Meeting with a college coach or recruiter can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. Whether it’s an official or unofficial visit, all athletes must remember that visiting a college is like a job interview.
Coaches want to recruit athletes who are self-assured and well-rounded. You may be nervous, but it’s important for the coach to see that you can perform under pressure. Choose your words carefully, because your speech and body language will give the coach a glimpse of the athlete, student and person you really are. Remember, your parents are not being recruited—so speak up and answer the coach’s questions clearly and succinctly. When you look a coach in the eye and give solid answers, you will exude confidence.
Prepare yourself for your next meeting with a coach or recruiter—and potentially secure a scholarship—by reviewing these examples of wrong and right answers to potential recruiting questions:
1. How are you playing this season?
Wrong answer
I am doing okay, but my coach doesn’t really know what he’s doing. He has me pitching when I’m really a shortstop. I can’t wait to get to college where I will play for someone who isn’t so stupid.
Correct answer
I’m doing well and learning a new position. Because I am a multi-dimensional player, my coach has moved me to pitcher this season. In college, I anticipate playing more of my natural position, which is shortstop.
2. How did you do in your SAT/ACT exam?
Wrong answer
I only got a score of an 850, because I am a terrible test taker. But I definitely scored enough to be cleared by the NCAA, so it’s cool.
Correct answer
My score was 850. I didn’t prepare for the test the way I should have, so I’m going to practice a lot over the summer and retake the exam in the fall. I know I will do better next time.
3. I saw you play last week and thought you did well. What did you think of the game?
Wrong answer
I did okay, but I would have done better if my teammate wasn’t being such a ball hog. Whenever a college coach comes to watch me play, he never passes the ball. It’s so annoying.
Correct answer
Thanks so much for coming to the game. I think I played well. I would love to have scored more, but I recognize my role on the  team is to set up other shooters and defend the other team’s best player. My teammates got a lot of open looks, so I focused on crashing the boards.
4. What other colleges are you considering?
Wrong answer
I am not really getting recruited anywhere else. Plus, this is the only school I want to go to.
Correct answer
A few other schools are on my list. But I am still at the beginning of the process, so I’m trying to visit schools and see games.
5. Do you play any summer/travel ball?
Wrong answers
Yes, I play on a travel team, and it’s much more enjoyable than my high school team, because I get to play the position that I want. The coach is a lot better than my high school coach.
OR
No, I don’t play travel ball. I didn’t like the people on the team, and I knew playing with them wouldn’t help me.
Correct answers
Yes, I play on a travel team. It’s really good experience, because I get to play my natural position, and it helps me to continue to develop my skills. The coach has a different style, but like any good player, I adapt to the situation.
OR
No, I decided not to play travel ball this year. It was really expensive, and it would have been a big financial sacrifice for my family. Instead, I plan to work on my game individually and to improve my strength and conditioning with a training program. I want to be in the best shape of my life before next season. So I’m excited to be responsible for myself this summer.
6. Do you have any questions for me?
Wrong answer
Nope. I’m good.
Correct answer
Yes, I do. (Then use a few selections from “Impressive Questions to Ask on a College Visit.”)
Photo:  ncat.edu
THR College Planning is one of the nation’s premier recruiting and placement programs. THR specializes in leveraging financial opportunities in the educational market. Academic development, financial aid assistance and athletic placement are keys to a successful THR plan. On average, THR has facilitated awards of $92,000 in scholarship money over four years. For further information, send an email to [email protected] or call 1-855-847-4723 (THR GRAD).