Got any advice?

You will have to judge by what they say, how they say it, etc.

And there is nothing wrong with asking the coach how he sees you fitting into his program.

Also, take a look at how deep they are at your position, and how good was the player whom you would be trying to replace (if there is a returning starter at your position). This can be tougher to analyze at some D3's, where some schools carry pretty large rosters.

Best wishes in your search.

Here's some questions that should ask during your vists, they should help you get a pretty good idea.

Some Questions to ask Coaches (either on the phone or during a visit)
1a.) What's your Coaching Philisophy?
1b.) How much playing time would I be looking at getting?
2.) What type of role do you see me playing when I come to this school?
3.) Is there any other way I can get more Financial Aid from the school?

My son was heavily recruited by a D3 and was invited to stay over night, take a tour, etc. He too was accepted. I say all that to say this. These other posters are right in that it is kinda hard to know if they truly want you. I hope you are being accompanied by your parents because they will glean valuable information from the coach(s) as they talk to you, i.e. the coaches integrity, sincerity, honesty, truthfulness, etc. You and your parents will get that gut feeling if the coaches truly want you there because they believe you can make an impact for them in the future.

What will really help them see you better is by preparing a workout DVD before you go and give them a copy while on the visit. The particular coach asked us for one. What to put on it? There are some good topics here on the message board about this very topic so look them up.

Good luck and let us know how it went!

Go to the team's web site.

Look at the rosters and year-end stats for each of the last, say, 4 years.

Make note of the turnover rate -- guys who left after a year or two.

Ask the coaches if they are concerned about that rate of turnover, or do they consider it par for the course.

Ask the coaches how many players tried out this fall, how many made it vs. got cut, how many of those who got cut were "recruited".

The unfortunate truth is that without NLI's, and scholarship money, it's hard to tell if they really love you or if they're just making sure they have enough guys to sift down to a strong team the next fall. Stories abound about D-III kids being promised the moon and then getting cut in the fall. Some are egregious about it, others more reasonable and truthful.

Do your homework.

And, if you get an overnight visit, ask these same questions to the players you stay with. They are more likely to give you the unvarnished truth.

Excellent advice, MD.

matt,

A few thoughts from the mom of a current D3 player:

Even at the D3 level, the best fit might not be a school where you are expected to be the starter FRESHMAN year. If the coach's plans for you involve playing behind a strong senior for a year and then hopefully taking over the starting position the next year, that might be one sign of a good coach who develops players.

On the other hand, at any college level including D3, expect to compete for a position every season, every game. Every year there are recruited freshmen, walk-ons and JUCO transfers who are after YOUR job.

Best wishes, and let us know how things go!

Julie

Thank you all for the advice,
So the idea I am getting from the posts is that nothing is really certain, until you officially make the team for a D3 school. But Ill definetly be asking all the questions that were given to me in this topic. Thanks again for all the advice.

Some D III coaches do offer a guaranteed roster spot as a freshman; if that's offered, it's a good indicator. Every year, you'll be competing for a spot on the field. My younger son was hon. mention all conference last spring as a freshman, but if he had floundered this fall (he didn't), he would be in a big dogfight for playing time. He still has to constantly show he will contribute to the team's chances of winning. College coaches want to win games, and will play the lineup that they think maximizes their chances. Third parties (players and parents) may disagree with their assessment, but that's the way it is. There's never a time a player can relax and cruise, that's not how the game works. Max effort, every day, every game, every opportunity.

You've been given lots of good advice. Talk to the players that show you around, look at last year's stats and box scores to see who is returning where, how they did, how they finished, what class they're in. Ask the coach how things look at your position-he's been through the fall and has a pretty good idea of who will start opening day (less than 2 months away).

Good luck, and have fun. Despite the ton of hard work needed to get where you want to go, it is still a game and being able to play at the college level in any sport is a blessing.

Mattd1990,
You have gotten some TERRIFIC advice. Many of these posters have seen me post in the past and I have to say that I have very little to post because of what has been said. This is coming from a D3 coach. The only thing I would bring up, knowing your front the Towson area and looking in the south is simple. Remember, EVERYONE wants to go south. I did, when I played, but something to think about. Coaches will be very loyal to where they have gotten players in the past, because it becomes a nice referral source. I would also check to see if they have any kids from your overall area, MD for instance. I know I get alot a Fr/So transfers after they go south and find out it's not greener on the other side of the fence. Keep doing your homework, and keep asking questions. Good luck to you!

Dear All, thank you for the great advice, I will certainly update my situation as it goes along, and will certainly be reading these forums for more great advice, Thanks again