Questions Coaches Ask (and Why They Ask Them)

If you’re down to a few schools, this is a chance for you to negotiate offers. But it’s also OK to tell the coach you’re keeping your options open, too. Either way, just be up front and honest.

If college coaches are talking to you and asking questions — that’s a great sign.

They probably already saw your highlight video or even evaluated you in person. So the conversation isn’t going to be about whether you can compete at the college level — the coach knows you can. Really, they just want to learn more about you.

But what exactly do they need to know?

Here are some of the more popular questions college coaches ask — and why they ask them.

“How’s your season going?”    

This is a great conversation starter that gives coaches a glimpse of a recruit’s personality. They don’t expect high schoolers to be extremely outgoing, but when they’ve only seen video, this kind of question allows them to get to know the recruit better.

And it’s noticeable when someone’s personality shines through the phone — they’re confident, but not cocky, and respectful. Showing respect shows that they’re coachable.

You should always be polite and thankful for the coach’s time and feel comfortable when talking about what’s going well, what improvements you’ve made and areas where you still want to get better. You should never exaggerate your grades or athletic ability.

Read more: How to contact coaches

“What are you looking for in a school?”   

Coaches ask this question so they can tailor their pitch to a recruit. For example, if academics are really important to an athlete, they’ll concentrate on their school’s academic qualities throughout the recruiting process. On the other hand, it also helps coaches understand when a recruit wouldn’t be open to playing at their school and when they should move on to another prospect.

The bottom line? Be honest, but know what could get you taken off a coach’s list. If you tell someone at Florida State you’re only looking to play in the Big 10, that coach will more than likely move on and interview other recruits.

Read more: How to find your best college match https://www.ncsasports.org/colleges

“Where are you at now in the recruiting process?”    

There’s really no other way to say it — coaches don’t want to waste their time. They ask this question because they’re looking for recruits who are open to new opportunities and haven’t made their final decision. If coaches learn a prospect has a final list of schools their school isn’t on it, they will move on. Knowing where you’re at in the process simply helps level or set expectations and saves time.

Read more: How to determine where you’re at in the recruiting process

“What other colleges are recruiting you?”     

Coaches want to know what they’re up against. If you’re down to a few schools, this is a chance for you to negotiate offers. But it’s also OK to tell the coach you’re keeping your options open, too. Either way, just be up front and honest.

Learn more about verbal commitments and scholarship offers