Fear of Talking to College Coaches

2014P

Your son is no different than most kids his age. My son had the same problem. I would say it just takes one time before the ice is broken. I remember when my son was terrified to speak with HC/RC.

The thing that worked best for him was to just do it. Sounds easy but here's what my son did.  Summer after his soph year we would make the rounds to visit schools. The first school we picked was initially not a top choice so we explained that it mattered not if got the deer in the headlights effect. We sent him in alone to find the coaches office, he knocked on the door expecting no one to answer. Door opens and coach invites him in. They sit and talk for 15 minutes. The coach asked him a lot of questions and all he had to do was answer. Because of that positive experience, he was less fearful moving forward.

Talking to coaches at a camp such as the Stanford camp is a bit more intimidating. Just assure him that these coaches are used to talking to kids. Baseball is the common denominator here, so it will go well.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

PS...how was the Stanford camp? 

Adaptation.  Most kids learn very quickly that they have to adapt to the adult world in the recruiting process, and communicate with coaches.  This is one of those cases where peer pressure actually does them a favor, because I don't think my son would have said a word otherwise.   Most college coaches will help start the conversation gently and ease into it for the benefit of the recruit.  Learning to talk to coaches, alumni and Admission folks is just a matter of practice just like anything else.   This aspect of recruiting was where I saw the biggest change & opportunity for him to learn new life skills.  If my son can do it (extremely quiet) anybody can do it.

Your son will work up the courage the next time he is in that position.  Don't worry, they figure it out.

Have his first talk be with a coach that he has no interest in playing for, No pressure if it doesn't go well and he will realize it's not that bad. It worked for both my boys.

All good advice so far. I think this could be a great thread and I look forward to following along.

Here's my take on "interviews" ... whether they be for a job or a position on a ball team: Go in KNOWING that the interviewer WANTS you to succeed! He or she is hoping and praying that you meet or exceed expectations. It's not about harsh judgment or trick questions ... it's about HOPE.

So go in, relax, be yourself, be respectful ... prove you've done your homework and are familiar with the company culture and priorities ... or the team's strengths and weaknesses, and be honest about how you can add value.

I really believe if more people -- especially young men in these situations -- would understand that the person they are talking to REALLY wants to believe in them, these conversations might be less stressful.

Related to the above post, help your son understand that he's not the first recruited player who has been reluctant to strike up a conversation with a college coach. As has been suggested already, his reaction is pretty common; whereas, coaches are veterans and have seen many reticent players come before him.

Not only do they understand, but they also appreciate what a challenge it can be for many players. As a result, the players who overcome their original reluctance stand out in a positive way.

Break the ice. It'll quickly become much easier.

Best of luck to him!