Visits - Unofficial & Official?? ....

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Hello,

Looking to tap the board knowledge and experience base about visits ... Sammy, Boulder, etc. Those that have lived and breathed this, and also currently advise. College coaches welcome also.

I have a pretty good grasp on Official Visits, and how they work.

Unofficial Visit Questions ......

1. Scheduling - What is the best way to schedule these unofficial visits, through Admissions, while specifying coaches that you wish to access?

2. Do's & Don'ts? - What to definitely say & do, and traps/problems to avoid?

3. Parents - sit in (or not)? Regardless of parents presence, assuming dd needs to step up and handle the meeting with the coach?

4. Profiles & Proof Sources - Send stats, videos, awards, academics, profiles ... in advance to set the stage (assuming)? Aside from other groundwork like camps that were attended, and other previous communications?

5. The Deal - Initiating $$ talk?

6. Success in short - How do you knock the unofficial visit out of the park??


Thanks in advance. Apologies, I am SURE there is a 20 page thread on this, and a link to it would be great ... been off the board for a while, and traveling a lot ... sorry if I missed it and duplicating here. As always, thanks!

 

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Don't apologize, I have never seen a thread pertaining souley to this topic. Even if there is one, it gives way to new insights. Can't wait to see the replies.

 

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Pickledad, Thanks for posting this, I am in the same boat as well.

 

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Unofficial,s have to be set up thru admissions. We were told that the student themselves had to set it up although we had 2 colleges that the coach did it for us. NCAA rules change so much you never know who is telling you the whole truth. Safe bet set it up yourself.

Do,s and Donts. Using an unofficial is the time to learn and make mistakes and believe me you will do it. We all did. when you set up the visit ask if the coach has time to talk. Admissions will probably tell you that you need to contact the coach directly for this or tell them you would like to visit the softball complex and maybe see the coach there and introduce yourself to set up another visit to speak to them directly. Unless the coach has asked you there to talk to you money is something I would avoid in my first conversation. The biggest trap is that they want to talk to your dd not you. You have officially become a mode of transportation and little else. Let the dd do most of the talking, let her learn and make her own mistakes. Again use the first visits to become an old pro at the recruiting game.

Parents defiantly need to set in. During the tour you will talk to the financial advisor and its as much for you as the dd. If you get to talk to the coach you need to be there. If shes a recruitible player you do not want her to be on her own at 16 ......... its overwhelming to say the least.

If you have never met the coach by all means give them a hard copy of her profile, vid and schedule. If they have asked you there trust me they already know more about your dd than you do lol.

Money talk. Again unless your kid is a drop dead stud I wouldent bring money up the first go round. If they offer or bring the subject up then by all means its open season.

Ask about their roster, what positions are they looking for, what is their scholie situation for your dd,s class. What are the living conditions like do the athletes dorm together. When is your next skills camp. Are we allowed to watch the team practice or even practice with the team ( this will depend on what Division you are visiting).

Be polite, honest and open. I have never seen a coach that wouldent answer almost any question if you ask it for seeking knowledge. Go in with all your ducks in a row, have a good ACT or SAT score if you are recruitible age have your profile and vid ( less than 5 minutes ) together with all her information thats easy to read and understand.

And above all else do not tell the coach how good you think your dd is. If they comment on how good she is be humble and thank them and just let your dd be the focus.

Tim

 

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I will try to answer as these applied to our family. Your experience may be entirely different.

Unofficial Visit Questions ......

1. Scheduling - What is the best way to schedule these unofficial visits, through Admissions, while specifying coaches that you wish to access?
As I recall, we only used one "official" visit, and that was initiated by the coach. I think we re-visited the school a couple times "unofficially" to talk to academic advisers, etc. As far as the unofficial visits, you could just ask the coach or AD in a phone call to explain in detail. Remember, if a coach is interested in your DD, he/she will do everything possible to help you avoid any recruiting rules violations.

2. Do's & Don'ts? - What to definitely say & do, and traps/problems to avoid?
DD's official was a dinner out, and an overnighter with the team. Wife & I met the coach for breakfast, then we all met for the nickel campus tour and met many of DD's prospective professors. After all that, we sat and chatted. Our focus was definitely on academics and "safety nets" - she was there primarily for a "life-preparing" education to prepare her for a career AFTER 4 (or 5) VERY short years of college. I would advise against the urge to bring up $$$. Sure, discuss tuition expenses, etc. - but avoid any sentence with the word "scholarship" in it. If it's there, coach will bring it up!

3. Parents - sit in (or not)? Regardless of parents presence, assuming dd needs to step up and handle the meeting with the coach?
There are plenty of opportunities for your DD to be one-on-one with in discussions with the coach. I think a coach fully expects mom & dad to be present during these talks. Believe me - a coach wants to know how your DD reacts around her parents (manners, respect, etc.). Besides, every coach knows any 16-18 year old would be overwhelmed - mom & dad are there to buffer her nerves!

4. Profiles & Proof Sources - Send stats, videos, awards, academics, profiles ... in advance to set the stage (assuming)? Aside from other groundwork like camps that were attended, and other previous communications?
All this stuff should be in the coaches hands BEFORE you hit campus, unless you are just making a spur of the moment cold-call as a first look. We had a rough idea what DD wanted, so I think all our visits were planned ahead of time.

5. The Deal - Initiating $$ talk?
Again, my suggestion is to let the coach initiate this. Let it flow... discuss TUITION, but not scholly. If it's there, coach will talk about it.

6. Success in short - How do you knock the unofficial visit out of the park??
Obviously, it depends on how well the "fit" is for your DD. I always remember going into the whole recruiting process I had the lingering question "How do you know if your DD is making the right choice?" Well, I was told "YOU WILL KNOW..." And that was so true for us, because at the end of DD's "official" visit, WE KNEW! DD had a nice offer, she loved the campus, the team, and most important of all - we as parents felt very comfortable leaving our daughter in the care of this coach!

This will probably rank as the most exciting thing your DD has experienced to date! Just relax and take it all in... it goes by in the wink of an eye.

 

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If your looking at school outside your home state, one thing to discuss financially that should be a safe topic is how she might qualify for in state tuition as an out of state student. Usually there are academic requirements for this and/or specific programs and qualifing for in state tuition might drop your cost in half (or more) right off the bat.

 

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Just wanted to add...

The recruiting process is an excruciating time for "helicopter parents". (NOT implying you are one, Pickle - just an example) Like it or not, little Susie is growing up, and the recruiting process can have a huge wrench thrown into it by overbearing parents. Parents that hovered at travel ball practices will probably struggle with recruiting.

There comes a time when you have to trust yourself that you've raised your DD to handle life's experiences up to this point. Cut the cord - most kids handle this stuff just fine. After all, it's your DD the coach is recruiting, NOT her parents.

The coach will usually arrange an impromptu tour for your DD, hosted by one of the current team members. Turn her loose for a day on campus and see how she likes it. Unofficial of course, on YOUR nickel.

 

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Everything SAMMY and BOULDER said is right on. Our best visit's were arranged by the coaching staff and included over night stay's and at least one work out with the team. We found the fall month's to be a great time to visit as most are in there fall ball schedule and you get to see everyone on the field.

What I thought was a good visit.
1.Arrive on campus and was greeted by admissions (fill out your paperwork)
2.campus tour with a member of the admissions staff.
3.sit down with the councellor that is responsible for your dd. This is a good time to talk about academic.
4.At this time the softball coach was called and came to admissions with a couple other players and after meeting with us for a few minutes they were off to lunch.
5.Me and Mom were gone until the next day.(REMEMBER THEY ARE RECRUITING YOUR DD NOT MOM AND DAD).
6.After lunch dd attended class with current player.
7.workout at 3.
8.Back to dorm with players and had dinner,went to the movies. Bed by 10
9.Woke up for 8am workout(indoor).
10. Meet with dd and us parents at 10am.

Over all was a good visit got a taste of all aspects of the college life(dorms classroom etc). Like others said we at no time mentioned money or scholarship, we let them and at that time is when we got our offer,not as much as we wanted but did not respond either way. we went home and thought about things and emailed the coach our concerns and everything worked out in our favor so this week we will verbal and sign in April.
As BOULDER said this is a fun time, enjoy it.

 

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If your looking at school outside your home state, one thing to discuss financially that should be a safe topic is how she might qualify for in state tuition as an out of state student. Usually there are academic requirements for this and/or specific programs and qualifing for in state tuition might drop your cost in half (or more) right off the bat.

I know most colleges have a 6 month state residency rule for incoming freshmen. This prevents people from moving over the summer after HS graduation and getting in-state tuition. The 2nd year all you have to do is show "independence" along with residency and you are immediately considered in-state. A lot of hoops, but well worth it for the student.

 

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One thing I forgot to mention that bit us once. Dont schedule your visits during the black out period. Makes for a short day.

Also be aware of when colleges start their season, fall and early winter is the best time, D1 starts their season this upcoming weekend. So there may not be anyone around if your going this time of year.


Tim

 

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Two other things. Keep in mind D3 are a different animal and many will drop the out of state requirement to get your dd to play out of state. At least on the D3 level.

 

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Question to add to this.

Some of the posts mention workouts with the team. I did not think that was allowed for a girl who is a junior. I thought they could only attend one tryout after June 15th prior to their senior year. Could someone please clarify the rules on working out with the team when it is not a camp situation.

Thanks

 

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Thanks for all of the information. It is very helpful. Can you start having unofficial visits as a freshman?

Also, how are the summer months for visits? Say we are at a tournament near a college my dd is interested in, should we attempt an unofficial visit? Granted I'm sure a lot of schools have their staff out scouting.

 

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Let me add something from experience, in regard to anyone's DD doing any type of visit...if during the visit your DD spends time with the team players alone, away from mom and dad, remind them of all the good decision making you've instilled in them, and stress to them how important handling themselves appropriately could be to their future status at that school. Unfortunately, way back in the day when I was being recruited by colleges for another sport, I attended an official visit over a weekend at a university in Florida without a parent. I'm embarrassed to say, I was quickly seduced by the freedom of "college life", and promptly lost my mind that weekend, attending parties with the team and doing generally stupid things lol. I have no doubt that some of my wildness got back to the coach, and am sure that had a part in them rescinding their interest in me for their team. On a similar note, several years later when I was actively playing at the university I ultimately ended up at, our coach would specifically include us in on the recruiting visits for prospective athletes. If we didn't think the girl fit, and could justify it to our coach with solid reasons, that recruit would normally not make the cut. Thankfully, there was only 1 girl I remember as being labeled as a possible problem recruit, but the amount of time you spend with that team over 4 years is alot...even more than what our girls are doing right now with select ball, so coaches not only want talent, but cohesiveness on the team, and being labeled a wild child, troublemaker, whiner, ect. could hinder your DD. Of course, I know we've all taken care to instill humility, manners, ect. in our DD's...but my mommy did too, and that weekend in Florida, it ALL shot out the window lol. Help your DD avoid my mistake!!! Good luck!

 

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Thanks for all of the information. It is very helpful. Can you start having unofficial visits as a freshman?

Also, how are the summer months for visits? Say we are at a tournament near a college my dd is interested in, should we attempt an unofficial visit? Granted I'm sure a lot of schools have their staff out scouting.

I wouldn't advise trying an official visit during the summer other than visiting the campus, checking out the academics, etc... Coaches and players won't be on the campus. It would be difficult to get the feel of the team chemistry. I agree that fall and early winter are the best times to visit.

 

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Thanks everyone .... great advice! Love the helicopter reference Sammy .... more & more this old "helicopter" has restricted airspace, ... and enjoying it that way, lol.

Workouts? - I was also wondering about working out with the team. Several coaches have offered suggestions about good time frames to visit, and to check their schedules if is in Spring to make sure they are in town. Seeing a game or practice, and meeting the team seems to be desired (for both sides). Would be cool to lace 'em up with the players!

As part of a summer ball coaching staff, I have spoken with some colleges about our team, but of course it gets awkward regarding my own kid, and even inappropriate, depending on time of year.

Two enlightenments from a conversation recently, which echo the board's comments herein:

1. Grades - the very first question, and priority.
2. Contact - strongly wanted to hear from kids, not their parents.
3. Knowledge - already knew some things about our team, including schedules.

Anyway, the picture is getting a lot more clear ... thanks!

 

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My daughter made a mental list of questions to ask the coach when she scheduled her meeting.

What positions are you looking to fill?
What is the practice schedule like?
How hard is it to balance academics & softball?
Where would you see me fitting into the lineup?

etc...

'Impressed me, and coach was impressed also. I basically sat in the meeting as moral support - keeping my mouth shut except when coach asked me a question.

 

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My daughter made a mental list of questions to ask the coach when she scheduled her meeting.

What positions are you looking to fill?
What is the practice schedule like?
How hard is it to balance academics & softball?
Where would you see me fitting into the lineup?

etc...

'Impressed me, and coach was impressed also. I basically sat in the meeting as moral support - keeping my mouth shut except when coach asked me a question.

That is very cool. She is well on her way

 

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Boulder, has your DD received her "conditioning guide" yet? Was wondering how she felt about the benchmarks - weight, reps, sprint times etc. I know my DD was already working with a trainer who knew DI softball. She was pretty close over the winter, especially with the legs. In the following 9 months, she nailed the whole routine, but it was still VERY TOUGH when she hit workouts the next winter on campus. She actually set a record at the school for leg press for the softball team. But, being a pitcher, tons of leg work was always a high priority for her. The cool thing is that, even though she's done playing, she still hits the gym on a regular basis. I think that's a byproduct of knowing how good you feel when you're in that good of shape.

 

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Boulder, has your DD received her "conditioning guide" yet? Was wondering how she felt about the benchmarks - weight, reps, sprint times etc. I know my DD was already working with a trainer who knew DI softball. She was pretty close over the winter, especially with the legs. In the following 9 months, she nailed the whole routine, but it was still VERY TOUGH when she hit workouts the next winter on campus. She actually set a record at the school for leg press for the softball team. But, being a pitcher, tons of leg work was always a high priority for her. The cool thing is that, even though she's done playing, she still hits the gym on a regular basis. I think that's a byproduct of knowing how good you feel when you're in that good of shape.

She received a workout routine from the strength and conditioning coach there. Im sure she is still in for a shock when she arrives on campus and officially becomes property of the softball team. She made the comment to me after last weekends camp that the majority of the team looked more like Volleyball or basketball players than the softball players we see every weekend. When I asked her why she thought that was she replied in one word...........Running..... lol

Tim