When a parent is writing the emails and calling the college coaches… Coaches always notice and are impressed with players who are diligent with their emails and calls. It shows accountability, maturity, initiative and desire. College coaches are looking for these characteristics in the players that they are recruiting. It’s obvious when a parent has written the email.

When a parent is more excited than the player… It is quite apparent when kids have a genuine enthusiasm for a college or program. College coaches truly appreciate personalized emails. This shows that the player follows the team and has a genuine interest in what is going on with the program. It’s a red flag when the parents come off more interested in the program than the player.

When a parent takes over the recruiting visit… A visit is the coach’s time with the recruit. Coaches want to get to know the parents but it’s most important to get to know the player. They actively recruit players who take the initiative during the recruiting process by showing leadership and maturity on and off the field.

When a parent makes “money” the first topic of discussion… Coaches don’t want to feel as if they are being pressured or “wheeling and dealing” in a sales environment. If money is of concern, it’s ok to bring it up, just remember to be tactful, honest and you might not always hear what you are hoping for.

When a parent assumes their son/daughter is getting a full-ride… There are many misconceptions when it comes to scholarships. For example, a Division I women’s program can have a maximum of 14 scholarships and men’s 9.9 scholarships. An average college roster is close to 30 players so full scholarships are rare. Most programs divide their full rides to offer partial scholarships or provide players an opportunity to prove themselves to earn percentage of scholarships during the course of their four years. The biggest ticket most players have into a school is a strong academic transcript. Good grades are vital and can open the door to many colleges and provide opportunities for academic aid. Coaches are always keen on players that have a strong academic foundation.