We are planning the first round of college tour for S20 and should/could we contact the swim coach while on campus? Any inputs are appreciated.
I don’t see any reason not to meet with the coach. Even if your S doesn’t end up being a recruit, it is good experience for future coach meetings and is great training for job interviews. It also can start him thinking about college fairly early on, which I also think is a good idea.
Bring an unofficial transcript, high school profile and college cv with you. Leave them with the coach. As others have mentioned, your S should do most of the talking. Have him work on an elevator speech and have him prepare in advance at least three questions to ask the coach. He probably will hate you for it, but have him practice the speech with you on the way to the visit, and have him speak his prepared questions. It is acceptable for the parent to ask a question or two. In all likelihood, the coach will ask at the end if you have any questions. I tried to hold off talking until the coach spoke to me directly.
Definitely, Send an email to both head coach and asst coach. Let them know what day/time you will be on campus. Include your best events times and your GPA etc. Ask if there is a good time that you could come down to the pool to introduce yourself. Best of luck and enjoy the process. Take as many unofficial visits as possible. You will need to take schools off your list. Enjoy