The following is a guideline list of questions for you to consider when speaking to potential college coaches and schools. This is only a general guide. Use what you want, add or subtract questions as you see fit, but always ask questions. The more informed you are about the criteria that is important to you as a student athlete the better, Remember this is your future we’re talking about!
The School
- Where is the school located?
- Does the school offer four year or two year programs?
- What is the school most recognized for in terms of Educational Programs?
- What is the undergraduate enrollment?
- What is the campus like?
- What is the weather like? What are the seasons?
- Where do the student athletes live? On campus, Off Campus?
- What kind of support in terms of academics is provided for the student athlete? Tutoring, etc.
- What is the academic calendar – quarters, semesters, trimesters?
- What resources and library facilities are available to the students?
- What is the student recreation programs like? Off season Intramural programs?
- What kind of course load is typical for a student athlete?
- How many hours of class should a student athlete expect each day?
- How many hours of Homework should a student athlete expect each day?
The Athletic Program and Team
- How did the coach become aware of you? How many times have they seen you play?
- Has the coach seen your online athlete profile and video? Is there anything else they would like to see?
- What division does the school play in?
- What conference is the team in?
- How did the team do last season?
- Where does the coach see you as a player fitting in as a freshman? Style of play, position etc.
- How many players are they losing from their starting lineup?
- Does the team red shirt its freshman?
- How many new recruits is the team anticipating?
- What sort of training schedule is involved while at school?
- How many hours a week of practice, travel, games should be expected?
- Is there a special facility for strength training for student athletes?
- What are the athletic training facilities like?
- What happens if a student athlete gets injured? Season ending / career ending injuries?
- What’s the team chemistry like?
- What is the relationship like between upper and lower classmen?
- How would you describe your coaching style? Does it mesh with how you learn as a player?
- When does the coach’s contract end? It is important to know if the coach could leave while you’re playing.
- What are the restrictions for maintaining academic and athletic eligibility while enrolled? Grade point average, etc.
- Can you describe the typical day for a student athlete?
What happens moving forward
- What does the coach see as being the next step? Applying to the school, etc.
- Will the coach get a chance to see you play again? Would they like to see more video?
- Would the coach like you to send him your resume and team’s schedule?
- Would the coach be willing to send you an application for the school?
- When does the coach expect to be back in contact with you?
- Is there the possibility of a fly down to visit the school?
- Is there any scholarship available?
It is also a good idea to talk to a current or former athlete on the teams you are interested in. Often if you ask the coach, they will connect you with a player, or you can look them up over social media channels. Talking with an athlete is a great way to get to know what daily life is like for them, and get to know more about the coach, their methods and values from the perspective of one of their athletes.
Here are some questions you could ask an athlete:
- What type of player is attractive to the coach?
- Does the coach emphasis a certain system or strategy?
- If Yes, what is that particular system?
- Does the coach value a strong work-ethic?
- Is the coach a big advocate of strength and conditioning?
- Is the coach looking for top students?
- Is the coach looking for a player with speed or physical play at a certain position?
- Is the coach more of an offensive-type of coach or defensive?
- How much authority do the assistant coaches have? Do they make final decisions on recruits?
- Does the coach value character players?
- Does the coach value team players and ones that get along with their teammates?