Student-athletes want to make a good impression on a prospective college coach. Sometimes, anxiety takes over during that first in-person meeting, and the student works too hard to impress the coach. During the first meeting, students need to step out of themselves and become a strong observer and listener. For example, if a student is in the coach's office, they should be mindful of the surroundings. The coach may have photos of his/her family, awards, diplomas, etc. Ask probing questions about things observed. Coaches have larger egos that student-athletes. Allow the coach to brag about the program and his/her accomplishments. Questions should be open-ended. Try to draw a connection when the opportunity presents itself. Maybe the coach has fishing photos on the wall. Look for a way to relate personally. Focus on establishing a relationship instead of trying to sell yourself. Do not waste the coach's time by asking questions that you can find out on your own. Do not ask the coach if he/she plays freshmen. I know high school coaches and club coaches who tell their players to ask the coach this question. It's a terrible idea. You can find that information very easily on your own. Every college baseball team has its own web site with stat data. If the roster demonstrates that not one freshman got an at-bat, then your question is answered. If the coach asks you about your strengths and weaknesses, focus on your strengths first. Make sure you talk about more strengths than weaknesses. Choose a few strengths and just pick one weakness that you are working. Turn the weakness into a goal opportunity. Talk to the coach about that goal and what key results you plan to achieve to accomplish your overall objective. 

Coach Mike VanderBunt