It is crucial you find a college that is the right fit you. Have a wide range of questions ready to ask the college coach. This will help to determine the scholarship opportunities, coaching style, the team culture, facilities, and academics you can enrol in at the school.

There is no limited to the types of questions you can ask a coach. However, DO NOT just ask questions about scholarship money. This would appear you are not interested in the program.

We have a list of questions for you to consider when talking with the coach. Break down your questions into categories:

Questions about Facilities

• What are the facilities like?
• When will I have access to the facilities?
• How far is player accommodation from facilities?

Questions about Recruiting and Admissions

• How many other students are you recruiting for my position right now?
• Where do I rank on the list of possible recruits?
• Why should I pick your program over another program which is recruiting me?
• What can I do now to prepare myself for college?

Questions about Scholarships and Costs

This can be an uncomfortable conversation and some questions should only be asked when a relationship has been established. Focus your scholarship and financial questions around all of the supports available to athletes and let the coach take the lead.

Questions that can be asked at any point?

• What scholarships/ financial support is available for athletes?
• What guidelines do you use to determine the annual renewal of a scholarship?
• What equipment are players required to provide?

Questions to consider when offered a scholarship or financial support?

• What medical expenses are covered by the college? Do I need other insurance?
• What does my scholarship cover? (Tuition, board, books, special assessments, supplies)?
• What happens to my financial aid/scholarship if I am injured or have a career ending injury?
• What expenses will I have to cover?

Academics

You education is equally as important when searching for the right program. In many cases, despite your athletic success, if you don’t have the right academics, coaches will automatically turn you down. You need to have an understanding of what is needed from you academically.

• What are conflicts between athletics and academics handled?

• What happens if I have to miss a practice due to class commitments?

• How many credits are required for me to pass the semester?

• Will I be able to make up tests and classes because of my competition schedule?
• What percentage of your players on scholarship graduate?

Questions about Schedules

Get to know your schedule to help balance your student-life, academic and athletic commitments.

• What does a typical schedule look like?
• What is the off-season schedule?
• Is there a separate schedule for conditioning?
• Are there any unofficial practices I need to know about?
• What does the travel schedule look like?
• What happens if I have to miss a practice due to class commitments?
• I want to major in … what challenges will I face in regards to academic and athletic schedules?
• What does a typical week of practice look like?

The Coach and The Team

Get to know the coach to help you decide if their team and coaching style is the right fit for you. It is vital you are in a space that allows you to grow as a person and an athlete, having a respected coach you get along with can help you in this process.

• How would you describe your coaching style?
• How is your coaching style different to others in this division?
• When does your contract end? Will you be part of the team for all 4 years?
• What is your relationship like with the team?
• What do you want from an athlete on your team?
• What is your availability if I need assistance during the season or off-season?

The Team

• Do players live in the same accommodation?
• Do athletes receive a special meal plan?
• When does the season begin and end?
• What are my off-season responsibilities?
• How well do the team work together?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the team?

• What is the team GPA?