Parent Question

Should parents contact college coaches for their athlete?

Short answer

Generally, no — the athlete should be the one emailing and talking to coaches. On Episode 38, USA Cheer's Lauri Harris described the parent's job as walking alongside the athlete rather than leading the process. Parents handle logistics, deadlines, travel, finances and perspective; the athlete owns the communication and the journey.

The CDU explanation

What that means in practice

A workable split: your athlete writes the emails and asks the questions; you keep the spreadsheet, book the visits, ask the financial questions of the admissions and aid offices, and keep the process from swallowing the family.

Coaches are evaluating whether this person can advocate for themselves for four years, so a parent-written email quietly answers that question the wrong way. Hannah Kirby said the same thing in Episode 21.

It's also the same boundary that works in All Star: advocate, don't perform. The athlete's voice is part of what's being recruited.

Expert context

Season 1 sources

  • Lauri Harris

    Episode 38

    Executive Director, USA Cheer — parents walking alongside rather than leading the recruiting process.

  • Hannah Kirby

    Episode 21

    Head Cheer Coach, Taylor University — on the parent's role in recruiting.

  • Cody Boyd — CHEER DAD

    Episode 20

    On parent boundaries and long-term athlete development.

Last reviewed 2026-09-11· Event & program specifics require verification

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