Hi everyone, so I have an official visit coming up and have some general questions as it will be my first one! I’m doing a quick interview with an alumni on the visit as well so what is good for a girl to wear to the visit (the interview is during my visit so I can’t change). Is there anything really important I should bring that I don’t know of? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag or something? Also, I know they scheduled a practice while I’m there but recruits aren’t expected to participate in these right, so I shouldn’t bring my basketball stuff? Thanks, as you can tell I’m excited but nervous!
You don’t need your basketball stuff! As for the interview, a casual dress or nicer pants/blouse outfit ought to be fine. You don’t need to be formal about it, but you also shouldn’t be in short shorts and tank top or athletic gear. And you probs don’t need a sleeping bag. You’ll sleep on someone’s couch with one of their blankets and pillow. Have fun and talk to as many of the teammates as possible. There’s almost always a party. Don’t do anything you don’t want to do – no one cares if you don’t drink, but if you do drink you must keep it under control. Getting sloppy is far worse than being quiet and reserved.
Congratulations on the visit and have fun!
I agree with what doubtful said although my opinion on the drinking at parties piece is even stronger - just don’t do it. The coach will ask the students their impression of you and if they mention that you drank that could be seen as a negative by some coaches.
The topic of drinking on a recruiting trip could/should probably be a thread of its own, but it’s worth harping on here. The stuff pasted below is from our team’s coaches:
Almost every recruiting weekend includes a team party. Everyone is making you feel welcome and you are excited to feel like you are part of the team. You notice that some of the team is drinking (hopefully only some of the team) and one of the upperclassmen brings you a beer. The upperclassman tells you how much everyone likes you and shoves a beer in your face telling you it is OK because all of the recruits drink on their trip.
You can be assured that the coaches will find out. Don’t let anyone tell you that no one will know. With today’s cell phone cameras and social media outlets it is only a matter of time before your mug is plastered all over Facebook with a beer in your hand and you are labeled as a partier.
Now you are back at home waiting for the coaches to call you, but the phone doesn’t ring. The coaches have asked some of the team about you and perhaps have seen the photo of you holding a beer. That one moment has labeled you as a party animal and I guarantee you that coaches don’t recruit party animals.
So what do you do without coming across as uncool?
• As soon as you get to the party get a lemonade or a soda so that you have something in your hand.
• Don’t stand in the middle of the room like a statue. Interact with the team, especially with the non-drinkers.
• If someone offers you a drink politely decline and let them know that you already have something to drink.
• If they persist, let them know that you are focused on your training for this season and that your coach would kick your butt if you had a drink.
If you feel pressured to drink in order to fit in with the team, then you should re-evaluate if the team is right for you.
Under no circumstances should you drink on a recruiting trip!!!
Thanks for the advice everyone, I had heard about people going to parties on official visits so I wasn’t sure if that’s what will happen. If I do end up going to a party I certainly won’t drink or do anything to jeopardize getting a spot on the team.
Ask about the sleeping bag. My daughter did need one, but we didn’t know so arrived without anything (pillow, blanket). Someone in the house loaned her one as her host didn’t have any extra bedding.