Coach-Athlete Relationships: What Student-Athletes Say Is Most Important

79% of student-athletes say they trust the feedback they get from their Coach is in their (student-athlete’s) best interest

Intro

It’s difficult to overstate the important role of the Coach-Athlete relationship on a student-athlete’s enthusiasm for their college experience. (I refuse to use the term “satisfaction;” is student-athlete “satisfaction” really what we are aiming for? How about enthusiasm?!) The Coach-Athlete relationship has three distinct phases: recruiting, retention, and engagement as alumni.

I set out to learn whether student-athletes think they have strong relationships with their coach (about 80% say they do) and what the key elements of those relationships are.

I surveyed 1,020 current college student-athletes in January 2021. NCAA Divisions I, II, and III were equally represented. Student-Athletes were from 22 sports and 52% female/48% male.

Recruiting

70% of Student-Athletes said that “trust” and 66% said “caring about my success” were the attributes that led to a strong relationship with their Coach during their recruitment.

The #2 selection criteria (after only availability and reputation of the major/degree program) is the Coach. First and foremost is the reputation of the Head Coach. That’s followed by a history of success of the Coaching Staff as players, assistants or Head Coaches.

Retention

71% of student-athletes saY they are “enthusiastic” about their relationship with their Coach.

77% say they’d make the same college choice again, knowing what they know now. 83% plan to stay, play, and graduate.

Future Program Alumni

45% of student-athletes said they plan on giving to their institution after they graduate. That’s more tan 5x the average (8%.)

According to that same US New study, the top 10 giving schools have alumni giving rates of 44% - nearly the identical percent of student-athletes that plan to give.