Questions for Parents to Ask College Coaches
Important questions for parents to ask college coaches to understand the program, academic support, and what to expect for their student-athlete.
1What is your coaching philosophy and how do you develop student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
What is your coaching philosophy and how do you develop student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the coaching approach helps parents assess if it aligns with their child's needs and learning style.
2How do you balance athletics with academics, and what support systems are in place?
Click to see why this works
How do you balance athletics with academics, and what support systems are in place?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Academic success is crucial, so understanding the support systems helps ensure the student-athlete can excel in both areas.
3What are the time commitments for practice, travel, and team activities?
Click to see why this works
What are the time commitments for practice, travel, and team activities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding time commitments helps parents and students plan their schedules and ensure they can meet all obligations.
4How do you handle injuries and what medical support is available?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle injuries and what medical support is available?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding injury management helps ensure the student-athlete's health and safety are prioritized.
5What are your expectations for student-athletes both on and off the field?
Click to see why this works
What are your expectations for student-athletes both on and off the field?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding behavioral and performance expectations helps students prepare and parents know what to expect.
6How do you communicate with parents about their child's progress and any concerns?
Click to see why this works
How do you communicate with parents about their child's progress and any concerns?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding communication protocols helps parents stay informed and address any issues that may arise.
7What academic resources are available specifically for student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
What academic resources are available specifically for student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about academic support helps ensure the student can succeed in their studies while participating in athletics.
8How do you handle conflicts between academic and athletic commitments?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle conflicts between academic and athletic commitments?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding conflict resolution helps parents know how the coach prioritizes and manages competing demands.
9What is your policy on redshirting and how do you make those decisions?
Click to see why this works
What is your policy on redshirting and how do you make those decisions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding redshirt policies helps parents and students make informed decisions about their athletic career timeline.
10How do you develop leadership skills in your student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
How do you develop leadership skills in your student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding leadership development helps parents see how the program contributes to their child's personal growth.
11What are the team rules and consequences for violations?
Click to see why this works
What are the team rules and consequences for violations?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding team rules helps students and parents know what's expected and what happens if rules are broken.
12How do you handle mental health and stress management for student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle mental health and stress management for student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding mental health support helps ensure the student-athlete's overall well-being is prioritized.
13What opportunities are there for community service and giving back?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are there for community service and giving back?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding community involvement helps parents see how the program develops character and social responsibility.
14How do you prepare student-athletes for life after college athletics?
Click to see why this works
How do you prepare student-athletes for life after college athletics?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding post-college preparation helps parents see how the program supports long-term success beyond athletics.
15What is your approach to recruiting and how do you evaluate potential team members?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to recruiting and how do you evaluate potential team members?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the recruiting process helps parents and students know what to expect and how to prepare.
16How do you handle team dynamics and resolve conflicts between players?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle team dynamics and resolve conflicts between players?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding conflict resolution helps parents know how the coach manages team relationships and maintains a positive environment.
17What are the financial implications for families, including any additional costs?
Click to see why this works
What are the financial implications for families, including any additional costs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding financial obligations helps parents budget and plan for all costs associated with the program.
18How do you support student-athletes who may not continue to professional sports?
Click to see why this works
How do you support student-athletes who may not continue to professional sports?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding career transition support helps parents see how the program prepares students for various career paths.
19What is your track record with student-athlete graduation rates and academic success?
Click to see why this works
What is your track record with student-athlete graduation rates and academic success?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding academic outcomes helps parents assess the program's commitment to student success beyond athletics.
20How do you handle the transition from high school to college athletics?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle the transition from high school to college athletics?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the transition process helps parents and students prepare for the significant changes they'll experience.
Supporting Your Student-Athlete
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Building a Strong Partnership
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Use questions that encourage detailed responses rather than yes/no answers to get more comprehensive information.
Take Notes During Conversations
Document important information to help you remember details and compare different programs effectively.
Follow Up on Promises
If coaches make specific commitments, follow up to ensure they're fulfilled and maintain accountability.