Questions to Ask Coaches

When you enter your senior year in high school (grade 12), you may have a chance to speak with a college coach who calls, stops by, or sees you during a visit to the coach’s college or university.  When the coach takes time to talk to you and to introduce the school, program, and playing opportunity, you have the chance to ask questions that will help you make your decision, and, at the same time, help you and the coach decide if the school and playing opportunity is a good match for your interests and for the team needs.   If it turns out that there is a good match, your having asked these questions will help the coach feel confident that you are serious about the opportunity.

Telephone: It is important that when a coach does call you that you are prepared to ask questions. Use the list of suggested questions below and highlight the ones you feel comfortable asking or the ones that will get you as much information possible with the time you have.
About the School
Is this a four year or two year school?
Is the school public or private?   Church affiliated?
Where is the school located?
Is this in the country, a small town, or in an urban area?
What is the campus like?
How large is the school, what is the undergraduate enrollment?
What are the strongest degree programs offered, and which are the best academic departments?
What degree programs are popular with current volleyball players?
Do most students live on campus or in off-campus apartments?
What is the student housing like?
Do the members of the volleyball team room together?
What transportation is possible from my home to the campus?
What is the academic calendar – quarters, semesters, trimesters?

About the Program and the Team
In what division does the school play?
In what conference is the team?  (you should already know this if you are doing your research)
What important non-conference matches or tournaments are there scheduled?
What is your teams APR Score? (Important Question for NCAA Schools)
Can you provide a schedule for next fall?
What was the team’s conference and overall record this year? (This is a great question to ask)
How many players will there be on the roster next year?
Are you recruiting for my position from next years graduating class? (especially important for setters)
What training happens between seasons?
What is the pre-season schedule?
What is the practice schedule after school starts?
Including meetings, training, travel, and matches, how much time is required?
What facilities and staff are available to take care of injuries and rehab?
What is the style of play you want to see?
What are your goals for the team?

About the Coach
What type of a coach are you? (yeller-screamer, calm-quiet)
How do you coach in games? (very interactive, thinker)
What type of practices do you run? (high intensity, low intensity, repetitive drills)
What are your expectations of your players?

About the Coach’s Needs
How many seniors are graduating?
Do you have players that are red shirting?
Where do you see me playing on the team in terms of position?
How many other players are playing that position?
Are you recruiting other players for that position?  Have you committed to any?
How much playing time should I expect as a freshman?

How to Go Forward
Where do I fit on your list of prospective athletes?
(This is probably one of the most important questions you can ask a coach and you will want to do it near the end of your conversation. Most coaches will be honest and tell you where you are in terms of a “ranking”. This will tell you if you are first on their list (they want you badly) or are 6th (meaning there are 5 other athletes they are talking too and are serious about).
Which tournaments will you be attending? (appropriate before January)Do you have my club team’s schedule for this fall? (appropriate in the Fall)
Have you talked with my coaches?
Do you have a copy of my playing resume and references?
What’s the next step – What should I do ?
Do you see me as a serious possibility?
**After this last question, let silence work for you.  Listen carefully and let the coach explain fully.