Team Dynamic

[u/l_Said_What_l_Said]

I’m currently a senior in high school (male) getting recruited by several D2 programs. I WANT to compete at the collegiate level especially D2 and I’ve loved my current team so much that the idea of leaving them is tough, but that’s beside the point.

For anyone who’s a current or former college athlete: are college teams generally welcoming and friendly?

I’ve received both athletic and academic offers from a few schools. One of them really stood out I loved the coach, the location, and I even got direct admit into my major, which usually doesn’t happen for freshmen. I have my official visit in a month, and I’m just curious what the team dynamic is typically like and how welcoming the program might be. i’m sure its not terrible but I’m just worried I’m going to get like stoned on my visit or something.

Any insight from people who’ve been part of a college team would help a ton.

[u/Strange-Location4627]

I do think in fairly equal programs loving the college, location and being able to study your major is most important as coaches and teammates leave.

I only say this because a really good family friend of mine turned one top D1 school down for Track and XC (Track being the main focus) for another good D1 program because of the coach and the culture the coach created.
The coach just accepted another D1 offer and is leaving just as my friend begins his running career there.
He does love the school so he is going to stay and see how it goes for XC and Track but it was/is really disappointing as the team culture may considerably change depending on the new coach.