What to ask on a first call

A first call with a coach goes better with a few questions ready. What to prep, what to ask, and what to do after.

The first call is where a coach decides whether to keep talking to you. You do not need a script, but three or four questions you actually want answered make the call feel like a conversation instead of an interview. Log it as a Call step in your College Tracker and keep your notes right under it.

Before the call

• Know the roster: how many players at your position, what year they are, and who graduates when you would arrive.
• Know the program: last season’s record, the conference, and anything the coach has said publicly about what they recruit for.
• Have your schedule handy: upcoming games, showcases and camps, so you can answer “when can we see you play?” on the spot.
• Pick a quiet place and a time you will not be rushed. Coaches notice when you are walking between classes.

Questions to ask

• What are you looking for at my position in my class?
• Where do you see me fitting into the roster, and how would that change over four years?
• What does a typical week look like for a player in season and out of season?
• How do athletes in my intended major handle practice and travel?
• What is your timeline for this class, and what would you need to see from me next?
• Are there camps or visits you would want me at this year?

After the call

1. 1Add the call to the school’s timeline as a Call step, dated the day it happened.
2. 2Write a note under that step while it is fresh: what they asked, what they said about your fit, and anything you promised to send.
3. 3Send a short thank-you email the same day, and put what you promised in it. The follow-up guide has wording to start from.
4. 4If a visit came up, add it as a Visit step and work through its Visit prep checklist.