Did you know that official visits to meet with coaches & tour campuses are limited (at the DI level) to five total? Five. Total.
If you're scratching your head wondering how you're going to squeeze your top 10 list into 5 visits, you can take a long swig of Sunny D & relax. Unofficial visits are unlimited & can be taken any time (including Freshmen year), which makes them one of the most important items on your to-do list. Some of the top recruits will visit a school as many as 5 times to make sure they are making the right choice. Unofficial visits will make you feel more confident in your choices & show coaches that you're a serious candidate.
Here are some tips to make them count:
Schedule ahead of time. It's not news: coaches are busy. Scheduling a visit with them in advance ensures that they'll be available to have one-on-one time with you during your stay. NCAA rules might prevent coaches from emailing you back, so pick up your celly & call them up to book some of their time for a tour.
Prepare. Make sure you send along your updated highlight reel before the visit, & bring copies of your NCAA Recruiting Profile & a list of questions. Not sure what to ask? Customize a list for their program, ask where you stand on their list of recruits, & figure out where they will be recruiting that year (combines, camps, etc).
What to expect. Game day visits will give you a chance to check out campus culture & the facilities in a more laid-back fashion, while one-on-one visits will allow you to discuss your potential directly with the coach, gain personal insight into their programs, & build your relationship in person. Both are valuable to all athletes, as they will give you a well-rounded understanding of your top choices & what the best fit is for you.
Ready to schedule unofficial visits over summer? Get started by updating your stats, highlight reel, & photos to make sure you're coach ready!
