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Recruiting Advice: Why You Should Research a Coach Before You Commit

By Michael Pizzuti|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on January 25, 2023)

We spoke with a former collegiate soccer player who played at the Division I level about an unpleasant experience he had at Western State*. Before committing and attending Western State, he felt like he had done his homework. He is a well-rounded kid and would be an asset to whatever school he decided to go to. This prospect ended up choosing Western State, as he thought it worked out best for him academically, athletically and financially.

A Strong Start

Throughout the entire recruitment process, his coach seemed to be a modest man. Every time they spoke on the phone he appeared to be pleasant. The coach would go overboard with his concerns. He sounded a bit too polished with his questions and conversations. It started to feel fake, but there was no real way of telling. When my friend went on an official visit everything seemed normal–the coach talked about the school and the team and made my friend feel welcome. My friend was excited about the school, coach and the opportunities that the coach had guaranteed him.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Going Downhill

Unfortunately, things didn't go as expected. From the very first day of preseason, it was an unsettling experience. Usually, on the first day, the team would get their equipment and team gear in the equipment room. The bags would contain cleats, runners, training tops, etc. The coach stood behind the counter and handed the athletes their bags, and of course, he should know their names or at least acknowledge them. This coach did not seem to care or call any of the new players by their names or even acknowledge them. The athletes spoke about this with one another in the locker room. They were surprised at how cold and uncaring the coach was.

Sadly this behavior from the coach continued for the next two years. As a Division I player my friend knew he would have to fight for his time to play–we all do. He would continuously speak to the coaches about what he needed to do to get some playing time. He was not bothersome by any stretch of the imagination–he is a nice guy who was just looking to better himself and get advice on what he should be doing. Because my friend reached out to other coaches for advice only then did he start to see some playing time.

Problem Solved?

But it didn't last–even though my friend worked hard and proved himself as a player, it just was not enough for the head coach. Without warning the coach stopped playing him and would not give my friend any answers on why. He basically just ignored him. Unfortunately, a lot of coaches brush aside athletes and their concerns because they do not want to confront athletes. Coaches need to communicate better with their athletes and just be honest. My friend ended up transferring and playing for a coach who respected his players.

The takeaway? Research is an important part of the recruiting process, and this includes researching your coaches. Use a site like 2aDays to see what other athletes are saying about their coaches. This way at least you have all the information in front of you so you can make the best choice possible for yourself.