common mistakes high schoolers make on the phone with college coaches
Phone calls are one of the most critical parts of the college recruiting process. It’s where your digital resume—your email and highlight reel—becomes a living, breathing person. A phone call gives a coach a chance to gauge your personality, confidence, and genuine interest in their program. It's a high-stakes, real-time conversation, and a single mistake can leave a negative impression that's hard to shake. While preparing for a call can feel nerve-wracking, most mistakes are completely avoidable. By knowing what not to do, you can ensure your hard work pays off and you make a great impression.
Mistake 1: Being Unprepared
This is the fastest way to get cut from a coach’s recruiting list. Coaches can tell immediately if you’ve done your homework. They expect you to know basic information that you could have found with a quick search, such as their team’s conference, their record from the previous season, or their coaching philosophy. They also expect you to have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask them. Being unprepared signals that you're not serious or that you're just looking for an offer, not a true fit. It’s a major red flag that shows a lack of respect for the coach's time.
Mistake 2: Letting Your Parents Talk for You
This is one of the biggest turn-offs for a college coach. While your parents are a crucial part of your support system, they should not be leading the conversation. A coach wants to talk to you, the athlete they are recruiting. When a parent dominates the call, it sends a clear message that you lack maturity and confidence, and that you might not be ready to take ownership of your life as a college student-athlete. A coach is not just recruiting you; they are recruiting your family, and a "helicopter parent" can be a major liability.
Mistake 3: Sounding Indifferent or Unenthusiastic
Coaches want to feel your energy. They are looking for athletes who are passionate, coachable, and excited about the opportunity to play at their school. Answering a coach's questions with one-word responses like "yeah," "yep," or "uh-huh" will quickly shut down the conversation. A lack of enthusiasm can easily be mistaken for a lack of interest, and coaches will move on to a recruit who shows more fire. Show your personality and let your excitement shine through.
Mistake 4: Asking Bad Questions
A good question shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested. A bad question shows that you haven’t done your research and are wasting the coach’s time. Avoid asking anything you can find online, such as "What conference are you in?" or "What's the team's schedule?" Instead, ask questions that only the coach can answer.
Bad question: "What's your record?"
Good question: "What do you think was the biggest factor in your team's success last season, and what challenges do you foresee in the next?"
Mistake 5: Making It All About You
If a coach has set up the call with you they already know your stats. They've seen your highlight reel. They are calling to get to know you as a person and to see how you would fit into their program's culture. Avoid talking only about your accomplishments and your goals. The best phone calls are two-way conversations. Make sure to ask the coach about their coaching philosophy, their team, and what they're looking for in a player. Show them you care about more than just your own success. This is also your chance to get to know the school better. Come prepared with questions about the athletic program and life at the school.
Mistake 6: Not Taking Notes
This seems like a small detail, but it speaks volumes. You should always have a pen and paper handy to take notes during a call. Write down the coach’s name, the key points of the conversation, and any next steps you need to take. For instance, if a coach mentions that they want you to send them your most recent game film or to fill out a questionnaire, you need to write it down. This shows that you are organized, responsible, and serious. It also helps you remember all the important details you will need for your next call. Use RecruitReach’s Decision Hub for free to track your calls and conversations.
Mistake 7: Lying or Exaggerating
Honesty is the most important policy in recruiting. Coaches have a vast network of contacts—including your high school coach, club coach, and even other players—and a lie will almost always be discovered. Don’t exaggerate your stats, your GPA, or your interests. If a coach catches you in a lie, it will immediately end the recruiting conversation. It's a sign that you lack integrity, and no coach wants to deal with that for four years.
How to Fix It
The good news is that these mistakes are entirely within your control. You can master the art of the recruiting phone call with a little preparation and tools like RecruitReach can be the best way to prepare for phone calls.
Do Your Homework: Before every call, spend a few minutes researching the school, the team, and the coach. Have a list of three to five thoughtful, insightful questions ready to ask.
Take Ownership: Be the one to initiate contact and lead the conversation. Your parents can be there for support, but you should be the one talking.
Be Engaged: Sit up straight, smile, and speak clearly. Let your enthusiasm shine through.
Be a Listener: Ask good questions and actively listen to the coach's answers. The conversation should be a two-way street.
Be Professional: Have a quiet space for your call, be on time, and have a pen and paper ready to take notes.
Be Yourself: At the end of the day, a coach wants to recruit a person, not a robot. Be authentic, be honest, and let your personality shine. The more you practice, the more natural and confident you will sound.
