Don't Panic. Here's How to Be Prepared.

Hey future D3 athlete - quick question:

What do you say when a college coach calls you for the first time?

If your answer is "uhhh…" — this post is for you.

Whether it’s a scheduled call or a surprise voicemail, that first conversation can shape your entire recruiting future.

Here’s a 5-minute prep guide so you feel confident when the opportunity presents itself.

How to prepare for when you talk to a college coach on the phone.

What College Coaches Want to Hear

If you’re setting up calls with college coaches, you’re in a good place.

This is an opportunity to get to know them better and for you to share who you are as a person, a student, and an athlete.

Overall, here are the things most D3 coaches want to know:

That you’re serious about joining their team
That you’ve done your research on the school
That you know yourself — and have an idea of what you want
That you’re coachable and can communicate
That you’re committed to getting better at your sport

Questions College Coaches Will Ask

“Tell me about your season — how did it go?”
- Be prepared with 1-2 individual accomplishments and 1-2 team accomplishments. Never throw a teammate or coach under the bus.
“What are you looking for in a college?”
- Be honest and tell them things that you're interested in. Just make sure that what you say roughly aligns with what their school offers (i.e. don’t say you want a city school to a coach that leads a team in a small town)
“Have you had any injuries?”
- Share your history and listen to how the coach responds. Ask them what type of resources exist on campus if something were to happen again.
“Are we your top choice?” 👀
- This is a great chance to share why you’re really sold on going to a specific school, and an opportunity to move up their recruiting list - IF you seriously rank them as your top choice.
“What other schools are you talking to?”
- There’s no harm in being honest here, but also another chance to reiterate that if you were offered you’d pick their school (again, only if you mean it).
- If you’re still unsure on a few schools, let the coach know what factors you’re weighing (i.e. finances or admission) and see what they suggest doing.

🔥 Pro Tip: Stay honest, but confident. You don’t need to say they’re your #1 choice (unless they are), but don’t sound like you're shopping randomly either.

Smart Questions to Ask College Coaches

Want to actually impress a coach? Ask great questions during your call.

We discussed why this matters during our recent Live Q&A with Mahogany Green - the head coach of Hamilton College’s Women’s Basketball team.

Here are questions to ask and a few to avoid if you want to show a coach you know your stuff…

Want to read the full guide to talking with D3 coaches?

Sign up for early access to the ‘D3 Recruiting Playbook’! It includes:

Questions to ask college coaches
Questions to avoid
How to stay cool on a call
What to do after you get off the phone

Crush Your Calls With Coaches

The first phone call you have with a college coach doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be real.

D3 coaches recruit people they connect with.

Be prepared, be yourself, and treat it like what it is: a two-way conversation.

Remember, you are evaluating them just as much as they are evaluating you.

Good luck!

-D3Direct

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What to Say When a D3 College Coach Calls