From the NCAA Coordinator
A common concern for athletes and parents who are navigating the recruiting process is trying to take the temperature of coaches. Often athletes wonder “How serious is the coach about me?” When there are many irons on the fire (for both the coach and the athlete) gauging interest may require some educated guessing. Remember: as an athlete, you are in touch with multiple coaches the same way a coach is in touch with multiple athletes; you’re both trying to gauge one another’s interest level!
The College Recruiting Funnel
Hierarchy of Interest:
1) Haven’t heard anything from the coach or school?
  • The coach isn’t interested yet (Sometimes silence is as meaningful as chatter).

2) Received questionnaires in the mail?
  • You may be on the coach’s radar.

3) Camp invites filling up your inbox?
  • The coach may want to evaluate you in person.

4) Fielding emails from the coaching staff?
  • You’re probably on their list.

5) The coach has been calling, texting or DMing you?
  • You’re definitely a prospect.

6) Invited on an official or unofficial visit?
  • You’re an important recruit.

7) Received an offer?
  • Congratulations, you’re a top recruit.

Take a step back and look at where you fit into this hierarchy. If you’re not where you want to be with a particular coach, ask him/her where you fit in. It is fair to ask for a direct answer as to where you fit into the coach’s recruiting tier. As much as the coach wants you to make a decision when the time comes, as an athlete, you want an answer from the coach so you can recalibrate your path. Be an advocate for you - it’s empowering!
  1. Emails written by the parent.
  2. Parents calling the coach.
  3. Not behaving yourself in the stands.
  4. Not allowing your child to do the talking when you are in the coach’s office.
  5. Saying, “Coach, I know you probably have heard other parents say how good their children are, but… I am objective, I am harder on my own child, I am their coach, etc…”
How do I Answer Coaches Who Ask What Other Schools Are Recruiting Me?

Ultimately, showing that other coaches value you enough to recruit you makes you a more attractive candidate. A coach wants to know what other schools are recruiting you as a way to judge your ability. Recruiting-101.com sums up the situation as “ Athletic scholarships breed more athletic scholarships. ” Let coaches you know you are a valuable asset!

Mrs. Strauss is a former NCAA Head Coach and Division I collegiate athlete.
As with any endeavor, leave no stone unturned. Reach out to coaches! Go after your dreams! You will never regret having made the effort. In the same way, you leave everything on the field or court...leave it all in the classroom. Be diligent with homework, be committed to time management and become the trifecta for college coaches: coachable, talented and a high academic achiever! 

I have recently been fielding many questions about professional recruiting businesses. If you have any questions about these organizations, feel free to reach out. In the meantime, do your research and in the end, there is no wrong decision. 

Forbes included a piece on the topic ( Click here ).

As always, never hesitate to reach out! I pray that your 2019-2020 school year is the best yet!

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."

— Aristotle