What are coaches really looking for? And more important, what should students and families be looking for in a college coach?

College coaches look at student-athletes in two main ways:

Tangible talent evaluation: Obviously, coaches are searching for sport-specific attributes. The basics include: Size, athleticism and skills. The specifics of what coaches are looking for depend on the current strengths of their teams and their personal coaching styles as well as the anticipated potential growth opportunities for the athletes.

Just as in standard, nonathletic college admissions, there isn’t a defined criteria chart that guarantees being a successful recruit. Many players don’t necessarily fit the mold. Mark Lewis, who writes for ESPN HoopGurlz, says he has recruited some unusual prospects: a 4-foot-11 point guard and some “rail-thin athletes who could have played linebacker for the Steelers.”

The skill evaluation is inherently subjective because a college coach will see an athlete only on a single day in a single game. It sounds very similar to the critique of a one-time, four-hour standardized test being used to judge a student’s capability to compete successfully in college academics. Once coaches identify a group of prospects based on talent, they look at other factors.

Intangible character evaluation: Besides raw talent, what’s really going to impress a coach? You might be surprised to know that beyond athletic ability (agility, skills, size, strength and speed), coaches want to know that their athletes have the competitive edge, the mental toughness, the maturity and the team-player attitude that it takes to succeed.

College coaches are looking for intangible character qualities that come through both on and off the field. How hard do you play? Do you mentor younger players with good examples? Do you play hard even when you don’t have the ball? What are you doing when you don’t think anyone is watching?

Additionally, it is very important that the student-athlete can be accepted on his academic merits and be successful at his institution. Coaches want student-athletes who love their sport and want to compete at the next level.

Points for athletes

Things for athletes to think about:

Colleges control the recruiting process — this is their livelihood.

Be honest with any coaches recruiting you — treat them the way you’d like to be treated.

Make sure you feel qualified to compete academically at each college you are considering.

Ask about the realistic time commitment.

Understand that the physical and mental stresses of college-level sports are much higher than high school.

Gain a clear understanding of whether you’ll have serious playing time.

Do your homework on each of the college teams and determine how badly they need someone like you and how you fit into their future plans. Find out who is returning and at what positions.

Ask about academic advising programs for athletes.

Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Send questions to: leecollegeadmissionsstrategies.com or go to www.collegeadmissionsstrategies.com.