XC is well underway, which also means college recruiting visits are happening.
For many Seniors recruiting visits are intimidating, which is understandable. Choosing where you are going to compete and earn your degree is a big decision. In most cases, you will spend your entire academic career here and experience relationships that will significantly impact your growth as a human.
With this, it's essential that while it may be intimidating, you also come prepared. These are questions I would recommend asking the coaches and team when visiting to help athletes identify if the program is one a young athlete would want to be a part of, so here we go...
To the Coach(es)
What is your retention rate of runners? How many first-year students stay on the team until they are seniors? (Keep in mind for CCs it's two years, and Universities are 4-5 years)
If there are a lot more freshmen than seniors, ask why. Many times this is due to injuries, unhappiness, etc. And if injuries are prevalent is because of training load, under fuel, etc.
What does the mileage look like for athletes on the team? Is it the same, is it different?
If all team members are doing the same mileage, that could be a red flag. Not one size fits all; athletes have different running and sports backgrounds.
What do you think is the ideal athlete progression in your program?
Is the expectation that first-year students are scoring in their first year, and if so, why? Are you looking for athletes to be their best in their later years?
Can you explain the importance of female menstruation?
Yes, menstruation provides hormones, and balanced hormones help your body to handle training loads and recover properly. They also affect energy, mood, and affect your bodies ability to bare a child (if you eventually want children).
What is your training philosophy? Who are some coaches you respect/look up to?
Look up who they say, and see if you agree with those coaches processes and admire/respect their athletes careers.
To the Team
If it's a female team, ask if any of them have lost their period? And if so, if the coach(es) know and is doing anything to help them (providing resources, etc.)
This might be personal for some, but hopefully it doesn’t have to be. If it seems like no one will answer you that can also be a red flag, as sometimes athletes don’t want to admit this.
Ask if any athletes had breakthrough performances recently and why they think that is?
The ideal answer has something to do with consistent work, good fuel, etc.
How many athletes are currently injured, and what type of injuries are most common on the team?
Stress fractures commonly stem from under-fueling and/or overtraining.
How does the coach try to inspire your team to do their best work?
Do they stress how appearance affects performance? Or how being healthy and putting in hard work breeds performance?
Reach out to Alumni and ask them about their experience, especially ones who may have transferred.
Coach and Team
Have a meal with the team and coach and watch for signs of under-fueling, food restrictions, the unhealthy language around food, justifications for eating, etc.
Other tips for recruiting trips!
If you have the time and resources take all 5, and you can also go on your own time and do more. And take all of them before you make your decision even if you feel very sure about your choice after the first few.
Know that in the end, you can always transfer, so while you feel pressure to make the best decision on the first go, you can always change your mind down the road.
If you have any other questions you think I should add please DM on Instagram or email me. I would be thrilled to add it and give you credit and link your IG/website.