Coach
When choosing your college coach you should consider whether that coach is someon
e you will like to spend many of your waking hours with for the next four years. On your visit, be sure to talk with all players, not just the few best ones or the one that coach sets you up with for a tour.
Negative comments by some players does not mean the coach is not the perfect one for you. It is not unusual for a couple of players on a team to be disgruntled. Playing time is always an issue, and many players take playing time or team ranking personally and may blame the coach. Have a few questions written down and bring that paper with you when you meet the coach. A good coach won't mind you interviewing them. They'll look at is as responsible that you are taking care of your future. Great coaches will tell you to talk to all of the players so that you can make the best decision for you.
Program
When choosing your program and school, choose a school that you like in case for some reason you end up not playing for a team. It may seem unbelievable that you would not play all four years, but it happens often that players decide to stop competing for one reason or another. Choose the best all-around program for your situation.
Basketball Standout Jodie Meeks, before accepting a full scholarship to a prominent SEC school "The first thing is what type of school is it academically. I would like to play early. I really look at who they have and who they recruit. My dad has watched how a school recruits and if they over recruit. My dad also said when I visit the campus, I'll know. I am also interested in having a positive relationship with the head coach. I wouldn't go play for a school if I didn't know and feel comfortable with the head coach."
Things to Consider and Questions to Ask About Your Potential Program
• What other players/how many players is the coach recruiting for your position?
• Does the coach interact well with you? Are you comfortable around the coach?
• Think about the style of coaching the coach has. Will you fit in?
• What team building exercises does the team participate in?
• Are all expenses paid for when the team travels? (This is mostly for smaller programs - some NAIA, Division III, and other programs will require student-athletes to pay for some meals on the road)
• What equipment will be provided by the school? What must you provide?
• Be sure to watch a practice if at all possible. That will give some insight into the coach's player management style and let you know what you can expect when you are part of the team.
• If you play a team sport, ask which position the coach sees you playing under him/her.
• If you compete in a sport like wrestling, tennis, or skiing, ask the coach if you are likely to break into the lineup in your first year. If not, when?
• Ask the coach how long they have remaining on their contract, and if it is likely to be renewed when it is up.
• Meet the assistant coaches too. You may have to deal with them more than the Head Coach, depending on the sport, size and prestige of the team and program.
• What are the class sizes? What academic majors does the school have?
• Is the school in a small town, or large town? religious or not? close enough for your family to watch you compete?