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What to Ask NCAA Coaches

Through repeated questions through our "Ask the Vet" section concerning this specific topic, we have pinpointed this article as a "Must Have" on PlayYourGame.com.

Pursuing your education and hockey at the collegiate level is an incredibly important life choice, and it should be treated as such. The following is a list of questions for you to choose from when speaking to potential NCAA coaches and schools. We stress that this is simply a guide, and it's for you to decide what information you need as an individual when making such an important decision. Our advice to you is to pick and choose what's important to you as a student and an athlete, then simply go about finding the answers. By doing so, you increase your chances of finding the best opportunity for YOU!

Education is key so it's important that you find out about:

The School
  1. Where is the school located?
  2. Does the school offer four year or two year programs?
  3. What is the school most recognized for in terms of Educational Programs?
  4. What is the undergraduate enrollment?
  5. What is the campus like?
  6. Where do the student athletes live? On campus, Off Campus?
  7. What kind of support in terms of academics is provided for the student athlete? Tutoring, etc.
  8. What is the academic calendar - quarters, semesters, trimesters?
  9. What computing resources and library facilities are available to the students?
  10. Is there a special facility for strength training for student athletes?
  11. What is the town/city like where the school is located?
  12. Is there the possibility of a fly down to visit the school?
Your status with the hockey team is critically important, so find out about:

The Hockey Program and Team
  1. How did the coach become aware of you? How many times have they seen you play?
  2. What division does the school play in?
  3. What conference is the team in?
  4. How'd the team do last season?
  5. Where does the coach see you as a player fitting in as a freshman? Style of play, position, line, etc.
  6. How many returning players does the team have coming back?
  7. Does the team red shirt its freshman?
  8. How many new recruits is the team anticipating?
  9. What sort of training schedule is involved while at school?
  10. What's the team chemistry like? Are they a close knit group of players?
  11. How would you describe your coaching style? Does it mesh with how you learn as a player?
  12. When does the coach's contract end? It is important to know if the coach could leave while you're playing.
  13. What degree of financial aid are they offering?
  14. What are the restrictions for maintaining academic and athletic eligibility while enrolled? Grade point average, etc.
  15. Can you describe the typical day for a student athlete?
The next steps are imperative for successful enrollment, so you need to know:

How to Go Forward
  1. What does the coach see as being the next step? Applying to the school, etc.
  2. Is the coach going to come see you play again or is he prepared to offer you a scholarship as of now?
  3. Would the coach like you to send him your resume and team's schedule?
  4. Would the coach be willing to send you an application for the school?
  5. When does the coach expect to be back in contact with you?
Remember, these questions are meant to act as a general guide for you to draw from. Use what you like, add what you see fit, either way, ASK QUESTIONS. Your education and career are too important not to!!!




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