Questions to ask a College Coach

Seniors,
Here are some questions to help you when talking to college coaches.
Thank you to Mrs. Rogers for finding this list.

Questions to Make Sure You Ask

Program Structure

1. What division are they? DI, DII/III, club? How long have they had that status?

2. If it’s a club team, what is the organizational structure? What role do the athletes play in running the team? What department oversees the team- i.e. recreational sports, athletic?

3. Where do incoming freshman with experience fit into the team? Do they row as novice, varsity, switch back and forth, or is it evaluated on a case-by-case basis?

4. Are there any cuts?

5. How many athletes are on the team? Varsity vs. novice? How many novices start in the fall vs. how many finish out the year vs. how many return as varsity rowers?

6. What is the average erg score for recruits? The novice class? For the varsity team?

7. Do they have lightweights or just heavyweights? Frosh lights?

8. What other teams does the school have- i.e. men’s, women’s, lightweight, club?

9. How many coaches are there and how are they divided up? How long have they been there? What is their employment status: full-time, part-time, volunteer? What is their past/other experience?

10. Does it cost anything to row? Are there dues? Are uniforms included or is the athlete responsible for paying for unis, jackets, sweats, etc.? Are athletes responsible for any travel expenses?

11. How much and what kinds of fundraising is done? What are the athletes responsible for?

Racing & Training

12. When are practices typically held? (AM or PM or both?)

13. How many practices per week? Additional? “Optional”? Lifting?

14. What races are typically on the schedule?

15. How much school is missed for races?

16. What is their major race of the year (championship race)?

17. What kind of racing results has the team experienced in the past 4 years?

18. Do you have to return early in September or January for training?

19. Does the team go on any away trips for either training or racing? If so, does the whole team go or just the varsity?

20. What is winter training like?

21. What kind of regular testing is done? Erg, lifting, run, body composition?

Facilities

22. What are the boathouse facilities like? What body of water do they row on and what other teams are there?

23. What are the land training facilities like? Ergs, tanks, weight room, track, stadiums, etc? Are these facilities on campus? If not how far away?

24. How do the athletes get to practice?

25. What kind of equipment do they have and how often is it turned over?

Athlete Services

26. What services are available to athletes- i.e. free tutoring, nutritionists, lifting coaches, counselors, mandatory study hall, trainers?

27. Is academic progress monitored by anyone? A coach or athletic academic advisor?

28. Do athletes get additional help with housing, car on campus, etc.?

29. How is class scheduling handled? Do rowers get preferential scheduling to avoid conflicts with practice?

30. What percent of athletes graduate in four years? 4.5 years? 5 years?

Recruit Opportunities/Admissions/Financial Aid

31. What information does the coach need? Do they have a questionnaire for you to fill out?

32. Can you come for a visit and stay with an athlete (official or unofficial NCAA visit for girls)?

33. If you can’t stay for a weekend visit, can you attend practice and visit the facilities?

34. Are there any races close to where you live or that you will be at that you can meet with a coach?

35. Do they have specific weekends that are better for recruits to come?

36. Are any athletic scholarships available? If so, are they given for four years or re-evaluated each year?

37. What academic scholarships are available and what requirements do they have?

38. Can the coach work with the financial aid dept to improve a financial aid package? Is work-study an option?

39. Can the coach get you an early read on your financial aid?

40. Are admissions standards lower for athletes? If so, what are they?

41. What are the academic requirements to maintain eligibility? (To compete? To practice?)

Other Random Questions

42. Are many of the rowers involved in other extra-curricular activities, i.e. fraternities, sororities, clubs, community service?

43. Are there any non-athletic team commitments that the rowers have- i.e. team community service, awareness seminars, attending athletic functions, etc.

44. What goals does the coach have for the team for this season? What goals do the athletes have for the team?

Questions YOU Need to Consider

45. “Broken Back” Rule: if you were unable to row, would you still be happy at this school?

46. How are you REALISTICALLY going to fit into the program athletically?

47. How are you going to fit into the program socially?

48. Would your goals for rowing be met by the program?

49. Do you enjoy the team dynamics when you watch them together?