<p>To other parents who have gone thru the athletic recruitment process---how did your S/D handle the initial coach phone calls? I'm not sure my D is aware of the game-playing that I've read could ensue. The fact that on these calls that she should be impartial this early in the process and either not give commitment type statements or not shut down someone who could prove to be a contender later on. It's tough when we've stressed honesty all along to now imply that you dance along with everyone for a while. I know I could just tell her what I've described here, but does anyone have advice?</p>
<p>Have them talk to graduated seniors. Helped a lot here.</p>
<p>Could you please tell us what sport your D plays? Some of us may be able to provide you with info. specific to her sport.</p>
<p>Dancing along does not have to be dishonest, just not as open...</p>
<p>You don't have to lie..but think of it as a kind of dating</p>
<p>As a veteran parent (2 summers worth) of the recruitment phone call -- this is our experience.</p>
<p>Generally, the first call the coach has is to introduce himself, his program, and make contact. He's seen your child at a camp -- or even just on a roster -- and wants to know if this is a potential fit. </p>
<p>If your child intends to play in college, he probably has a sense of what level of play and what kind of school. He should share that with the coach. (I'm interested in colleges with a good business program and a great lacrosse tradition. for example) He should be free with his academic stats -- (I've got a 3.5 unweighted and a 1360 on the SATs). If there's a potential match, the coach can call again in a week -- and probably will.</p>
<p>It seemed to me that the first go-round (summer between junior and senior year) the coaches were calling from schools we'd never heard of. For many kids this is the first and only go-round -- my son decided to PG so we did it all again.</p>
<p>The second year (between senior year and PG) the number of calls was drastically reduced but the match level /quality level was way up. My son had his act together -- I like your school, but doesn't have the academic program I am looking for. I am hoping to play D1 lacrosse for a top20 school (at that point several schools in that category had him on their radar screen). I think WestPoint is a great place but I don't think a military academy is right for me. Etc.</p>
<p>The more focused your child is at the beginning of the process about what sort of athletic/academic match he/she is looking for, the easier those phone calls are to field. If your child has made initial contacts at schools of interest, then the coach's call won't come totally out of the blue.</p>
<p>The coaches who called summer before senior year were very courteous and didn't push my son to make a commitment. They were all gracious and helpful. My son enjoyed his communications with them and when the time came to let them know of his early decision commitment/acceptance, the responses were supportive and also gracious. I know there are jerks out there, but we were fortunate to not run into them. The worst my son encountered was somewhat unresponsive and a little odd. He had done his homework pretty well before starting the process, and the junior year "unofficial" visits to campus which included meetings with coaches also helped a lot.</p>
<p>One caveat, my D received numerous calls from an athletic program director for a top 5 school great guy, very nice. She was not considering the school originally as it is such a reach for all (her stats would be in the middle 50% of that school, so she had as good a chance as any one else) and she was not into the whole reach thing.</p>
<p>The director convinced us to do an app early and it was a surprise when she did not get in! She attends a stellar school nearby by and plays at that top school, quite often. They have a new coach this year and he talks to her a lot about her sport and is a great mentor, he would like her to consider transferring, but seems to be helping her within the sport no matter what. D is not sure she would have any interest in transferring, she thinks they had their shot at her the first time and she does not think she wants to put herself out to ask them again! But we love the coach.</p>
<p>The initial guy never promised he could get her in, and was clear that he could offer a boost only, but he, too, was surprised and disappointed when she was denied. We knew this was a roll of the dice shot and there was no huge disappointment or devastation and that was so healthy. Be sure you do not get too caught up in the hype, keep your expectations grounded, not all coaches have the pull they wish they had! If this had been my oldest child, I would have expected her to get in, based on what I heard from the coach, so I was very glad to have the CC experience to keep the experience and expectations more balanced.</p>
<p>cnp55- I take it your son plays lacrosse...which program did he end up going for?</p>
<p>I recieved the initial phonecall, and the coach basically tried selling the program to me at first. Saying how far they went into the tournament, all-americans, etc. And I said I would think about it...sorta like that 'dancing along' thing. (In my head I was ecstatic)..and it kept him calling. More colleges called, but ones I wasn't interested in. The original coach got my academic record..which wasnt very good for that school, maybe 25th percentile. He had a bunch of talks with my high school coach...saw some tape. So he said he'd put in a few good words for me..never saying he could get me in, but he would try. I ended up getting in..but not once did he really pressure me to attend. The main thing was not to commit and keep him interested throughout the year...and like somemom said, dont get your hopes up..I was biting some serious nails before the acceptance letter came.</p>