You’re a Teammate, Not the Coach: Supporting Your Athlete the Right Way in Recruiting

As a parent or guardian of a high school athlete, your support is invaluable—but it’s important to recognize your role in the recruiting process. You’re not the head coach of this journey; you’re a trusted teammate. Your athlete needs space to lead, speak for themselves, and develop the confidence that college coaches are looking for.

That doesn’t mean you’re on the sidelines with nothing to do. Quite the opposite. Help your student-athlete stay organized with timelines, school lists, and communication plans. Be their cheerleader when the process feels overwhelming, and remind them of their goals when they face setbacks. Your encouragement and steady presence go a long way.

Where things can go off track is when adults take over the conversations that should come from the student-athlete. Coaches want to hear directly from the athlete—they want to see initiative, maturity, and communication skills. When parents take the lead in emails or phone calls, it sends the message that the athlete isn’t ready for the next level of responsibility.

So what’s the winning game plan? Stay involved, but let your athlete shine. Step in when they ask for help, offer insight when it’s needed, and always keep their confidence front and center. You’ve got their back—and that’s exactly where they need you most.