“What should we ask once a coach is genuinely interested?”
The Short Answer: Ask questions that reveal what daily life will actually be like. Recruiting conversations naturally highlight the positives—your job is to understand the roster, development plan, medical support, academic flexibility, and financial reality clearly enough to make a smart decision.
Many families worry that asking honest questions about roster numbers, injury protocols, or scholarship details will scare a coach away. The opposite is true: respectful, thoughtful questions show maturity and protect your athlete over the next four years.
The Complete 16-Question Coach Conversation Sheet (Worksheet 10)
Part A: Athletic & Roster Questions
- 1. Where do you see me fitting on the roster in Year 1 and Year 2?
- 2. What specific skills or marks would I need to improve to compete for a meaningful travel/scoring role?
- 3. How do you develop athletes in my event or position over four years?
- 4. How many athletes are you recruiting in my graduation class for my event or position?
- 5. What does a normal in-season and off-season week look like (hours, lifts, travel)?
- 6. How are injuries handled, and who makes return-to-play medical decisions?
Part B: Academic & Campus Life Questions
- 7. How does the team handle class/lab conflicts and demanding majors?
- 8. What academic advising and tutoring support is available for student-athletes?
- 9. What are freshman and upperclassman housing and travel expectations?
- 10. What are athletes expected to do during the summer?
- 11. How would your current athletes describe the team culture?
Part C: Money, Commitment & Timeline Questions
- 12. Is this a roster opportunity, an athletics-aid offer, or both?
- 13. What exactly does the offer cover—and what does it not cover?
- 14. What are the scholarship renewal expectations each year?
- 15. What happens to my roster spot or aid if the coaching staff changes?
- 16. What are the next steps and decision timeline if I want to move forward?
You are not being difficult by asking thoughtful questions. A college decision affects academics, family finances, physical health, and four formative years of your child’s life.
The best question is often the one you are nervous to ask.
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Companion Printable Sheet: Worksheet 10: Coach Conversation Questions (Page 42 of Playbook / Page 11 of Workbook)
Chapter 16 Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we ask how many other recruits the coach is bringing in at our position/event?
If a coach tells five different recruits they are the top priority for one roster spot—or brings in eight freshmen for the same event—your athlete deserves to know the real competition and roster math before committing.
Who should ask the money and scholarship questions—the athlete or the parent?
Either can ask, though it works great when the athlete asks how roster and scholarship opportunities work for their class, and the parent follows up with specific family net-cost and stacking questions.
Helpful Family Recruiting Gear for Chapter 16
Student-Athlete Recruiting Organizer Binder & Tab Dividers
Keep printed Playbook worksheets, school lists, and campus visit scorecards organized in one place.
Smartphone Tripod for Recruiting Videos & Training Clips
Capture steady, coach-ready game and training footage without camera shake.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, CollegeRecruitingPlaybook.com earns from qualifying purchases (`tag=neccalchub-20`). We only recommend practical gear families actually use during filming, travel, and campus visits.