Meeting a college coach for the first time may be a nerve-racking experience, but you're not alone. It's good if you're nervous because it shows you care, but we have some tips to help settle those nerves so you can feel confident when meeting coaches for the first time.
Be There Physically and Mentally
This may seem obvious, but it's still the most important thing for an athlete to do. Show up, and more importantly, be early. You don't want to have the coach wait for you to get there, especially if they're in-season. College coaches are always busy, so it's important not to waste their time. Illness and emergencies may come up, so if you truly can't make it to your meeting, reach out to the coach as soon as possible and try to reschedule. Don't wait until the last minute to reach out, it may leave a bad impression.
You should also be there mentally. Don't be distracted by other things going on, and make sure you're paying attention to what the coach is saying. They will most likely notice quickly if you're zoning out and that could give them a bad impression that you don't want to be there or that you don't care about what they're saying.
Related: Why You Should Answer Every Coach That Recruits You
First Impression
It's a common saying that first impressions mean everything, and it's not different when meeting a coach. You want to be dressed appropriately and presentable, so the coach senses you're organized. If you show up looking like you just rolled out of bed, the coach may get the feeling you don't care very much about being there. Coaches want to make sure the athletes they recruit will be someone who can represent their university and their program well.
Related: 8 Tips on Making a Memorable First Impression
Putting in the work in the classroom starts before you even meet with the coach. Get good grades so it's not even a topic you and the coach have to go over. If the coach does bring it up, you can talk about your good grades, and that'll give you an edge over other recruits. Develop good study habits so your academics don't become the reason you don't get to play sports in college. Have grades you can be proud of, and when you meet with your coach, be sure to have the most recent version of your transcript so coaches and other recruiters can see it if they want.
Related: 5 Reasons Grades are Important as an Athletic Recruit
Be Respectful
When you meet a coach for the first time, they will be assessing what kind of person they think you are. For that reason, you should always show the utmost respect. This includes looking them in the eyes, having good posture, and staying engaged when they're talking. When it's your turn to speak, make sure to talk loud enough, don't curse, and be honest when you answer their questions. You want the coach to feel like you want to be there and are passionate about their program.
Related: How to Respectfully Turn Down a Coach as an Introvert
After these tips, we hope you feel much more confident about your first meeting with your coach. Just remember to be yourself and be memorable.
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* Originally published on March 28, 2022, by Grant Osborne
