first official visits Do's and Dont's

cnp55
Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:21:31 +0000

Keep a pen and paper by the phone – maybe even a spiral notebook – and take notes with each phone call. Coach’s name and school and recap of conversation. Write down dates and times of phone calls. Ask about the next step.

Unless you are a top D1 recruit, don’t expect a lot of calls on 7/1. Phone calls, IIRC, were coming in over the whole summer as the premier schools cherry-picked the top recruits and the lesser-ranked schools started to call those that are left.

Don’t be in a hurry to make a verbal commitment – as most student athletes will be going pro in something other than sports (love that line) – finding the right academic fit is very important. Have a list of your (the athlete’s) academic needs – specific major etc. A target list of schools is a good idea.

Have some questions for coaches – athlete housing, academic support are two good ones that will help you figure out the best fits.

When the coach asks you about your grades and scores, be exact and honest. Being recruited is only the first step. Only admissions can admit, and the coach needs to know if you are admissible.

My son, in the summers of 2004 and 2005 – he did a PG year since he was young for his grade and therefore had the recruiting season twice – had phone calls from more than 50 schools. He ended up with three real possibilities, and chose the top-ranked Ivy school in his sport.