In an era filled with text messages, emails, and tweets, picking up the phone and calling college coaches is a great way to stand out from other recruits. Don’t know how to call a coach? We’re here to help you feel confident with our guide of do’s and don’ts for calling college coaches.
Insider Tip: Download the NCSA app in the App Store or on Google Play to get coach contact info and start proactively calling college coaches.
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When should you start calling coaches?
Underclassmen
While D1 and D2 college coaches can’t answer or return recruits’ phone calls until the NCAA contact period begins after sophomore year, it’s still a good idea to call and leave a voicemail introducing yourself. Follow up your voicemail with an introductory email. Include a link to your NCSA Recruiting Profile. Focus on keeping your profile up-to-date throughout the year and include your competition schedule for coaches to review.
Upperclassmen
If you’re not already calling college coaches , now is the time to pick up your phone! Once the contact period begins for your sport, college coaches will begin actively communicating with student-athletes they’ve been evaluating over the past 3-4 years.
What’s the best time of day to call college coaches?
The best time of day to call college coaches is between 6-9 p.m. when they are in season. If the coach isn’t in season, there is more flexibility to call them in the morning or afternoon. This is especially true in the summer, when they tend to be less busy with fewer commitments to work around.
Not sure when to call a coach? Just ask them! Sometimes, the best thing that an upperclassman recruit can do is proactively reach out and schedule coach phone calls. You can schedule this call via introductory email, text, or social media DM.
What does it mean when a college coach calls you?
Are you getting coach phone calls? When a college coach calls a recruit, it’s usually a good sign that they are seriously interested in them! Here are a few reasons why a college coach calls a recruit:
- To introduce themselves, their coaching staff and program
- Learn more about you and what you’re looking for in a school
- Ask questions about your academics and athletics
- Find out who else is recruiting you
- Establish a line of communication
So, how do you know what to do when a college coach calls? Former D3 Head Coach Pam Monier and former D1 and D3 college swimming coach Danny Koenig break down what prospective recruits should expect during their first phone call with a college coach, including:
- What questions college coaches will ask you
- How to let coaches know you’d make a great addition to their program
- Why confidence is key when talking on the phone with college coaches
How to get ready for calling college coaches
Calling college coaches takes preparation. If you put in the work beforehand and go into the call prepared with the right questions to ask a coach, they will most likely be impressed with your effort.
Here are good ways to prepare for calling college coaches:
- Practice with a friend or family member. Have a family member or friend play the part of the coach. Make sure they ask you tough questions that you will receive when you’re calling college coaches. If you can’t role play before you call a coach, practice your answers in front of the mirror.
- Do your research about the school and program before calling. Make sure you know a few key facts about the school and the team. Visit the school’s website to learn more about the coaching staff and team bios. If they are in season, know what the team’s record is and read the latest game recaps, or press releases.
- Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Coach Chris Sartorius, who has coached men’s and women’s basketball at three different Division I schools, says, “Coaches want to have a good, personal conversation.” He adds, “If your family wants to listen, that’s fine, but make sure that you aren’t distracted.” If you feel more comfortable taking the call alone, let your family know you need to be in a quiet room without distractions and fill them in on the call afterwards.
- Have your computer during the call. Open up a few different tabs you can use for reference: the school website, some articles about the team and the team roster, as well as your phone call script and your list of questions for the coach. Have your initial emails to the coach open, too, so you can reference when you sent them, and you can resend them if the coach asks
General script for calling college coaches
When you’re calling college coaches, think of the framework for your call like this:
- Introduction, the reason you’re calling
- Why you’re interested in their program
- What you’d like to know about the program and what you’re going to do next.
To help you get a general concept of how coach phone calls will go, we’ve created a printable script for you to reference.
How to talk to college coaches on the phone (and video chat): Do’s and don’ts
What you should do:
- Find a quiet room and remove any distractions. If you’re using your cell phone, mute all notifications so you aren’t interrupted with a text or social media notification.
- Be clear about why you are interested in the program. It’s a good rule of thumb to have at least three reasons you want to be recruited by their program.
- Explain why you are a good fit for the program. Highlight your academic and athletic stats and any intangible qualities that make you a great prospect.
- Answer the coach’s questions fully and clearly. Prior to the phone calls, practice answering questions a college coach will ask recruits with a family member or friend, so you can confidently deliver your answers during the call.
- Prepare questions for the coach. Asking questions is a good indicator to coaches that an athlete is genuinely interested in their program.
- Take notes on coach phone calls. Write down what questions they asked you, news about the team, and any action items you need to follow up on. For example, if the coach gives you specific dates for an upcoming visit or event, make sure to note that.
What you shouldn’t do:
- Don’t be timid. A phone conversation gives you the opportunity to sell their potential, ask questions and get feedback on where they stand in the coach’s recruiting class. Talking to college coaches on the phone is also a great way to show your personality.
- Don’t only talk about athletics during coach phone calls. Remember, coaches want well-rounded athletes, so make sure to highlight how you can positively contribute to the team’s athletic, academic, and cultural success.
- Don’t dominate the call.Find a balance between talking about yourself and your interest in the program.
- Don’t give short answers. Avoid answering questions coaches will ask recruits with a simple “yes” or “no” response. Coaches are more likely to pursue a recruit if they feel the athlete portrays excitement and is actively engaged in the phone call.
Leaving a voicemail for a college coach
In many cases when calling college coaches, you’ll get sent to their voicemail. Before you call the coach, write out exactly what you want to say if you do get their voicemail. Here are a few key pieces of information you want to be sure to include:
- Your name
- Your high school and location
- Your position(s)
- Your grad year
- Reason you’re calling (for example, following up on an introductory email, trying to schedule an unofficial visit, etc.)
- How you will be following up (via email, phone, etc.)
- The best number to contact you at
- A closing “thank you for your time”
To help you write a script, we’ve created a printable sample voicemail for you to reference.
Insider tip: Try to keep your voicemail to less than 45 seconds.
Making a follow up phone call to a coach
Remember, the NCAA says when a coach can – and cannot – call a recruit directly. If you call a coach and reach their voicemail, always include a contact number or email for your high school or club coach so they can help coordinate a phone call.
If you haven’t heard back from calling college coaches after a few days to a week, consider making a follow up phone call. Here are few things you can try before placing a follow up phone call:
- Fill out their recruiting questionnaire online
- Send a follow up email with an attractive subject line and ask to schedule a phone call
- Ask your high school or club coach to reach out for you. They’ll be able to gauge the school’s level of interest and lock down a time for you to call a coach.
Don’t worry if you don’t hear back immediately. Coaches are extremely busy, especially during season. However, after multiple email and follow up phone call attempts it may be time to move on or just leave the communication to the coaches to continue.
Continue moving down your list of schools and keep calling college coaches! NCSA’s Match Analysis can help you find some more schools that could fit or this might be a great time to talk to an NCSA recruiting coach.
Learn more about following up with college coaches.
Questions to ask college coaches on the phone
When you’re calling college coaches, you need to have a list of questions prepared to ask them. We’ve included some questions below to ask college coaches to determine if their school is a good academic, athletic and financial fit for you.
Questions to ask college coaches about academics
Do you offer majors I’m interested in? What are the most popular majors for athletes on your team?
Are there any specific majors that would interfere with the athletic schedule?
Does your team have an academic advisor and/or tutoring available to athletes?
Are team study halls required or recommended?
What are academic goals I should strive for to meet the criteria of your university?
What is the typical class size on campus?
What are the admissions requirements for the school and/or for student athletes?
Do most of your players graduate in four years?
Questions to ask college coaches about athletics / the recruiting process
How is your recruiting class looking for my graduation year?
What’s the best way to update you on my progress?
Are there any camps, combines or showcases you’d recommend I go to?
Will you be coaching at any camps this year?
Where do you typically evaluate recruits?
Are athletes on your team allowed to participate in more than one sport?
What are your expectations of your student-athletes in the off-season?
Does the team travel? How does the team travel? Will I travel with the team my freshman year?
If I come to your school for an unofficial visit, would you be able to meet with me?
How many players for my position will you be recruiting in my grad year?
What goals do you have for the team?
Questions to ask college coaches about cultural / social fit
How do the athletes on your team interact with each other? Do they hang out together outside of practice and games?
What is housing like on campus? Is the housing situation different for athletes?
Are student-athletes required to live on campus all four years they attend school?
Do teammates typically live together on or off-campus?
Do athletes stay on campus during the summer? What about winter or spring breaks?
Is it realistic to have a part-time job, volunteer or get involved with other clubs during the off-season?
What are the biggest challenges your student-athletes face at school?
What is campus life like?
Questions to ask college coaches about scholarships and financial aid
What does it take to earn a scholarship with your program?
How many scholarships do you have available for my graduation year?
What happens if I get injured? Will I lose my scholarship?
If freshmen aren’t eligible for scholarships, will I be eligible for scholarship money next year?
Are there work – study programs I can sign up for? Is it possible for student-athletes to have a part time job or work- study position on campus?
What type of academic and athletic scholarships are available for student-athletes? Are my GPA and test scores on track to qualify for a merit-based scholarship or grant?
Does the school offer additional financial aid?
Who is the main point of contact in the financial aid office that my family can talk to if we have more questions about paying for college?
Questions to avoid asking college coaches
During your first few coach phone calls, avoid these questions and behaviors:
- Avoid asking for a scholarship. You need to develop a relationship with the coach before you start asking them for money. You will need to ease into the conversation about academic scholarships, financial aid and what it takes to earn a spot on the team or qualify for an athletic scholarship.
- Avoid asking questions you can research on your own. Like, what division level a program is in or what conference they compete in.
Read more: 19 Questions College Coaches Hate the Most
What questions do college coaches ask recruits?
To help you prepare for coach questions in advance, we’ve created a list of common questions coaches will ask recruits during an initial phone call. We recommend that you prepare your responses to these questions before you start calling college coaches.
- How are you doing in school: What is your GPA and test scores?
- What major are you interested in?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses as a player? What are you currently working on improving?
- What kind of training have you been doing?
- Why are you interested in my school and/or program?
- What are your interests or hobbies outside of your sport?
- What other schools are you interested in?
- What other schools are recruiting you?
- Why do you think you can play at this level?
Remember, no matter how tough the question, the best policy is honesty. Never oversell or lie about your athletic or academic abilities. If you are asked a question you don’t know the answer to, don’t be afraid to tell the coach you’re not sure, but you’ll get back to them later when you have the answer.
For more on the topic, check out this video featuring former D1 softball player Jamie Duffek and former D3 softball player and head coach Renee Barrows:
Conclusion
Making a phone call can always be intimidating but calling college coaches is one of the most effective forms of communications during the recruiting process. Picking up the phone gives you an opportunity to stand out from the competition. Coaches aren’t always available to pick up the phone, so it’s important to know how to email and text coaches, as well. Check out our other guides on emailing, texting and even DMing college coaches.