Questions Parents of Student-Athletes Should Ask Coaches, Support Staff, and Academic Services
1. Support During College Years
To Coaches:
- What support is available to my child during their time at the university, both academically and athletically?
- How do you help student-athletes balance their academic and athletic commitments?
- What resources are available to help my child succeed academically if they are struggling?
- Are there any programs to help student-athletes develop transferable skills that will be useful after their athletic careers end?
- How do you ensure that my child feels supported both on and off the field/court?
To Academic Services:
- Are there academic advisors specifically for student-athletes who understand their unique schedule and commitments?
- Does the university offer tutoring or academic coaching tailored to student-athletes?
- What resources are available to ensure my child doesn’t fall behind in coursework due to athletic commitments?
- How do you help student-athletes set academic and career goals that align with their future ambitions, whether they go pro or not?
To Support Staff (e.g., Athletic Trainers, Nutritionists):
- How will my child be supported physically and emotionally throughout their athletic career?
- Are there wellness and mental health programs specifically designed for student-athletes to help them with the stresses of their sport and academic life?
- How do you monitor my child’s health, both physical and mental, during the season and in the off-season?
- What injury recovery programs or resources are available to my child if they are injured?
2. Support During the Summer (Off-School Periods)
To Coaches:
- What support does my child receive during the summer when they are not in school, especially if they are still competing or training?
- Are there summer training programs or internships available for student-athletes during the off-season?
- How does the university help my child maintain their athletic performance over the summer months?
To Academic Services:
- Are there summer classes or online courses that my child can take to stay on track for graduation?
- Is there academic advising available during the summer to help my child plan for the next year or post-graduation?
To Support Staff:
- How are student-athletes supported during the summer months to maintain their physical health, fitness, and nutrition?
- Are there mental health programs that operate year-round, even during the summer months?
3. Post-Graduation and Career Preparation
To Coaches:
- How does the athletic department help prepare student-athletes for life after college, especially if they do not go pro in their sport?
- Does the athletic program have partnerships with organizations or businesses to help with job placements for former student-athletes?
- Are student-athletes encouraged to network with alumni in their field of interest, and how does the program facilitate these connections?
To Academic Services:
- What career services are available for student-athletes once they graduate, and how long do these services continue after graduation?
- Are there internship opportunities specifically designed for student-athletes, or do you help them find internships in their field of interest?
- What kind of professional development resources (resume building, job fairs, interview prep, etc.) are available to help student-athletes transition to a career outside of sports?
- How does the university help student-athletes build their professional network for life after sports?
To Support Staff:
- Are there programs in place to help my child manage the emotional transition from student-athlete to post-graduation life?
- How do you help student-athletes develop life skills like financial literacy, time management, and career planning that are essential after sports?
4. Alumni and Networking Opportunities
To Coaches:
- How does the program stay connected with alumni, and how can my child benefit from networking with former student-athletes in their field of interest?
- Does the university facilitate ongoing connections with alumni, and are there specific alumni events that focus on career transition?
To Academic Services:
- Does the university have a mentorship program with alumni, especially those who were student-athletes, to guide my child through life after graduation?
- Are there events or networking opportunities for student-athletes to connect with alumni working in various industries?
To Support Staff:
- Is there an ongoing support network for student-athletes after graduation, such as alumni associations or professional groups that help with career placement?
5. Coursework and Career Preparation
To Coaches:
- How do you encourage student-athletes to explore career options outside of sports during their time at the university?
- Are there specific programs or connections in place to help student-athletes identify their career interests early on?
To Academic Services:
- Are there specific courses or programs that can help my child develop skills outside of sports, such as leadership, communication, or business skills, that will be beneficial for their future career?
- How do you support student-athletes in discovering a career path that aligns with their interests and strengths, even if it’s not related to sports?
- Are there opportunities for student-athletes to participate in internships, study-abroad programs, or job-shadowing experiences?
To Support Staff:
- Are there workshops or seminars on life skills such as financial literacy, job searching, and personal branding that student-athletes can participate in during their time at the university?
- Does the university provide access to resources that help student-athletes transition smoothly from college life into professional careers?
By asking these questions, you can help ensure that your student-athlete is well-supported throughout their time at university, both during their athletic career and after graduation. It’s essential that your child is not only ready to succeed in their sport but is also prepared for life after sports, equipped with the resources and skills they need for their next steps in life.