In an earlier post, we shared the five most common questions college coaches ask recruits. But, there are some other questions a college coach may ask you as well. And if you want to be better prepared for any visit you have with a coach, make sure you’re not only familiar with those questions,but have given some thought to your answers as well.
How do you get along with your current coach?
More than statistics or video, a college coach will lean heavily on the opinion of a recruit’s high school or club coach. Given that, all the talent in the world won’t do you much good if your current coach considers you uncoachable. On the other hand, a solid recommendation from your current coach could be what helps get you a college scholarship.
Before you answer that question, understand that a “relationship” with a coach extends beyond cordial greetings in the hallway. Instead, look at yourself through your coach’s eyes. Have you listened to your coach’s instructions? Have you been a good practice player? Have you been a team player? Have you been reliable? Have you been a leader on and off the field? If you answer “no” to any of those questions, it’s in your best interest to visit with your current coach to ensure you’re doing everything you can to help your team succeed, not just yourself.
What are you looking for in a college or university?
Other than “Someplace to party for four years,” there’s no wrong answer to this question. But whatever you answer, it needs to be honest and show a coach that you have given it some thought.
Is it an opportunity for playing time? Being a part of a program with a winning tradition? A school’s academic reputation? An opportunity to major in your area of interest? Or even location, campus life, or climate? Just be sure to think about why you’re honestly interested in a given school and be ready to share that reason or reasons when coaches ask.
Who else is involved in your decision?
Remember that, in the end, a coach is recruiting you and only you, and he or she will want to know the decision you make is yours. But coaches will also want to know who else is involved in your decision as part of establishing a relationship to better understand you. Coaches know recruits will rely on their parents, coaches, and even advisors for advice. Beyond that, too many people influencing your decision might raise red flags.
What else are you interested in?
At the highest levels, competing in college sports can almost feel like a full-time job in itself. But, even if your sport is all-consuming, a coach will want to know if you have other interests as well. It can be video games, cars, fishing, playing the guitar, or any other pursuit that’s not related to your sport. Whatever else you’re interested in, sharing it with coaches helps them establish a stronger relationship with you while also demonstrating that your entire life doesn’t revolve around your sport.
What questions do you have for me?
Coaches expect you to have questions. But they also expect you to do your homework. So, if you want to make a good impression with a college coach, make sure any questions you ask haven’t already been answered in your conversation with a coach, on a school’s website, or in their recruiting materials. Instead, ask coaches if they need more information from you and, if so, what that information would be. Ask about the number of other players that coach is recruiting at your position or how many roster spots will open by the time you graduate. Or, ask if you need to be evaluated by other coaching staff members and about good times for campus visits. Whatever questions you do ask, make sure they show you’ve thought things through and are generally interested in a coach and that program.
Most importantly, make sure to pay close attention and listen to a coach’s answers. Even better, if you want to take notes during your visits with coaches, you’ll have their replies to refer back to as you make your decision.
Finally, no matter what a coach asks you, remember that he or she is trying to establish a relationship with you. It’s not a test. As long as you avoid “red flag” replies, the answers you give to a coach’s questions will help build that relationship. And it’s the relationship and rapport you build with a coach that will help determine where you might get offers while also helping you with your decision.
Did you enjoy the article ‘More Questions College Coaches Frequently Ask Recruits’? If so, check out more of our articles HERE.
