Ask The Experts
Countdown: Communicating With Coaches Roundtable
by Blair Henley, 9 April 2016
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When it comes to the recruiting process, contact with coaches can be one of the toughest aspects to navigate. Potential student-athletes and their parents are often left guessing when it comes to ideal communication frequency and timing. In order to help eliminate ambiguity, we asked our panel of coaches the following questions:
Q) When is the best time for a player to make initial contact with you? Is it normal for the frequency of your communication with recruits to change during the busy dual match season? When you move in a different direction, is that indicated directly? Or is a dip in communication a good tipoff? Finally, when are offers most likely extended?
Estevam Strecker, head coach, St. Edward's Men
The ideal time to make contact with me is whenever my school becomes of interest. I do not think there is an "optimal" time. In addition, if a player is not interested in my school, and I am communicating with them, I want to know that as well. During the dual match season, the frequency of my contact doesn't necessarily change, but my replies may be slightly delayed due to the busy travel and competition schedule.
When I need to move in a different direction, I will personally call the player and let him know that I had to make a tough decision. I usually reply to every email I get, and I will let the player know that I may not have scholarships available or spots on my team open. I worked as a junior coach for eight years and I did not like when I emailed college coaches 3-4 times and never heard back. Open communication is very important.
Offer timing is truly case-by-case, but I truly believe my job is to make sure every player finds the best fit, even when my program is not the final choice. It has to be a process that has the player's interest at the top of the pyramid.
Tyler Thomson, head coach, William & Mary Women
Honesty is always the best policy. If we don't intend to offer a scholarship or a spot on our team, we communicate that as soon as our direction is clear. On the same note, if a prospect is certain that our school isn't the right fit, we always appreciate it when they let us know. Many prospects are probably nervous or afraid to say "no, thanks" to coaches, but it saves time and energy for everyone if there's honesty throughout. Saying and hearing "no, thank you" is part of life and definitely part of the recruiting process.
