Campus Visits

4 Red Flags to Look Out for on Official Visits

By Sydney DeNardo|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on December 6, 2021)

Official Visits are the time to feel out a school, team, program, and coaching staff. There are a couple things you want to see when visiting schools you want to play at. But, there are also some things to watch out for so you don't make the wrong decision. Here are some red flags to keep in mind when on your official visits.

Absent Team
Make sure you are able to meet most of the team, and see how the teammates interact with each other. If you go on an official visit, and the team isn't there and you only meet the coach, you should see it as a red flag. Is the coach afraid of what the team might say about him/her? Is the team not friendly, or do they not have a healthy dynamic? It is important to feel comfortable with your future teammates, so make sure you are able to get to know them

Absent Coach
Is the coach making a good first impression? Are they even present for your visit? If not, that is a major red flag. The coach should make you feel welcomed and not rely on the team to handle the whole visit.

Coach is All Talk
Sometimes the coach and players can exaggerate when explaining the program and school to you. Make sure you check how honest they are being. It is easy to get talked into going to a school when only the benefits are brought up, but the bigger picture is important to know. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Too Much Money Talk
Getting a scholarship is a big deal when getting recruited. You want all the money you can get. BUT money isn't everything if the school you choose doesn't make you happy. A school can throw a lot of money at you, which is very helpful. But, remember you are signing up for the next four years of your life. Make sure you put your education and happiness first. If the coach can only talk about money, but not the benefits the school has to offer you, that's a major red flag.

Talking about money with teammates can also be a red flag. Not everyone gets the same amount of money, and if the team is making you uncomfortable by asking, it could create problems later.

Be aware of these red flags when going on official visits. Go where you most feel comfortable and not where you get the most money. The team, coach, and school should make you feel welcomed and excited to join.