Understanding The
College Coach
Seasoned college coaches are very good at recruiting student athletes,
evaluating the athletes’ demeanor, character, as well as the athletic abilities of
the student.
Therefore, during the recruiting process, student athletes, their parents, and
college advisor need to understand the philosophy that college coaches use
while recruiting athletes.
This publication will outline how college coaches recruit student athletes and
some of the technique they use in getting an athlete to commit.
Colleges started marketing student-athlete as early as 1880 and the game of
football became the most popular sport on campus. In the early years, studentathletes were not offered athletic scholarships.
Athletes that participated in a sport were give employment on campus or were
offered jobs from local business owners. Many times the college or community
leaders would offer free lodging, meals, and other gifts to entice or attract
talented student-athletes to participate in their specialized sport.
Many times alumni and fraternities gave student-athletes other financial
incentives to lure the athlete to their college. If money was offered to the studentathlete by an alumni or other influential member of the college or community, it
was normally not publicized and the agreement was between the student-athlete
and the source giving the money.
Do College Coaches Communicate With Each
Other About Their Recruits?
Many college coaches know each other and may often be recruiting the same
players. It is important to keep in mind that college coaches do talk and share
opinions about potential recruits or even players they have dealt with in the past.
You never know who a college coach might know, so it’s important for the
student athlete to always be on their best behavior and keep as many doors
open as possible.
This is another reason why student athletes should fill out every recruiting
questionnaire they receive. If a college that is interested in recruiting a student
athlete asks about them from another college that the athlete failed to respond to,
the college may tell the other college that the athlete never even responded to
their questionnaire.
This can make the athlete look irresponsible. It can also give the wrong
impression to the interested coach and could potentially cause the coach to take
the athlete’s name off their recruiting list. Completing questionnaires also allows
the athlete an opportunity to develop relationships with coaches.
Many college coaches know each other and may often be recruiting the same
players. It is important to keep in mind that college coaches do talk and share
opinions about potential recruits or even players they have dealt with in the past.
You never know who a college coach might know, so it’s important for the
student athlete to always be on their best behavior and keep as many doors
open as possible.
This is another reason why student athletes should fill out every recruiting
questionnaire they receive. If a college that is interested in recruiting a student
athlete asks about them from another college that the athlete failed to respond to,
the college may tell the other college that the athlete never even responded to
their questionnaire.
This can make the athlete look irresponsible. It can also give the wrong
impression to the interested coach and could potentially cause the coach to take
the athlete’s name off their recruiting list. Completing questionnaires also allows
the athlete an opportunity to develop relationships with coaches.
A student athlete never knows who might be watching or evaluating them.
Remember, the athlete only has one chance to make a good first impression.
College coaches are constantly evaluating potential recruits. They will be
evaluating student athletes from submitted films or watching the athlete play in
person. They will talk to the athlete’s coaches, guidance counselors, as well a
personal acquaintance that are familiar with the student athlete.
Therefore, during the recruiting process student athletes should always put their
best foot forward.
It is important to understand what irritates college coaches during the recruiting
process. Below are several things to avoid.
THINGS THAT IRRITATE COLLEGE COACHES

Showing disrespect toward high school officials, coaches,
teammates and parents

Answering questions with one word answers during face to face
meetings or on the phone. This could be very frustrating to college
coaches and could give the coach the impression the athlete is not
interested in their college

Asking about scholarships opportunities to early in the recruiting
process. Give the coach a little time to evaluate your abilities

Never show cockiness or give the coach the impression you are too
good to consider their college because it is not a Division I college. I
don’t care how good the athlete is. Word will get around to other
coaches

Not being familiar or being unprepared during a visit with the college
coach. Make an effort to learn as much as you can about the team
(their successes, division, etc.) and the college’s background

Making or giving false representation of your interest in attending
the coach’s college. Be upfront with the coach and always be
truthful

Calling or emailing the college coach too often. Sending the coach
annual updates at the end of each season or contacting the coach
when you really need an important question answered is appropriate

Acting inappropriately on a recruiting visit. It is OK to have fun and
party a little. However, avoid unlawful drugs and alcohol
consumption

Letting your parents control the marketing process. Remember the
college coach is recruiting you not your parents. It is OK for the
parents to give guidance and encouragement

Giving false information about your athletic achievements, GPA, or
awards. This information is very easy to verify

Not responding to a college coach’s inquiries on a timely basis

Not submitting necessary information that is requested by the
college or the college coach in a timely manner. If they ask for you
to complete their questionnaire or send them your high school
transcript, or send them a video, don’t drop the ball. Submit the
requested information as soon as you can

Being too general in your communications with the college coach.
Avoid addressing your letters or emails with “Dear Coach”. It would
be more appropriate to use the coach’s last name, i.e. “Coach
Smith”. This shows respect

Scheduling a campus visit (official or unofficial) and not showing up.
If the visit needs to be postponed to a later date due to a family or
individual crisis, let the coach know as soon as possible. If the
athlete or their parents cannot notify the coach personally, have a
trusted family member or high school official contact the college
coach to explain the reason for the cancelation. However, it is
ALWAYS best for the athlete to do it personally, if at all
possible
The list we just went over is not an all-encompassing list of the things that irritate
college coaches. The student athlete and their parents should use common
sense when communicating with the college coaches. If it does not feel right,
AVOID doing it.
Many athletes and their families make mistakes throughout the recruiting process
and more than likely all athletes will make mistakes. The best way to avoid
irritating college coaches is to use common sense and think before you act.
Remember, most college coaches are looking for athletic, well rounded, mature,
centered, and humble athletes that have the ability to play intercollegiate athletics
and succeed academically. Avoiding the mistakes listed in this publication could
give an athlete an edge over others (of equal athletic ability) that make these
mistakes.
There are two other very important things that parents and their athletes need to
know.

College coaches do not want to be distracted by overbearing,
meddlesome parents, so a parent who seems too controlling might
actually hurt an otherwise qualified student’s ability to be recruited Don’t Be Helicopter Parents

College coach will not recruit a student-athlete who cannot compete
in the classroom. Academic performance tells a coach a lot about a
child’s ability to manage time, set goals, and prioritize.
Recruiting Process Through The Eyes Of
College Coaches
For many college coaches, recruiting is by far the most important part in building
a successful athletic program. The process can be frustrating, time consuming
and in some circumstances,
disorganized for the high school athlete and the college coach.
Many families of student athletes do not realize that college coaches spend 50%
or more of their time on recruiting qualified athletes.
Many student athlete that are successful at the high school level feel most
college coaches will find them and start the recruiting process. However, many
good athletes are often overlooked by college coaches because the athlete does
not take the effort in marketing themselves.
Another big mistake that college coaches see every year is, many student
athletes focus mainly on playing intercollegiate athletics and do not focus on
selecting colleges with the right fit academically, athletically and socially.
Coaches that are staffed at the college level know many athletes can be
intimidated and they can use this to their advantage to get the athlete to commit
earlier.
One of the things that will turn a college coach off more than anything is the
honesty level of the student athlete. Many times the student athlete is not totally
honest with the coach and when the coach learns the whole truth, many will stop
the recruiting process.
There are hundreds of qualified athletes each year that want to get noticed by
college coaches, however in order for the college coach to fine the right athlete is
like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many college coaches don’t have
enough time to watch each an every individual athlete for enough time to make a
decision on whether or not they want to recruit the athlete. Also, if the athlete is
lucky enough to get a coach to watch them play, they could have a bad game
and the college coach may unfairly make a decision not to recruit the athlete.
Many coaches feel the decision to recruit a student athlete is being in the right
place at right time. Most student athletes do not realize college coaches that
go to club or sporting events, watch for such a small amount of time and
then have to decide on continuing the recruitment of the athlete or not. It is
unfair to the student athlete when this happens, however the coach’s time is very
limited. If the athlete has a bad night it could affect the coach’s decision. This is
the reason student athletes should keep in contact with the college coach and
take a proactive role in the marketing process.
Most college coaches want to see the athlete take control of the recruiting
process. This takes a lot of pressure off the coach, because most are so
overwhelmed by the sheer number of potential recruits.
The college coach want an athlete to take a proactive role by introducing
themselves and provide the coach with updated information on the student’s
athletic
accomplishments and progress they are making academically during the
student’s stay in high school.
By showing the effort to communicate with the college coach, it shows the coach
that the athlete is serious about being recruited and serious about playing for the
coach’s team.
However, college coaches DO NOT like too much correspondence from athletes.
They prefer updates at the end of each season or at the end of summer league
play. However, there is nothing wrong in updating the coach if the athlete
receives a special award. Many coaches will delete e-mails if they are sent too
often, this is a turn-off.
Most college coaches want the student athlete to do their homework. In other
words, they like to talk to students that have research the coach’s program
and has researched academic opportunities that are available at the
college. College coaches want to make sure their athletic program and the
college is a right fit for the student. The right fit is a combination of academics
and sports that fits the athletes’ profile.
Many college coaches want a student athlete to commit as early as
possible (possible as early as the sophomore year in high school), because
it make the job of the college coach that much easier. However, some
players change their minds dramatically from when they are recruited to when
they enter college. Even if they don’t change as players, they often change as
people. As a result, a school that seemed to be a right fit two years ago may no
longer be a good selection. So avoid committing too early.
All college coaches want the student athlete and their parents to be honest with
them on the athlete’s interest in the coach’s program. If a coach contacts an
athlete who isn’t interested, the athlete should tell the coach as much. This will
save the coach time, because he has one less player to worry about.
Athletes should be honest with coaches about how serious they are about a
given college. However, if an athlete is interested in another college and it is their
first selection, coaches know the athlete needs a backup plans. But athletes
shouldn’t lead coaches on when there is no genuine interest on the athlete’s
side.
College coaches sometimes get frustrated when a scholarship offer is made to a
student athlete and parents jump into the picture and start negotiating hard for
every last dollar. Most college coaches will tell you this is very uncomfortable
and in some situations they will withdraw the offer because they feel parents who
are difficult during the recruiting process are often difficult over the next four
years.
Keep in mind, sports scholarship availability varies from one sport to the next and
from one college to the next. Normally if a student athlete accepts a scholarship
offer in football or basketball at a Division I college, they will get a full
scholarship. Division I college sports are normally called “Head Count” schools.
However, scholarship situation in those sports is completely different from how it
is in other sports and divisions. Head count sports tend to be the ones that
generate revenue and you’re more likely to see on TV. The big difference for
athletes: head count athletes get full scholarships. Athletes in “Equivalency”
sports may only get partial scholarships.
Therefore, student athletes and their parents should ask about scholarship
opportunities once a relationship and a commit to offer a scholarship by the
college coach is in place. However, DO NOT start talking about athletic
scholarships too early in the recruiting process.
Understanding The Job Of The College Coach
The first thing a student-athlete must understand about the college coach is they
are paid to perform and produce a successful athletic program. It does not matter
whether the coach coaches football, basketball or field hockey, they are hired to
coach a successful team. They are evaluated by college administrator, athletic
directors, college president, and sometime athletic board of directors on their job
performance.
Their win-loss record determines their salary, bonuses and job. They get
pressure from the college, students, media, as well as alumni and athletic
booster clubs. If they do not produce, they will not have a job very long. This is
very different from the high school coach. If a high school coach is not producing
a winning program, they could lose their coaching job, however they seldom will
lose their teaching position at the high school.
The college coach is a very unique individual. Most college coaches are experts
in their coaching field and many have played intercollegiate athletic and some
have played professionally as well. Many college coaches were very successful
athletes and some were not, however being a successful athlete is not a criteria
to be a successful college coach.
Many college coaches have climbed the ladder of success by being an
assistance coach under a seasoned mentor. They must understand how to play
the game or sport and they must be excellent organizers.
Successful college coaches must possess good management skills and they
need to be able to motivate not only the student-athletes, but their coaching staff
as well.
College coaches must be skilled verbally in order to communicate with the
local and sometimes the national media. The success of their team on and off the
field of play is their total responsibility. Many college coaches must be skilled
fundraisers, because many athletic programs do not have a large athletic budget.
To add on to all the responsibilities of the college coach, they also need to be a
good salesperson.
The head college coach is in charge of the recruiting process. He or she is
responsible for following the recruiting laws passed by the NCAA or whatever
athletic association they are a member of. If any recruiting laws are broken, it will
fall on the shoulders of the head coach. Recruiting rules are complicated to
understand and it is the responsibility of the coach to make sure they
comprehend what they are required to do and what they are prohibited from
doing during the recruiting process.
One of the most important jobs of the college coach is to recruit the highest
quality athletes as possible. Normally Division I coaches have an advantage over
Divisions II and III, especially when it comes to recruiting athletes that play
football and basketball because they normally have a larger recruiting budget
than Division II or III to draw from.
In most cases, it is not that important for the high school athlete to understand
the laws and regulations associated with the recruiting process. However, if the
student-athlete, parents or high school coach feels some of the recruiting laws
are being broken, they need to notify the NCAA immediately. If the NCAA
recruiting laws are broken, it could affect the student-athlete and could cause the
athlete to be disqualified from participating in intercollegiate athletics.
The recruiting process is really a sales job. When the college coach is recruiting
a student-athlete, they will try to impress the athlete as much as possible. They
will tell the student how important they feel the athlete could be to their athletic
program. They will tell the student-athlete why they want them to play for their
college and what benefits the college can give the athlete based on academics,
social life, and other factors that they feel will get the athlete to commit.
There are four important periods during the recruiting process that the college
coach should adhere to. Below is a brief outline:

 Contact Period - during this period, the college coach or an authorized
athletic department staff member IS given permission to make
in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts and evaluations of studentathletes.

Dead Period - during this period, the college coach or an authorized
athletic department staff member is NOT permitted to contact a studentathlete on or off-campus. During this period there is no official or
unofficial visits allowed.

Evaluation Period - during this period, permission IS given to the
coach or an authorized athletic department staff member to be involved
in off campus activities to evaluate or assess academic and athletic
ability of a student-athlete. However, there CANNOT be any in-person,
off-campus contact with the student-athlete.

Quiet Period - during this period the NCAA GIVES permission to the
college coach or athletic department staff member to make in-person
recruiting contacts with student-athletes only on the college coach’s
campus or institution. During the Contact Period many college coaches
will try to make the athlete feel important and sometimes will make
statements that could give the athlete the wrong impression.
For Example: the coach could give the athlete the impression that they are their
top recruit and could give the athlete the impression that they are the only athlete
that they are recruiting at their position.
During this period is when the student-athlete will be put under the most pressure
to commit to the coach’s college and athletic program.
The athlete and parents must not let the college coach take control of the
conversation during the contact period. If the conversation is one-sided, it could
cause the athlete to make the wrong decision or make a commitment to early.
Since the college coach’s main intent is to get the student-athlete to
commit, it is always a good idea to make sure the coach or someone on their
staff is tell the athlete the truth.
One excellent way to confirm whether the college coach is making
overstatements or not telling the complete truth, is to ask for a few names and
phone numbers of current/past athletes, as well as the phone numbers of their
parents. By talking to these resources you can find out what experience others
had during the recruiting process.
Most college coaches are honest and straightforward, however the studentathlete could be contacted by a coach or one of their representatives that are not.
It is always best to take what is communicated to the student-athlete with a grain
of salt.
Many college coaches must be excellent money managers and most understand
what type of finances are available for them to spend. In some situations, they
must spread their budget out as equally as possible among their studentathletes. This is very common when a Division II college or university is recruiting
an athlete.
Division I athletic scholarships are paid through the athletic department.
Division II scholarships are part of the total college budget. Of course
Division III colleges do not give athletic scholarships, however many
Division III athletes receive financial support through other means through
the financial aid system and the college’s own funds.
Many college coaches that have limited finances will try to recruit athletes that
are not blue-chip quality, but have the potential of developing high quality athletic
skills by
enticing the athlete to commit by saying, “We do not have any scholarship
money available now, but if you commit, I will try to find you some money
next year.”
When the college coach makes a statement similar to this, they are not telling the
athlete they are not good enough to play intercollegiate athletics. What they are
saying is they have limited amount of dollars to give out in scholarships and most
of this money is going to be given to athletes that has proven their playing ability
and their commitment to the athletic program. Most college coaches are very
dedicated to their job, college and their athletes. Most are very trustworthy and
most have the best
interest of the student-athlete in mind.
Most college coaches do not like to deal with a cocky athlete. They want the
athlete to fight for the scholarships that are available and have a commitment to
the success of the program as a whole.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the job and duties of the college coach, families that
have student-athlete that are lucky enough to receive financial funds need to
understand how athlete scholarships work. One of the main purposes of playing
intercollegiate athletics is to get financial funds to help pay for college expenses.
NCAA member colleges provide more than $1.5 billion in athletics scholarships
annually. Division I and II institutions are permitted to provide a student-athlete
with tuition and fees, room, board and required course-related books.
According to recent statistics from the NCAA, about 2 percent of high school
athletes are awarded athletics scholarships to compete in college. This small
number means high school student-athletes and their parents need to have
realistic expectations about receiving an athletic scholarship to play sports in
college. Academic, not athletic, achievement is the most reliable path to success
in life.
If your student-athlete is lucky enough to receive a full or partial athletic
scholarship, you need to understand how these scholarships work. Click Here to
watch a 32 minute video outlining how athletic scholarships are treated and how
to put additional money in your pocket to help pay for college.
For more information on how to pay for college and other athletic issues, please
visit our website www.collegeliteracyacademy.com