Coach Calls 101: How to Prepare, What to Say & What to Avoid
- Top-Tier Recruiting
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
The phone rings. It’s a college coach calling you—for real. The moment you’ve been preparing for is finally here. But now what?
If you’re wondering how to handle your first few recruiting calls with confidence and professionalism, you’re not alone. According to Joe Spallina, head coach at Stony Brook University, the first call is about much more than answering the phone. It’s your first impression—and it matters.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of that moment.
Treat the First Call Like a “Vibe Check”
For most programs, that initial contact is less about strategy and more about feel.
“It’s a getting-to-know-you call,” Spallina explained. “We’ve already seen you play. Now we want to see what kind of person you are.”
So how do you leave a strong impression? Be engaged, be prepared, and be yourself. Coaches remember players who have personality—not ones who sound like they’re reading from a script.
Pro tip: If a coach calls at midnight on September 1, don’t panic. It might be short and sweet: “Hey, we love you. Let’s talk tomorrow.” That’s a great sign.
How to Prepare Before the Call
Preparation builds confidence. Before September 1, create your own “call kit” that includes:
A quiet space where you can take calls
A notebook to jot down what’s discussed
A list of 3–5 thoughtful questions
Your elevator pitch: who you are, what you value, what you’re looking for
Parents: Be nearby—but don’t hover. “Put the call on speaker,” Spallina advised. “Stay close enough to take notes or help if needed, but let the athlete lead the call.”
What Questions Should You Ask?
Good questions show curiosity, maturity, and self-awareness. Instead of generic ones like “How many recruits are you taking?”, try these:
“What does player development look like in your program?”
“What’s your team culture like off the field?”
“How do you support student-athletes academically?”
“What are some common traits your successful players share?”
Also: Ask about potential restrictions on majors. Some schools won’t support heavy academic tracks like nursing or engineering due to practice conflicts. That’s important to know early.
What NOT to Ask (Or Say)
While there’s no perfect script, some questions fall flat. Spallina pointed out a few common missteps:
Avoid things you can easily Google (like enrollment size or weather).
Don’t lead with “How much scholarship money will I get?”
Skip the cliché answers (like “My favorite movie is Miracle”) unless it’s genuinely true.
And remember—if you sound overly rehearsed, coaches will notice. “We like kids with a little personality,” Spallina said. “Be real.”
Zoom with Parents is a Big Deal
Spallina shared that after that first call, Stony Brook typically sets up a Zoom with the athlete’s family. Why? Because who you are at home matters just as much as who you are on the field.
“How kids treat their parents is a big one for me,” he said. “That tells me everything I need to know.”
Final Thoughts
The recruiting call isn’t about saying the perfect thing—it’s about being yourself, asking thoughtful questions, and showing you’re ready to represent a program at the next level.
Practice ahead of time. Know your story. And most importantly, enjoy it. This is your time to shine—not just as an athlete, but as a person.
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