division 3)


"It's critical, particularly in this moment, to recognize individual programs and coaches, as well as athletic departments that provide exceptional experiences to student-athletes. These athletic programs strengthen their institutions as a whole. Participating student-athletes develop into successful alumnae with powerful ties to the college and the capacity to pay their experience forward," says College Athletic Advisor's CEO, Dave Morris. "It's exciting to be able to recognize this particularly elite collection of programs and also remind folks that many programs in NCAA Divisions 2 and 3, the NAIA, and the USCAA are serving student-athletes and their institutions in life changing ways."

Quote from: Just Bill on June 27, 2012, 12:57:27 PM
Legendary coach Sheila Miech retires from UW-Stevens Point...

http://athletics.uwsp.edu/news/2012/6/26/WSOC_0626124306.aspx

UWSP's new AD must be a real idiot.