Questions to Ask College Coaches
Strategic questions that help student-athletes evaluate college programs, understand expectations, and make informed decisions about their athletic and academic future.
1What are the academic requirements for student-athletes in this program?
Click to see why this works
What are the academic requirements for student-athletes in this program?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding academic expectations ensures you can balance athletics with your studies and maintain eligibility.
2What's the typical daily schedule for student-athletes during the season?
Click to see why this works
What's the typical daily schedule for student-athletes during the season?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand the time commitment and how athletics will impact your daily life and study time.
3What support services are available for student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
What support services are available for student-athletes?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Academic support, tutoring, and other services are crucial for success both on and off the field.
4What's the team culture like and how do you build team chemistry?
Click to see why this works
What's the team culture like and how do you build team chemistry?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Team culture affects your experience and success. Understanding how the coach builds relationships is important.
5What are the expectations for off-season training and conditioning?
Click to see why this works
What are the expectations for off-season training and conditioning?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Off-season commitments can significantly impact your summer plans and overall time management.
6How do you handle injuries and what's the medical support like?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle injuries and what's the medical support like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding injury management and medical support is crucial for your health and career longevity.
7What's the policy on redshirting and how do you make those decisions?
Click to see why this works
What's the policy on redshirting and how do you make those decisions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Redshirting can affect your eligibility and career timeline, so understanding the process is important.
8What are the team's goals for the next few years?
Click to see why this works
What are the team's goals for the next few years?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding team goals helps you see how you might fit into the program's future plans.
9How do you handle playing time and what factors influence those decisions?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle playing time and what factors influence those decisions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding how playing time is determined helps you know what to expect and how to improve.
10What's the policy on transferring and how do you support athletes who want to transfer?
Click to see why this works
What's the policy on transferring and how do you support athletes who want to transfer?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding transfer policies is important for your options if the program doesn't work out.
11What are the team's academic achievements and graduation rates?
Click to see why this works
What are the team's academic achievements and graduation rates?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Academic success rates indicate how well the program supports student-athletes in their studies.
12How do you handle conflicts between academics and athletics?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle conflicts between academics and athletics?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding how the coach prioritizes academics helps you know if your education will be protected.
13What's the policy on social media and public behavior?
Click to see why this works
What's the policy on social media and public behavior?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Social media policies can affect your freedom and understanding expectations is important.
14How do you develop leadership skills in your athletes?
Click to see why this works
How do you develop leadership skills in your athletes?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Leadership development is valuable for life after sports and shows the coach's commitment to personal growth.
15What are the team's values and how do you enforce them?
Click to see why this works
What are the team's values and how do you enforce them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding team values helps you assess if the program aligns with your own principles.
16How do you handle mental health and stress management?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle mental health and stress management?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Mental health support is crucial for student-athletes who face unique pressures and challenges.
17What's the policy on dating and relationships within the team?
Click to see why this works
What's the policy on dating and relationships within the team?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding relationship policies helps you navigate social dynamics and avoid potential conflicts.
18How do you prepare athletes for life after college sports?
Click to see why this works
How do you prepare athletes for life after college sports?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Career preparation is important since most athletes won't play professionally after college.
19What are the team's community service requirements?
Click to see why this works
What are the team's community service requirements?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Community service commitments can affect your time and understanding expectations is important.
20How do you handle disagreements or conflicts with athletes?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle disagreements or conflicts with athletes?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding conflict resolution helps you know how to communicate effectively with the coaching staff.
Evaluating College Athletic Programs
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Making the Right Choice
Ask About Academics First
Your education is the priority. Make sure the program supports your academic goals and provides necessary resources.
Understand the Time Commitment
College athletics is a major time commitment. Make sure you understand what's expected and can handle the workload.
Consider the Long Term
Think about life after college sports. Choose a program that will prepare you for your future career, not just athletics.
Essential Areas to Explore
Academic Support
Athletic Program
Life Balance
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't Focus Only on Athletics
While athletics is important, your education and future career should be the primary focus. Don't sacrifice academics for sports.
Avoid Ignoring Red Flags
If something seems off about the program or coach, trust your instincts. Don't ignore warning signs about team culture or academic support.
Don't Rush the Decision
Take time to visit multiple programs and compare options. Don't feel pressured to commit immediately.