<p>After receiving first offer to a large D1 in soccer, do we then contact other schools that are looking at my daughter and ask how they see her in their program? She is 15 and has been told by other coaches that they are very interested in her. Just not quite sure what happens next. It also seems tough to compare offers instate vs. out of state.</p>
<p>What my son did (different sport) was let the coaches know that were recruiting him that he wanted to make an early decision and a verbal commitment soon and that he did have an offer on the table. It did help the other coaches move forward and make offers as well, however that was after he had narrowed down his choices and he was sure he wanted to make an early decision. I would suggest she see the schools she is interested in, and visit before proceeding. Did coach at school one give you a deadline?</p>
<p>Is your D a junior/senior or is this very early in the process? </p>
<p>If she is a freshman/sophomore, probably waiting to see what else falls on the table would be a good approach, of course while she continues researching and contacting coaches she is interested in playing for, and continues to go to the big tourneys, etc.</p>
<p>There are a lot of variables that come into play if she’s still an “under” classman… namely potential injuries, but also academics.</p>
<p>I would contact other coaches and let them know you are considering a scholarship offer. The other coaches may respond with scholarship offers. I would also contact the coach that made the offer and ask how long the offer is valid for. For a 15 year old athlete I would wait at least 6 months before giving the coach your decision.</p>
<p>I would also calculate the total cost of attending any school you receive an offer from including tuition, room , food, and books. Assume that if you are out of state that you will have to pay out of state tuition from your scholarship. Ask if need based financial aid will be available. Also ask about admission requirements including GPA and SAT/ACT scores needed.</p>
<p>The coach is asking for a verbal commitment from your D. Most of the time these things work out but sometimes they don’t. I would have a good back up plan just in case and I would continue to stay in touch with other coaches just in case something goes wrong.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the great insight. My D is a sophomore. Coach said she would have “limited” time to make her decision but did not specify exactly. (Don’t think he will wait 6 months though.) Many girls on her team are also getting offers now so it seems like this is the year/season when most at her level will commit. I will have D contact the other coaches since they cannot contact her directly. She says she feels pushy about telling them she needs to know and doesn’t feel comfortable stating it that way to others. We’ll work on that with her.</p>
<p>I made a spread sheet with all the costs Swimkidsdad listed and will compare costs that way. </p>
<p>This is a huge help and I’m so thankful to have found this forum.</p>
<p>esace5,</p>
<p>Your D should not feel pushy about talking to other coaches about scholarships. They won’t be surprised that she already has an offer and they should respond with an offer if they are interested. She simply needs to tell the other coaches that she has a scholarship offer and has a limited time to make a decision. Tell her to be direct, polite and assertive if need be. She may want to start with a team that she is least interested in to gain practice.</p>
<p>D committed. Happy girl. Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>Congrats! </p>
<p>Remember, however, that neither party has entered into a binding agreement. If your daughter has an injury, grade issues, lack of anticipated improvement, or any of a myriad of other things (including, but not limited to, coaching change, better recruits, etc.) the “agreement” can evaporate. Likewise, if your daughter’s interests change, level of comittment to the sport diminishes, other schools emerge from the mist, etc., the “agreement” can disappear.</p>
<p>I have seen far more oral commitments disappear than I have seen oral commitments honored.</p>
<p>I am not telling you to not enjoy this milestone moment (the offer validates all that time and money and sweat invested); rather, realize that while “recruiting” appears over, the path is still fraught with risks and you should constantly update your contingency plans. For example, at tournaments and showcases, continue to maintain friendly relations with coaches who want to talk about your daughter; tell them she has orally committed, and let the conversation develop from there.</p>
<p>Please keep the board posted from time to time.</p>
<p>Congrats esace5!</p>