Questions to Ask Coaches
What to ask at each stage of recruiting, so you can compare programs on facts instead of feelings.
How to Use This Page
The questions are grouped by stage. Pick 5-8 for each call, write the answers down, and ask the same ones at every school so you can compare. Coaches expect these questions. Asking them shows you are serious.
Not talking to coaches yet? Start with the Coach Communication Guide.
Get these questions before every call
Schedule a meeting on Play2College and the questions for that college's current stage appear next to your notes, with space to record what the coach said.
Goal: find out if the interest is real and if the program fits. Look up the team's roster, results and location first.
Role and fit
- What position and role do you see for me?
- What stood out when you watched me? What should I improve?
- How many players are you recruiting at my position in my year?
- How do you use the transfer portal alongside high school recruiting?
Coach and team
- How would you describe your coaching style and team culture?
- How long is your contract, and who on staff would I work with most?
- What are your next steps with me: camp, visit, more video?
Goal: understand daily life as a student and an athlete.
Academics
- Can I study the major I want while playing? Have players done it?
- What academic support do athletes get (tutors, advisors, study hall)?
- What is the team's graduation rate?
Training and playing time
- What does a normal week look like in season and out of season?
- How is playing time decided? How much do first-year players play?
- What medical, strength and mental health support is there?
Eligibility
- Is my course plan on track for NCAA eligibility? Will you add me to your Eligibility Center request list?
- How many years can I play under the five-year clock, given my age and start date?
- Do I need SAT/ACT scores for admission here? (The NCAA no longer needs them.)
Goal: know exactly what you would pay. Have a parent or guardian on these calls.
Scholarship
- Is the offer full or partial, and what exactly does it cover? (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books)
- What will my family still pay each year? Include insurance, travel and personal costs.
- Can academic or need-based aid be added on top?
- Is the award for one year or several? Can it be reduced, and when?
- Is summer school or a fifth year covered?
Revenue sharing and NIL (D1)
- Did the school opt into the House settlement? How does it share money in my sport?
- Is any payment part of my written agreement, and for how many years?
- What NIL support does the school offer (education, tax help, compliance)?
Goal: get everything in writing and take the time you need.
- Can I see the written athletics aid agreement before I commit?
- What is the deadline for this offer?
- What happens to my scholarship if I get injured?
- What happens if the head coach leaves?
- Can I talk to current players without a coach present?
- What do you expect from me in my first year, on and off the field?
- Who handles my I-20 and visa paperwork, and when will I get the I-20?
- What English test score do you need for admission?
- Where do international players stay when dorms close over breaks?
- Is health insurance covered by the scholarship?
- Can I take part in revenue sharing or NIL on an F-1 visa? Payment for work done in the US is restricted, so ask how compliance handles it.
- How many international players are on the team, and can I speak to one?
Red Flags
- Pressure to commit now, before a visit or before you can compare offers
- Vague money answers, or nothing in writing
- Promises of starting spots or a pro career
- No access to current players
- Many players leaving every year
- Any request to bend the truth on grades, age or amateur status
Take This Into Your Recruitment
Prepare each meeting where you schedule it
Log the call, see the right questions next to your notes, then record what the coach said so you can compare programs later.