How to Phone Call College Coaches
The phone call is the gateway to success in the recruiting game. Although other forms of contact can initiate a relationship, phone calls are the most efficient way for a coach to build a real one. Your goal should be to get to a phone call where you can develop a real connection and advance your way up a coaches target list. However, if you are unsure what to say, that is totally understandable. Recruiting phone calls are just like interviews for a job and I am here to coach you through it.
What is the right time to call college coaches
Phone calls with college coaches are really only effective when you have already initiated contact. There are different schools of thought, but it is best to wait until a coach has responded to your emails or questionnaires first before attempting to reach out. If you are an underclassmen then you should be aware of the sport specific rules where most coaches cannot respond to phone calls until after your sophomore year of high school. It is most important that you always take phone calls with college coaches seriously and express gratitude and enthusiasm.
Coach Rob’s Note: It is best to reach out to coaches and give them an opportunity to reciprocate interest. There is almost always a list of coaches who would love to recruit you, and if one is non responsive then you may not be a good fit for them.
Preparing for a recruiting phone call
The most important thing to prepare yourself for with a recruiting call is to be ready to ask questions. The goal is for the coach to get to know you but you also need to know them. Ask questions to determine if the school is the right fit for you. Consider the following to help make a great first impression.
Look up information about the school – If you are speaking to a coach, you should try to learn as much information you can about the school, the program, and the coach. The college athletic website is a great place to start your research.
Use your friends and family members to practice – You can use a list of potential questions a coach may ask and practice answering them. This will help you to think on your feet and feel more comfortable talking about your career which may not be something you are used to.
Coach Rob’s Note: When you speak with a coach you should always find a place that is quiet and free from distractions. Coaches have limited time and if you are in a place that is too noisy it may be hard to reschedule. You can use a device or even a notepad to reference notes about the program, and even read your questions off to be the most prepared.
When is the right time to call a college coach
The summer is always the most flexible time on the calendar to call college coaches. But in general, early evenings is typically the best time to call a college coach. However, I do not recommend calling a coach if they are not expecting you. Cold calling is a hit or miss experience. Instead try to set up an appointment with the coach, matching your schedule with theirs to have the call.
What you should keep in mind when you talk to a college coach
Preparation Checklist
Designate a quiet space to have your conversations
Speak calmly and clearly over the phone
Have a list of questions ready to ask the coach of the program
Jot down notes during the phone call for future follow up
Have an answer for why you want to compete for the school
Have an answer for why you are a good fit for the program
Things to Avoid
Avoid simple answers. Be prepared to elaborate on any response you give.
Try to keep the conversation rate at 50/50 between you talking and listening to the coach.
Ask questions about the non-athletic side of the campus to show you are well-rounded.
Expectations for your first phone call with a college coach
Here is a play by play of what you should be ready for when you start a phone conversation with a coach. I’ve got you covered with frequently asked questions, and how to represent yourself.
Notes for recruiting phone calls
The beginning of your phone call should be a greeting that introduces yourself. You should follow that up with expressing why you are interested in the program, and at least one question to start off with the coach.
Remember that if you have already introduced yourself via email, you can be brief in your introductions. Just avoid falling into the trap of using basic or short statements. Always look for opportunities to address the coach by name as well.
Always know that if a coach is busy you should look to reschedule for another time.
Sample Introduction:
Hello Coach Washington, this is Mary Smith the class of 2023 recruit from Minnesota. I have been really looking forward to talking with you, especially since I saw how great a run the team just had in the NCAA tournament. Is this a good time for us to talk?
Coach Rob’s Note: I personally do not recommend cold calling coaches like this unless you have some good authority that the coaches have at the very least evaluated you and showed interest, even if it is at a camp or tournament. It is always best to set up a phone call via email or other messaging platform before you try to call them.
If the coach is available then you should begin asking questions and of course answering any that they have for you. Don’t be afraid to speak with conviction about who you are and what you want, but keep an open mind to whatever feedback the coach has for you.
Concluding your phone call should always be done respectfully. Thank the coach for taking the time to speak with you and always look to set up a follow up communication, whether that is vi phone, text, or email.
Coach Rob’s Note: Don’t go under-recruited! I put in the hard work for you to know exactly which colleges already want to recruit you, which ones will view you as a top recruit, and how to get their attention. Book a meeting with me, Coach Rob, and see how easy it can be to get the offers you deserve!
How to leave a proper voicemail for a college coach
Even if you have a designated time to call a coach, it is possible you will have to leave a voicemail. Coaches notoriously have many people calling them, so it is important to leave an actual voicemail instead of a missed call. If you are uncertain what to say use the template below to script out a great professional message.
Sample:
Hello Coach (Fill in the blank), this is James Smith a class of 2023 free safety at Central High School in Minnesota. I enjoyed meeting you at the (fill in the blank camp) and was hoping to speak with you about your football program. You can get back to me at (insert number) and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.
It is best to keep these types of messages brief because if you try to overload coaches with information much of it can get lost. I cannot reiterate enough that phone calls are an important step but often a secondary step in recruiting. If you have not received any contact from the coach directly or through one of your coaches, it is best to wait until you do before calling them.
What should you ask college coaches?
If you don’t know what to ask coaches, don’t worry. I have you covered. Below is a list of questions that will get you the information you need to know if the school you’re talking to is right for you.
Academic Questions
What GPA and test scores should I achieve in order to get into the school?
How big are the class sizes on average?
Are there supports for athletes to take care of academics without it interfering with athletics?
Are there specific tutors assigned to the team?
What is the graduation rate like for your team/athletic department?
Athletics Questions
How many athletes will you be recruiting for my class?
What does the offseason program look like for your team?
Do you see me having the potential to get playing time during my freshmen year?
What is your vision for the program in the next few years?
Are there any tournaments or competitions you will be scouting that I can attend?
Will you have any on campus camps that I can attend?
Is it possible for me to be a 2-sport athlete with your program?
Campus Life Questions
How would you describe the campus atmosphere?
Is housing guaranteed on campus? And is there a special arrangement for athletes?
What is the team culture like on campus? Does the team seem to be very close knit?
What is a challenge that athletes face on campus?
Can I live with a teammate going into my freshmen year?
How much flexibility is there for me to pursue other things on campus outside of athletics?
Financial Aid and Scholarships Questions
How many scholarship slots do you have for my class?
How do you handle injuries to athletes who are on scholarship?
What other forms of financial aid does the school give out beyond athletics?
Is there someone I can speak to if my family has further questions from the financial aid office?
Coach Rob’s Note: It is bad practice to ever ask a coach to give you a scholarship. In general, you should determine based on the types of conversations you are having if the coach is showing real interest. Most coaches will not offer you formally until after you have visited in person.
Questions you should be prepared to answer
When you have conversations with coaches, they will certainly have questions for you. When you practice for your conversations, prepare to answer any of the following questions so you can make a great first impression.
What is your current GPA? Have you taken the SAT or ACT? What are your scores?
What is your greatest strength as an athlete?
What do you believe you need to work on as an athlete?
How has your individual training been going?
What other schools are currently recruiting you?
Why do you want to play for our school?
How do you believe you will handle the transition from high school to college?
Coach Rob’s Note: Don’t go under-recruited! I put in the hard work for you to know exactly which colleges already want to recruit you, which ones will view you as a top recruit, and how to get their attention. Book a meeting with me, Coach Rob, and see how easy it can be to get the offers you deserve!
Why do college coaches call recruits?
Any time that a college coach is calling you, they are showing interest in you as a recruit. Many recruits will never get calls from coaches so it is a major sign that you are on the coaches target list and under serious consideration. Coaches tend to keep their cards close to the vest. They will likely not express just how interested they are in recruiting you initially. They will ask questions and are listening for specific answers. But in general, coaches start phone calling recruits because they know that they are interested in you and are hoping that you “interview” as well as you seem to look on your athletic resume.
The goal of a phone call is always to build a relationship. After a few successful phone calls, the teams that you will be most considering will likely rise to the top of your list organically. The longer and more positive your conversations are becoming, the better your chances of getting an offer.
How to follow up with a college coach
Ideally you will have a mutually reciprocated relationship with college coaches. You should be able to wait for coaches to respond before you send any follow up messages. However, if a coach is taking an unusual amount of time to respond, more than a few days, you may want to follow up yourself.
Instead of cold calling the coach back, I recommend you send an e-mail which is more professional and gives the coach a reminder to get back to you. That way you can set up another time to call them and further the relationship.
Committing to a college over the phone
Most of the time you will be committing to a college over the phone. Although it is good to commit in person during a visit, phone calls are more practical. By this point you will have built a relationship with the coach so it should feel more comfortable calling the coach.
It is best that you message the coach to set up a time to call and on the call you state how thankful you are for the opportunity to be considered by them. Afterwards you do not have to drag out the conversation. You can state that you want to commit to their program and even explain briefly why you chose them. After hearing from the coach you can ask any questions you have about next steps.
Coach Rob is a recruiting expert and the Founder of SCA Recruiting. He is also the author of the book Winning the Ship: How to Win the College Athlete Recruitment Game. Available now on Amazon.
“93% OF HS ATHLETES DON’T PLAY IN COLLEGE… BUT I WILL HELP YOU BEAT THOSE ODDS. I GUARANTEE IT.”
