The coaches are in a very difficult situation trying to get the best players they can in a very competitive environment, both academically and recruiting. They have no money to offer, limited influence over admissions, and they know the recruits have other options. In our case, we knew it was not a sure thing. But when your kid has his heart set on a school, and the coach encourages you to apply ED, it's easy to believe that it will all work out in your favor. I'm not upset with anyone. It's just a very confusing system -- and very expensive. The camps and showcases are expensive as are the schools themselves. Here in New York City where I live, lower income kids don't even think about these schools. Unless they've got connections through a high school or travel team coach, they haven't got a chance to be seen. Most go to community college and hope they can transfer to a D1 college down the road.