Hi, all. I have a question about how to approach a particular coach. My D has emailed several coaches. The ones who emailed back so far would now like to talk with her over the phone.
However, one coach emailed back with general information about the team (how many games they play, etc.), said she hopes D will come to interview, and that the coach is in Admissions and can likely meet D on interview day.
D has not yet set up an interview with this school, and it could be two months away. It seems to me like the only option is for D to hustle and get an interview quickly, so she gets/stays on the coach’s radar?
I really don’t think you should rush because of the coach specifically. However, tomorrow is October 1 and high season for interviewing is starting. I would not suggest waiting until December to interview if at all possible. If your DD waits until that timeframe she may find she doesn’t like all the schools she thought she would and may want to add a few more. Our schedule last year was a few around the Columbus Day holiday, a few around Veterans Day, plus a couple stragglers in very early December. We toured and interviewed at 13 and then applied to 7.
Another thing to consider is her sport. What season does she play? If it’s fall she can update the coach with results, YouTube videos, etc.
A majority of coaches have other obligations including teaching, dorm duty, advising, etc.
So don’t be discouraged without a response. The coaches at the TSAO schools are more reserved. They will likely wait to see your child’s entire application and see if she is competitive or not before deciding to push for her.
Keep the coach interested. Send videos, emails, and especially interview. If the school offers any open houses let the coach know. Ask if your D can watch an upcoming match. Keep contact periodically but don’t smother the coach. All of the contact should be initiated by your D.
Things will start heating up between mid Jan and late Feb. During this time coaches provide their feedback to admissions in kids who are impact players.
Don’t worry about the lack of response now. It’s way too early. We worried about the same thing and it all worked out in terms of access, information, etc. These places know what they are doing.
It’s a two-way street, also. At this point they know the top of the funnel is pretty wide. As @sgopal2 said, they want to have a handle on how the kid is likely to do in the application process without help. And second, they want to have a reasonable handle on whether they have a good chance to land the kid if they prioritize him or her. A 5-10 minute conversation on campus when he or she is there to interview is about all you can expect at this stage.
Obviously if your kid is very talented and it’s an absolutely critical factor in picking schools, that will come through early and often and the school will roll out the red carpet over time.