So you’ve been recruited by a college coach and you’re thinking about committing to play for his/her team. Congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment and a great opportunity. Before you make your decision, there are some important questions you need to ask.
Below is a list of questions you should ask your potential team’s coach before you commit. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can be sure that you’re making the best decision for yourself and your future.
77 Questions to ask a college coach before you commit to playing for his/her team:
- What’s your coaching style?
- What is your experience working with students in the college admissions process?
- Do you have any experience working with students who have the same background as me?
- How do you prefer to communicate with your clients? (e.g., phone, email, text message)
- How often will we meet?
- What are your rates?
- Are you familiar with the schools I’m interested in?
- Have you helped students get accepted to schools like mine in the past?
- Can you provide me with references?
- What are the most important factors that colleges look for in their admissions decisions?
- How can I make my application stand out from others?
- Should I apply for an early decision or a regular decision?
- What are some red flags that might cause an admissions officer to reject my application outright?
- What should I do if I’m waitlisted at my college of choice?
- Do you have any advice for writing a great personal statement/essay?
- Should I include additional materials such as letters of recommendation or supplementary essays?
- How can I improve my chances of being awarded financial aid/scholarships?
- What’s your procedure for dealing with conflicts? (i.e. what happens when we disagree on something)?
- How long have you been a coach at this school?
- What’s your win-loss record?
- Have you ever been penalized by the NCAA for a recruiting violation?
- How do you communicate with your players?
- How often do you hold practices?
- What’s your philosophy on training and conditioning?
- What kind of support staff do you have (strength and conditioning coach, athletic trainer, team physician)?
- What kind of academic support do you provide to your players?
- Do you have any connections with professional scouts or agents?
- Did any of your former players go on to play professional baseball?
- What resources does the school have for its sports program (gym, weight room, training room)?
- What’s the budget for your program?
- How much money do you have available for recruiting each year?
- How many scholarships can you award each year?
- Have any of your current players ever been drafted by an MLB team?
- Are any of your current players eligible for the MLB draft this year?
- Who are your main competitors?
- What type of schedule do you typically play (conference only, conference + non-conference, etc.)?
- How often do you travel and how are the trips organized (by bus, plane, train)?
- What’s the team’s record in conference games?
- How often do players get injured?
- What’s the team’s academic progress rate (APR)?
- What’s the average grade point average of the players on the team?
- What kind of support do you get from the administration?
- Do you plan to leave the team soon?
- How much influence do players have on game strategy?
- Do you use negative recruiting tactics against other schools?
- What’s the team’s philosophy on redshirting?
- How often do players get to play in games?
- Have there been conflicts between players and coaches on the team in the past?
- Do you run a clean program or have there been any infractions in the past?
- What facilities does the school have for practices and games?
- How much travel is required for away games?
- What’s the budget for recruiting visits? What kind of alumni support does the program have?
- What position do you want me to play?
- How do you handle player injuries?
- How much say do I have in my training schedule?
- What are your expectations for player conduct off the field?
- What are the team’s academic requirements?
- Can you tell me about the team’s history and tradition?
- What are your long-term goals for the program?
- Do you have any concerns about my ability to play at this level?
- What kind of feedback will I receive during practices and games?
- How often can I meet with you one-on-one?
- Do you scout professional leagues for players to recruit?
- Do you have integrity policies regarding recruiting practices?
- Can I talk to current or former players about their experiences with the team and coaching staff?
- Do you have any assistant coaches on your staff?
- If so, what are their roles?
- Do you have a strength and conditioning coach on your team? If so, what are their roles?
- Do you have any sports psychologists or other mental health professionals on your staff? If so, what are their roles?
- Do you offer financial assistance to athletes who cannot afford to travel?
- What are your policies regarding social media and other forms of communication with recruits?
- What are your team’s rules and policies?
- What’s the team culture like?
- How much influence do athletes have on team decisions?
- Do you provide opportunities for your athletes to continue their education after graduation?
- How do you help your athletes transition to life after college sports?
- Do you have any other tips for me on how to navigate the college application process?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare for an interview with a college coach?
The best way to prepare for an interview with a college coach is to know your academic and athletic resume inside and out. Make a list of questions you want to ask the coach and have a copy of your transcripts and standardized test scores ready.
Be prepared to talk about your goals for college sports and explain why you would be a good fit for the coach’s program. Finally, be respectful and professional in your interactions with the coach.
How do you tell a coach you want to commit?
The best way to tell a coach you want to commit is to be straightforward and honest. Let them know that you’re interested in becoming a part of the team and that you want to do everything you can to help the team achieve its goals.
Be prepared to answer any questions they may have and be willing to talk about your commitment.
Coaches appreciate players who are willing to put in the effort, so you should express your commitment to the team and your desire to help wherever you can.
Conclusion
These are just a few important questions to keep in mind when talking to a college coach before you decide to commit to their team. It’s important that you’re a good fit academically, athletically, and socially so that you can be successful both on and off the field. With careful research and consideration, you can be sure you’re making the best choice for your future!
