Questions to ask a coach  during the recruiting process    
 by Ray Lauenstein 
                       

-Can I play another sport?

-Is there academic support and tutoring available in and out of season?

-What is the school’s policy on missed classes because of sport participation?

-What percentage of players stay in the program all four years?

-What percentage of players graduated in four or five years?

-How many roster spots are available next year?

-How many freshman recruits are you trying to bring in?

- What positions are you looking to fill?
- What position are you recruiting me for?
- How many others are you recruiting at that position?
-Where do (I) stand on your recruiting depth chart? (You want to know if they really want you or just hope to get you for depth purposes.)

-Is there a JV program and what is the schedule?

-What are the minimum academic eligibility requirements (they may differ from NCAA min standards)?

-What types of travel accommodations are provided, i.e. food, transportation, and lodging?

-Does the school underwrite all expenses or do athletes have to raise funds or spend out of pocket? (Pertains mainly to spring trips.)

-Are there plans for facility expansion and construction in the next few years?

-Are employment or work study opportunities available in the athletic department?

-Do the dining facilities accommodate athletes who play or practice late?

-Can athletes get first choice of class sections that meet at non-practice times, helping to avoid conflicts? (This is very important).

• It's not always obvious.

• Most coaches want to be flexible so that you are not disappointed.
   

• If there is a former high-school all-American at that position, you may
  want to take that into consideration.

• This will give you clues as to what year you might be a starter.

• Find out how common it is to red-shirt and how that will affect graduation.

• Does the school red-shirt you if you are injured?
   

• Philosophies of strength and conditioning vary by institution.

• You may be required to maintain a certain weight, depending on the sport.
   

• Every coach has a particular style that involves different motivational
  techniques and discipline.

• You need to know if a coach's teaching style does not match your
  learning style.

• Don't make any assumptions about how long a coach will be at
  a school.

• If the coach is losing and the contract ends in two years, you
  may have a new coach.
   

• Different teams treat walk-ons differently.

• You might pick a school for academics and attempt to make the team as a walk-on.
   

Academics

• Many colleges can have very highly rated specific departments or schools within the college.

• A team's reputation is only one variable to consider.

• This will tell you about the quality of their commitment to academics.

• The team's grade-point average also is a good indicator of the
  coach's commitment to academics.

College Life

• At larger schools, classes are likely to be larger and taught by teaching assistants.

• Average class size is important to the amount of attention you receive.

• This is imperative for marginal students.

• Find a college that will take the 3.0 students and help them get a 3.500 GPA.

• This will give you a good indication of how much time is spent in class, practice, studying and traveling.

• It also will give you a good indication of what coaches expect.

• Make sure you would feel comfortable in study areas, community
  bathrooms and laundry facilities.

• Number of students in a room and coed dorms are other variables
  to consider.

Q: Will I be required to live on campus throughout my athletics participation?

• Apartment living may be better than dorm living.

Financial Aid

• There is no guarantee. Get a firm commitment.

• You may need to lighten your normal load and go to summer
  school in order to graduate in four years. You can take graduate
  courses and maintain your eligibility.

• What does my scholarship cover?

• What can I receive in addition to the scholarship and how do I get more aid?

• Most people think a "full ride" is good for four years. It is a year to year agreement that is renewed.

• Financial aid is available on a one-year renewable basis.

• A grant-in-aid is not guaranteed past a one-year period even for injuries.

• It is important to know if a school has a commitment to assist student-athletes for more than a year after they have been injured.

• Find out if you can be employed in-season, out-of-season or during vacation periods.

• NCAA rules prohibit you from earning more than the cost of
  attendance during the academic year