My D21 is the middle of the recruiting process to play tennis in college. D21 is currently in the middle of pre-reads at 3 highly selective schools.
My D21 would be happy to commit to any of these schools but has her heart really set on 1 school in the northeast In particular. D21 has been talking to the head tennis coach at this school since this past January, and the coach has also shown what seems like strong interest in my D21.
We are hoping for admissions and athletic support from the coach which would make my D21 and our entire family ecstatic. Even without tennis, my D21 should be able to get admitted into this school based on her academic/testing record.
Outside of admissions and academic support, what other kind of support can the coach provide? For example, can the coach not give admissions support but allow my D21 to be on the team? Can the coach tell my D21 that she will be invited to walk-on but not recruited?
Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks
You should really ask the coach these questions. But in general, yes, kids are offered roster spots without “academic support” from the coach in the admissions process. And technically, all D3 athletes are walk-on since there are no athletic scholarships.
Wb, thanks for your input.
So do think that admissions support by the coach and athletic commitment to be on the team by the coach are 2 different things?
In my D21’s specific situation, the coach performed a pre-read and gave my D21 feedback on her transcript and test scores that the coach received from admissions. My D21 has asked the coach for admissions support AND athletic commitment to play on the team.
Could the coach give my D21 a commitment to play on the team but also tell my D21 that she is totally on her own to get admitted?
I would greatly appreciate your opinion. Thanks
Lots of experience with D3 recruiting at top LACs over on the “Athletic Recruits” Board, if you care to re-post there, or if the moderator can move this.
Bottom line, it depends on the school, the sport, the coach. Plenty of coaches have been know to say “call me if you get in.” Follow up questions include – do 1st years have to try out in pre-season, are 1st years cut, etc.
Thanks Midwest. I will look at the athletic recruits board too.