What To Ask a College Soccer Coach When Choosing a College

Published: 2022-03-18

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Hello to all you future Lionel Messi’s, and Jurgen Klopp wannabes:

It can be quite confusing when recruits are trying to choose a college. Even more so after interacting with coaches. Most coaches will paint a rosy picture of their program and college, trying to convince you to choose their school. It can be like dealing with a salesperson who is trying to sell you something; the coach makes everything about his program sound fantastic.

When you are speaking with a college coach during recruiting, it is important that you have prepared a list of questions to ask the coach. Asking questions not only gives you information about the college and the soccer program but also shows the coach that you are serious about a career as a student-athlete.

You don’t have to wait until you get face-to-face with coaches to ask them questions. Each time you make contact, use it as an opportunity to ask questions. Here are just some of the opportunities you will have to ask coaches questions:

During camps and clinics
When writing emails
When speaking on the phone
During campus visits

When talking with a college coach for the first time, you will not have time to ask all of these questions. However, these questions are examples of things you should be asking the coach and taking into consideration when choosing which college to attend. Remember to ask questions from multiple of these categories, not just one! This will not only help you get the right information you need but also show the coach you are looking at the bigger picture and are a serious student-athlete.

Asking Questions at a Coaches Seminar at Camp

What Types of Questions to Ask?

First of all, there is no limit to the types of questions you can ask. Make sure you have already done your homework on the university in question and have answers to basic questions about the college, the campus, the majors, and the team. Here are some of the categories of possible questions to consider asking coaches.

Recruiting

Have you watched me play or been able to watch my highlight tape?
How many other students are you recruiting for my position right now?
Where do I rank on the list of possible recruits?
How heavily are you recruiting my position?
How many players are ahead of me on your current roster?
How many recruits are you looking to bring in this year?
Have you made offers to other recruits in my class?
How do you see me fitting into your roster?
Will I be able to compete for playing time as a freshman?

Admissions

Is there any preference given to student athletes during the admissions process?
Can you waive the application fee?
Do my grades meet your admissions requirements?
When will I receive my acceptance letter?
What are my options if my grades are slightly below your acceptance standards?

Academics

What are the academic expectations for a student athlete?
Do you have tutors available for athletes?
What other academic support is available to athletes?
What is the team GPA?
Are there any players majoring in my area of study?
If there is a conflict with academics and athletics, how is the conflict handled?

Scholarships

Are you recruiting me for an athletic and/or academic scholarship?
What type of academic scholarships might apply to me?
Are scholarships guaranteed for all 4 years?
Do you typically increase scholarship amounts after the first year?

The Team

What is the biggest need of the team right now and in the immediate future?
Which position do you see me in? Is there a strong need for this position?
Do freshmen play? How many played last season?
Does every player travel for road matches?
Would I be guaranteed a roster spot for the season?
Would I be guaranteed a roster spot for all 4 years?

Life as a Student Athlete

Where do the players live on campus?
Do athletes get any special meal plans?
What is a typical day like for an athlete?
What does the team do for off-season activities?

While there are no guarantees that your college experience will turn into a great experience, being prepared for the recruiting process will certainly improve your odds of selecting the best college that matches your needs.