This recruiting process is a bit like a roller coaster. Coach had son out to a D2 tryout (4-5 HS players and current team), also watched him briefly at a showcase (everything got cancelled after first game), several weeks later coach was spotted at a HS tournament, the next week coach emailed individually to let him know he watched a couple of HS games and was going to watch some more in upcoming showcase, pretty sure saw him at showcase (everyone was bundled up). Assuming that is showing some added interest? If he wants him should he hear soon? I would expect that he would be more of a depth player to develop rather than one recruited to play right out of the gate (son willing to put in the work-loves playing). If he didn’t think there was any chance of him playing would he likely let him know since he took he time to let him know he had watched him? He’s willing to be patient (this is the school he wants to attend regardless, but would LOVE to be part of the program). Just not sure what to think.
Now is not the time to be shy. ASK. If this is a spring sport, most D2 coaches are just filling up the last spots now, but they are busy themselves with their teams, travel, athlete and school issues, weather, budgets, rescheduling games, etc. Sometimes it is easier to answer a call from a recruit than to find the time to call the recruit.
Your son could call and say “It was sure disappointing at the Showcase that all the games except one were cancelled. I’m still very interested, so can I send you some film (stats, whatever his sport uses to show skill or improvement) or will you be able to watch me at XYZ Games?” “I hope you saw me at that Ice Game held last week. Pretty unlucky with the weather this season, right?”
He should also let the coach know if he was accepted to the school or any other academic information.
He did email and sent some extra highlight film. He got an updated transcript so was thinking maybe he could send it.
I am agreeing with @twoinanddone. This is not the time to be patient – your son can be patient once he is admitted and on the roster. Rather than email, however, I would schedule an in-person meeting with the coach, if the travel is not too much. Think of it from the coach’s perspective. He obviously thinks your son is a viable option. Where your son fits in is unknown. Assume for argument that he is not the no. 1 recruit. If you were the coach picking the best fifth recruit, wouldn’t it be a big plus if a recruit showed interest by showing up and telling the coach that he is dedicated to the team? Don’t get me wrong, email is a great way to communicate. But if you are trying to reel in the big fish, you need to differentiate yourself, especially if your son wants to show commitment to the program. In addition, by meeting with the coach, you will be able to ask all of the tough questions – like, will my kid get in? will he make the team? do you cut recruits?
Note that we are about to come upon a ‘dead period’ for recruiting, where the coach will not be allowed to have contactwith recruits. Act now.
Thank you for your input. He has a scrimmage coming up against the team. I suggested he go early and go talk to the coach face to face.
He’s already admitted to the school.
Just thought I’d come back and follow up - he was invited to join the JV team at the D2 school he was wanting to attend. He’s excited and it seems like a good fit for him. Thanks for the advice!
Congratulations @3kidsMultipleSports. He will have a great time, and will have an immediate support system due to being part of a team.