Core Training

Recruiting Tips: 5 Questions a College Coach Might Ask- Part 1

Talking with college coaches as a young athlete can be very intimidating at first and takes preparation. This portion of the recruiting process is almost like a job interview, with the college coach asking the questions. It is important, especially when you are getting recruited as a high school student, that you have an understanding of the fundamental questions a coach might ask you. Many athletes think of talking to college coaches as scary, but that’s partly nerves and realizing the impact a coach can have on your future with one decision. But coaches are just doing their jobs. They’re making an investment as an employee of the University to field the best team possible with the budget supplied. Here are some sample questions a college coach might ask and some tips for answering them:

How are your grades? Have you taken the ACT/SAT?

Be honest. As for every question, a coach asks, be truthful but especially for this one. This will most likely be the first question asked by a coach because that’s the priority of the college they work for. Academics are number one, and a coach will find you unprepared if you’re unable to remember or lie about your GPA or test scores. However, if you’re struggling, the coaches like to hear that you have a plan in place to improve moving forward. Also, a coach is looking for a reliable player that won’t be struggling to stay eligible throughout the season. If the academic requirements are not met, the chances of you getting an athletic scholarship are very small.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This is your time to shine but be humble. Be confident in your playing abilities and have specific strengths and weaknesses thought out with an explanation. Give the coach a little bit more of your personality on and off the field. Let them know if you’re a leader and selected a captain or goals you’ve set for yourself and how close you came to achieve them during the season. A coach recognizes one is perfect and they respect players who are self-aware of the areas that they need to work on. Again, it shows you are a responsible and respectful player to make a plan to improve.

What sets you apart from other athletes?

Do some research on your potential college teams. Having information on positions that might be opening up or a particular skill they’re looking for in a recruit, is great information to be aware of. This is more of a personal question that allows you to highlight either an academic, athletic, or work ethic aspect about yourself. A solid answer can allow a coach to envision you on their team and what kind of atmosphere you’d bring with you.

What other colleges are recruiting you?

The recruiting game is very competitive at the college level. Coaches understand there are many other schools besides theirs and a lot of the time have their eye on the same recruits. By letting them know you are getting looked at by other schools is a reassurance to them as a coach that they picked a desirable athlete. Don’t lie about getting offers from other schools but also keep the details private. It is enough to let a coach know you’ve been having conversations with other teams but not to what extent. College coaches might be rivals on the field, but a lot of them have personal relationships with each other and keep in regular contact. If you are or are not getting looked at by another team, chances are they’ll find out eventually.

What type of scholarship are you looking for?

Money is not the first thing high school students necessarily think about, especially the price tag of college. Be aware of your family’s financial situation and what exactly it would take for you to attend your desired school realistically. Whether it’s a partial or full scholarship, be clear on what it will take for you to play with their program. Though playing for your dream school is ideal, public and private schooling is to be taken into consideration. Your major’s projected salary, as well as the loan payments and interest rates, are also important for the remaining, if any, tuition.

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