In the college recruiting process, relationships matter. Trust matters. And for many families, the relationship with a recruiting coach can quickly feel like the foundation of the decision.
The calls.
The texts.
The reassurance that your child is wanted.
It’s natural to feel confident when a coach shows belief in your athlete. But it’s important to pause and ask an often-overlooked question:
What happens if that coach leaves?
College coaching is a carousel. Every year, coaches are hired, fired, promoted, or move to new programs. New staffs bring new systems, new priorities, and new recruiting boards. These changes don’t just happen in the offseason. They can occur after a commitment, between signing day and arrival, or even after an athlete is already on campus.
When that happens, the commitment doesn’t change. Your child is still enrolled. The school is still the school. The degree is still the degree. And the environment is still where they will live, study, train, and grow.
That’s why it’s important to look beyond any single coach when making a decision.
Ask the bigger questions:
• Does this school still fit academically?
• Would my child be happy here socially?
• Does the athletic department and overall program align with our expectations?
• Would we choose this school even if the coaching staff changed?
A new coach may already have athletes in mind. They may recruit the same position again. They may evaluate talent differently. None of this is personal, it’s simply the reality of college athletics.
Choosing a school based solely on one relationship isn’t wrong. It’s just incomplete.
Recruiting timelines move quickly, and emotions often run high. Having perspective helps families slow the process down and make decisions based on fit, not pressure.
That’s where an objective evaluation matters. It provides clarity about level, options, and realistic pathways so families aren’t dependent on one coach or one situation.
Because while coaching staffs may change, your child’s college experience lasts years. And that decision deserves a full picture, not a moment in time. Get your athlete evaluated today by completing this short form and put them on the path to finding their fit.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.