Preparing for Coach Conversations

• Treat it like a job interview: You are not chatting with friends or texting a teammate. Coaches are deciding if you will represent their program well.

• Be personable but professional: Smile, be warm, and show your personality, but avoid slang or over-sharing.

• Speak clearly and stay calm: Take your time when answering. It is fine to pause and think.

• Be prepared to talk about yourself: Coaches will expect you to share your background, training, goals, and what you want from your college experience.

• Stay focused: Answer questions directly and avoid long tangents.

• Be polite and respectful: Use the coach’s name, say thank you, and do not interrupt.

• Take notes: Keep a notebook nearby to jot down key points. This shows you are organized and helps you remember what was discussed.

• End on a positive note: Thank the coach for their time and say you look forward to staying in touch and learning more about the program.

Below is a list of thoughtful and practical questions you can ask during calls, video meetings, campus visits, or recruitment days. You do not need to ask everything at once. Select questions that align with your current stage in the process and follow up periodically.

Training and Facilities

• What does a typical weekly training schedule look like, including water sessions, dryland, and recovery days?

• How long are morning and afternoon practices?

• What dryland facilities or strength training programs do you have for swimmers?

• How many swimmers are usually in each training group or lane?

• Do you train stroke specialists and distance swimmers differently?

Team Culture and Goals

• How would you describe the team culture and what you look for in new recruits?

• Where do you see the team in the next four years? What are your goals for conference and NCAA performance?

• What are your expectations for athletes regarding academics, attitude, and accountability?

• How does the team spend time together outside of practice and meets?

Academics and Support

• What academic support systems are available for student-athletes, such as tutoring, study halls, or dedicated advisors?

• Are there minimum GPA or test score requirements for athletes beyond the regular admission standards?

• Do you recommend taking AP or honors classes in high school to strengthen my application?

• How flexible are professors and classes if I need to miss class for meetings and travel?

Scholarships and Roster Spots

• How many swimmers are you planning to bring in for my recruiting class?

• What is the scholarship situation for this class, including athletic and academic aid?

• What goal times do you look for when offering scholarships?

• What times would I need to swim this season to be seriously considered for an offer?

• Are there academic merit scholarships that swimmers can qualify for in addition to athletic aid?

Recruiting Process and Visits

• What is your recruiting timeline for my class year?

• Do you offer official visits or host junior days for recruits?

• Will you or your staff attend any national or regional meetings this season where we might meet in person?

• If I am unable to visit campus immediately, are there alternative ways to gain a better understanding of the team and facilities?

Other Smart Questions

• What makes your program stand out from other teams in your conference or region?

• What do graduating seniors usually say they appreciated most about swimming here?

• What do you wish recruits would ask but rarely do?

Pro Tip

Remember, this is not a casual chat with a friend. It is a professional conversation where you represent yourself, your family, and your club team. Be polite, prepared, and genuinely interested. Good questions and clear communication help coaches see you as someone ready to handle the demands of college swimming and academics.