Parents need to be involved in the recruiting process–however, they can not do recruiting tasks for their son or daughter. During the recruiting process parents will have the chance to get to know their kid's possible future coaches and they should take this chance!. If you're a parent neck-deep in coach emails, calls, or in-person meetings, be sure to ask these questions. 

How do you deal with team conflict? 

The answer to this question will give parents an idea of how the coach faces challenges within the teammates and whether or not that matches your child's conflict management style. 

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Do you have a team psychologist?

This question will tell the coach that you care about mental health and is a good way to seek out resources on campus (plus, parents should be serious about the answer in case college becomes overwhelming for your child). 

Related: Brain Coaching: Why a Psychologist Can Be a Great Tool for Athletes 

What is the support system for an athlete that is facing homesickness?

This is an  important question parents can ask if they are worried about the first time her or his daughter or son are going to live away from home. 

How do you support athletes that are struggling with academics? 

This is a must-ask. Remember: your child is going to college for their degree first and their sport second.

How do you treat injuries?

The answer of this question will help parents understand how the coach deals with injuries and the facilities the school has to treat injuries. Not all training rooms are created equal so don't assume your child will be adequately taken care of if they get hurt.

Related: 6 Questions With Fairfield University Lacrosse Player, Melissa Taggert, on How to Deal with Injury

How can parents help their son or daughter be successful in this stage of his or her life?  

By asking this question parents can have a better idea of how they can support their son or daughter during this stage. The coach can also give you some tips that can help you. 

How can parents contribute to the team?

The coach may give you things you can do…or not!  Either way, asking this question can show interest from the family to get involved, something that coaches value a lot. Plus, it'll help you determine your role on the team.

These questions are great for parents to ask because they can get an idea of how the college works, the team environment and the coach's personality. Parents can give their opinion of what they think about the school but at the end their kids are the ones deciding where they want to go, so make sure to ask these questions to possible future coaches to understand the school system and team dynamic better. 

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* Originally published on July 29, 2022, by Camila Cramer