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A Parent’s Guide: Supporting Your Child’s First Call with a College Coach

Kyle Hockridge

Your child’s first call with a college coach is an exciting milestone in their recruitment journey. While the athlete is the star of the conversation, parents play a critical supporting role in ensuring the call is a success. From preparation to follow-up, your guidance can help your child make a strong impression. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know as a parent to empower your child while giving them the space to shine.



A teenage athlete sitting at a desk with a supportive parent standing beside them, preparing for a first call with a college coach. The scene is set in a warm, professional environment, emphasizing NCAA recruitment readiness and parent involvement in the process.

Preparing for the First Call: Setting Your Child Up for Success


Preparation is the key to ensuring your child feels confident and ready for their first conversation with a college coach.


1. Research the Program Together


  • Sit down with your child and explore the coach’s program, team performance, and school values.

  • Look for information about the coach’s expectations and the team’s playing style.

  • This preparation shows the coach your child is genuinely interested in their program.


2. Practice Common Questions


  • Coaches might ask questions like:

    • “Why are you interested in our program?”

    • “What are your academic and athletic goals?”

    • “What other schools are you considering?”

  • Role-play with your child so they can practice answering confidently while sounding natural.


3. Create a Professional Setup


  • Ensure the call takes place in a quiet, distraction-free area with good lighting.

  • Test the phone or video connection beforehand to avoid technical issues.


During the Call: Supporting Without Taking Over


The coach is recruiting your child, not you, so it’s essential to let them take the lead. Here’s how to balance being supportive while staying in the background.


Let Your Child Lead the Conversation


It’s important to remember that coaches are recruiting your child, not you. As a parent, your role during the call is to listen quietly and provide support while allowing your child to shine. Based on experience, here’s a proven approach:


  • Stay Silent Unless Invited: Sit nearby to listen in but avoid speaking unless the coach explicitly invites you into the conversation.


  • A Thoughtful Introduction: Toward the end of the call, your child can say something like, “Hello Coach, my dad is here with me and has a couple of questions. Is it okay for him to speak?” This polite gesture shows respect for the coach’s time and keeps the focus on the athlete.


  • Keep It Brief: When speaking, stick to a few important questions (e.g., about finances or program expectations). Once your part is over, conclude respectfully, saying something like, “Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I’ll hand you back to my child to finish the call.”


This approach ensures that the athlete remains the focal point while demonstrating your support and professionalism. For younger athletes, coaches may ask if a parent is present, and that’s an appropriate time to step in if needed.


After the Call: Reflecting and Following Up


1. Review the Call Together


  • Ask your child how they felt about the conversation. What did they learn about the program?

  • Highlight areas where they did well and discuss any improvements for future calls.


2. Help Them Draft a Thank-You Email


  • Encourage your child to send a polite follow-up email within 24 hours.

  • The email should thank the coach for their time, reiterate interest in the program, and reference something specific discussed during the call.


3. Evaluate the Program’s Fit


  • Reflect on whether the school and team align with your child’s academic, athletic, and personal goals.

  • Use this information to help your child prioritize which programs to focus on.


Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid


1. Taking Over the Conversation


  • It’s natural to want to help, but the coach needs to hear from your child. Allow them to take ownership of the call.


2. Overloading the Coach with Questions


  • Stick to a few key questions and avoid dominating the conversation. Your child should ask most of the questions.


3. Adding Pressure to Perform


  • Stay supportive without making your child feel like the call determines their future. This will help them stay calm and confident.


A teenage athlete sitting at a desk, focused on writing notes, with a supportive parent leaning nearby for guidance. The setting is a well-organized home office with a laptop and documents, emphasizing preparation for a first call with a college coach and parent involvement in the recruitment process.

FAQ: First Calls with College Coaches for Parents


1. Should parents be on the call?


  • It’s fine for parents to be nearby, but the athlete should lead the conversation.


2. What if my child gets nervous?


  • Practice beforehand and remind them that coaches understand nerves—they’re human too!


3. How long do these calls usually last?


  • Most calls last 20–30 minutes, depending on the coach’s availability and interest.


4. What should my child say if they don’t know the answer to a question?


  • Encourage honesty. For example: “I’m not sure about that yet, but I’d love to learn more.”


5. Can parents ask about scholarships or finances?


  • Yes, but let the coach bring up the topic first. Be prepared to step in respectfully when needed.


Conclusion


As a parent, your role in your child’s recruitment journey is crucial but supportive. By helping them prepare, providing quiet encouragement during the call, and guiding them through follow-up steps, you’re empowering them to take ownership of their future while knowing they have your full backing.


For more tips and resources tailored to Canadian student-athletes, visit Collegiate Goals. Together, you can turn dreams into opportunities!

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