FauxNom

I loved the script Riverrunner wrote for her, so that's too bad. But I wonder if she could instead send emails to the coaches who are not the top pick? My kid is much more comfortable in writing than she is on the phone.

vballmom

Going back to the 3 scenarios that pacheight described, here's #3:

Could a 4th scenario be that the kid gets in to the college and has the opportunity to walk on? Has anyone been successful going this route?

Runners2

Sure - in my S's sport at an Ivy, successful walk-on's are not uncommon. It's just that that route of course does not assist with admissions decisions.

maineparent

to theGFG.....my S had a wonderful experience with several coaches.... he could easily see himself on any of their teams.... it was very difficult for him to have to say no to any.... in his heart he knew which one he wanted..... and why.... finally, one coach said I have to know by 10pm this Thursday.... a few tears were shed after that call....

you may want to sit with your D and practice the conversations before they happen... like practicing a sales call....or a presentation.... give her a chance to work on how to say what she needs to say.... which questions might be coming at her? we had a few practice sessions here in our house.... and if you are not the right person, perhaps her coach can role play with her? Good luck.....

pacheight

"that was awkward" was what my d said when informing us she just told a coach "no". btw, they seem to always call my d's mobile phone, and on a Sunday (best chance of getting them I guess).

And it's hard for kids to say no to a coach who has recruited them and in some case even coached them. D said she almost said yes, just to not hurt his feelings.

pacheight

"pacheight, I think you nailed it"

I hope so, but I'm worried about that 2%

even though my D is solidly in the 1st category it's nerve racking waiting to hear if she does get her 1st choice, the only school she committed to and applied to, her dream school, and her big-time dream team!

riverrunner

pacheight, I commiserate.

My daughter was visibly shaken after some of those conversations with coaches where she was trying to politely decline an offer. Coaches had called diligently, hosted her, courted her, asked their own athletes to give her attention, and then the kid says "no thanks." Most coaches were gracious, but one was memorably rough to the point of accusing her of leading them on, and demanding that she explain WHY this decision.

I am SOOO glad she is not training under that coach today.

maineparent, we agree: rehearsing the polite no thank you speech is very important.