Questions to Ask College Coaches
About Me
- Have you seen me play? If so, how will I fit into the team?
- Of the current players competing at my position(s), what skills do they possess that I don't, and vice versa?
- How many freshmen are being recruited at my position?
- Where do you see me fitting in the program as a freshman and beyond?
- Where am I on your list of recruits?
- Can I or should I redshirt my freshman year?
- What are the team's training plans?
- Will I receive a written offer?
- What are your expectations for me?
About the Coach
- How would you best describe your coaching style?
- What is your preferred system and style of play?
- What's important for players to understand about you as a coach?
- What team building activities do you like?
- When does your coaching contract end?
- How do you treat walk-ons?
- What is the typical annual training cycle for your student-athletes?
- What is the typical day like for your student athletes both in and off season?
About Academic Balance
- How many players graduate in four years, and what is the team's GPA?
- How does the program support players academically (including tutoring)?
- Will professors allow me to make up missed tests due to matches?
- What is your policy for late arrivals or missed training due to class schedule?
- What course load and GPA must I carry to remain eligible? To retain financial aid?
About the Team
- How important is soccer to the school?
- Will I need to live on campus?
- Do most of the players live together?
- Where in the country do most of your players come from?
- When does the season begin and end?
- How many matches are there each season?
- How much travel, and how far, is there each season?
- In the past five years, what are the team's proudest moments?
- What are the team's conduct rules, and how do the compare to those for non student-athletes?
- Will I need to stay in town during the summer?
About Financials
- Do you have athletic scholarship funds available?
- What specific expenses are covered by the financial aid and/or athletic scholarship package?
- Is financial aid available for summer school?
- Tuition, books, room and board cost X. My budget is Y. What chance do I have of covering that gap?
- If I'm injured and can't play, what happens to my financial aid?
- What are my student employment opportunities to help make ends meet?
- What conditions are used to determine retention of the financial aid and/or athletic scholarship package?
- What medical expenses will the school cover, and will I need my own insurance?