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    Recruiting Guide

    Campus Visits and Showcases: Making the Most of Every Opportunity

    Learn how to prepare for campus visits, what questions to ask coaches, and how to stand out at showcases and camps.

    Emails and videos only go so far. At some point, you need to meet coaches in person, see campuses with your own eyes, and show what you can do on the field. Campus visits and showcases are where recruiting gets real.

    🎯 The Goal:

    Find a place where you can thrive for four years—athletically, academically, and personally. These visits help you evaluate programs as much as they evaluate you.

    Official vs Unofficial Visits

    Official Visit Unofficial Visit
    Who pays? School pays for everything You pay all expenses
    When? D1/D2: August 1 of senior year Any time (even before high school)
    How many? Limited to 5 total (D1) Unlimited
    Duration? Up to 48 hours No limit
    What's included? Travel, meals, lodging, entertainment Campus tour, coach meeting (no meals paid)
    💡 Strategy Tip:

    Take as many unofficial visits as you can afford, starting sophomore year. Save your official visits for schools you're seriously considering as a senior.

    How to Schedule a Visit

    For Unofficial Visits:

    1. Email the coach expressing interest in visiting
    2. Propose 2-3 dates that work for you
    3. Ask what the visit will include
    4. Confirm logistics (parking, meeting location, etc.)
    5. Send a thank-you email after the visit

    For Official Visits:

    1. Wait for the coach to extend an official visit invitation
    2. Discuss dates and logistics with the coaching staff
    3. Complete any required paperwork or compliance forms
    4. Prepare questions and know what you want to learn
    5. Send a handwritten thank-you note after

    Questions to Ask on Your Visit

    Ask the Coaches:

    • What role do you see me playing as a freshman?
    • How do you develop players over four years?
    • What does a typical day look like during the season?
    • How do you balance athletics and academics?
    • What happens if I get injured?
    • What is your coaching philosophy?

    Ask Current Players (Without Coaches Present):

    • What surprised you most about playing here?
    • How is the relationship between coaches and players?
    • Is there anything you wish you knew before committing?
    • How manageable is the academic workload?
    • What's the team culture like?
    • Would you choose this school again?

    Ask Yourself:

    • Can I see myself here for four years?
    • Do I connect with the coaches and players?
    • Would I be happy here even if I couldn't play?
    • Does this fit my academic goals?
    • Does the location and campus feel right?

    Making a Great Impression on Visits

    ✅ Do This:
    • Dress neatly (you don't need a suit, but look put-together)
    • Be on time—early is better
    • Make eye contact and give a firm handshake
    • Ask thoughtful questions (shows you're serious)
    • Be yourself—coaches want to know the real you
    • Thank everyone you meet
    • Follow up within 24 hours
    ❌ Avoid This:
    • Being glued to your phone
    • Letting your parents do all the talking
    • Being late or unprepared
    • Talking negatively about other schools
    • Acting entitled or uninterested
    • Forgetting to follow up

    Showcases and Camps

    These events put you in front of multiple coaches at once. They're efficient for exposure but require preparation.

    Types of Events:

    • ID Camps: Run by a single college, focused on their program
    • Showcases: Multiple colleges attend to evaluate many athletes
    • Combine Events: Standardized testing (speed, strength, skills)
    • Tournaments: Compete with your club team while coaches watch

    Maximizing Showcase Events:

    • Research which coaches will attend
    • Email coaches beforehand to let them know you'll be there
    • Wear a number that's easy to spot
    • Warm up like you mean it—coaches watch everything
    • Play your game; don't try to do too much
    • Introduce yourself to coaches during breaks
    • Follow up after the event

    Parents on Visits

    For Parents:

    Your role is to support, not take over. Let your athlete lead conversations with coaches. Take notes, ask logistical questions (financial aid, housing, etc.), but let your son or daughter build their own relationship with the coaching staff.

    📌 Key Takeaways

    1. Take unofficial visits early — Start exploring as a sophomore
    2. Save official visits for serious options — You only get 5 in D1
    3. Ask the right questions — Especially to current players
    4. Make a great impression — Be professional, engaged, and grateful
    5. Use showcases strategically — Email coaches before and follow up after

    📚 Continue Your Recruiting Journey

    Visits and showcases are critical—but they're part of a bigger system:

    Related Resources

    Ready to Put This Into Practice?

    Start using RECRUITED to organize your outreach, track coach engagement, and follow up at the right time.