Thoughts on an early transfer?

Wow.  I think I would be on the phone with the NCAA right now 317-917-6222.   Get as much information as possible and talk to your son.  Have him think about it for a couple days before doing anything.  

NCAA transfers and eligibility policies seem to change depending on who is asking.  Try to get something in writing.  The NCAA always reminds me of George Orwell's Animal Farm  classic where "all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". 

I hope everything works out for your son and family.

As always, JMO.

That sucks.  Of course, one of the huge obstacles at this point will be getting into the classes desired and not finding himself too far behind in that regard.  I would dig deep into that aspect.  Not sure how easy that would be, particularly without the waiver in hand.  So, while I fully appreciate Fenway's suggestion not to rush into a decision, in some aspects, steps probably need to be taken immediately if transfer for this semester is to remain an option.

If that can be overcome, then you have to go back to the process and consider pro's and con's of each school minus the HC.  You may also be able to transfer for the Spring semester but that can be much more difficult from the standpoint of earning playing time (unless player is a clear standout among the group).  

I would offer an alternative consideration.  Are you sure that your son may not wind up with a stronger HC to replace the guy who bailed?  Once school started they are likely to just name an Acting HC, but did he meet any of the other coaches already and has he met the replacement?

I understand the thinking about wanting to be coached up in his position.  But my son's experience in D2 tells me the HC has little to no time to actually coach individual players.  His coach has his multiple assistants working with the specific positions and they devote their time to it.  In college baseball, unlike HS, it is the assistant coaches who really work closely with the players (which is why the vote down on the no paid 3rd assistant is such a travesty).  Not to disparage the coach since I don't know why he would quit at such a bad time, but that sales pitch he may have given your son may not have been the reality once he was on the team.

The transfer route is very complicated, and athletes should pursue it only when they are certain there is no other option.  This seems pretty early to make such a huge decision, but fully understand exploring it.

Not sure what the best choice is, however I would encourage being patient and finding out who the new or interim coach is, and any other pertinent info about the program moving forwards...

Backstop22 posted:

I would offer an alternative consideration.  Are you sure that your son may not wind up with a stronger HC to replace the guy who bailed?  Once school started they are likely to just name an Acting HC, but did he meet any of the other coaches already and has he met the replacement?

I understand the thinking about wanting to be coached up in his position.  But my son's experience in D2 tells me the HC has little to no time to actually coach individual players.  His coach has his multiple assistants working with the specific positions and they devote their time to it.  In college baseball, unlike HS, it is the assistant coaches who really work closely with the players (which is why the vote down on the no paid 3rd assistant is such a travesty).  Not to disparage the coach since I don't know why he would quit at such a bad time, but that sales pitch he may have given your son may not have been the reality once he was on the team.

The transfer route is very complicated, and athletes should pursue it only when they are certain there is no other option.  This seems pretty early to make such a huge decision, but fully understand exploring it.

I would agree.  In most cases, the HC doesn't do a lot of individual work with players.  He's in charge of situational type coaching, personel, etc.   I can't remember my son ever mentioning the  HC working with guys individually at any position.

IMO, your son's situation is too complicated, and his time is too limited, to try to figure this out on your own. Complicating factors: Has he practiced with the team? Has he started attending classes? Is he on any type of scholarship? Is he wanting to complete his semester at the current school, or withdraw?

If he wants to play at the other school in the spring of 2020, he might need to act quickly. I would encourage you to contact Rick at Informed Athlete for expert advice.

Here's another option if it works academically. Transfer at the semester to JuCo. We knew early on my son't freshman year that he was not where he needed to be. He was at a D1 in a strong baseball conference, but the whole situation was just a mess for him. We talked to an interested JC coach when he was home at the break. However, my son felt that because the HC had used a significant scholarship on him that he owed it to him to stay. In the end, he didn't play at all (his fault, not the coaches and not for lack of the coach wanting him to play), had an unpleasant year, and ended up at the JuCo this year anyway. In retrospect, I wish we had just transferred to JuCo last year at the break.

Holy cow, didn’t school just start? This is crazy to be bailing this early in my opinion. Strap on the big boy boots and go experience the darn program this term.

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the feedback. He's going to speak to the AD tomorrow to get permission to speak to the HC from the other school. The HC who left WAS the pitching coach and his other two assistants (one is the interim HC) have limited experience and no pitching experience. That, along with the challenge the school will have finding a suitable replacement HC at this point in the year are our biggest concerns.

We'll take it as slow as we can and make an educated decision. 

Thanks for the referral to the Informed Athlete site.

Proud Papa posted:

. The HC who left WAS the pitching coach and his other two assistants (one is the interim HC) have limited experience and no pitching experience. 

That is a compelling reason to want to leave.  Makes sense.

Did the HC give a reason for why he left?

No, but we have heard rumors from multiple people that the school is reducing funding and considering a move to D3. I know they're just rumors but it kind of fits with how the coach left. Thinking about reaching out to him today (the departure is official today) but not sure what he might feel comfortable telling me.

FYI - Informed Athlete is a great resource and we've spoke to Rick. Great resource if anyone is looking for help.