Tryouts ended. The list goes up Monday.
Between now and then, you’re reading tea leaves. Most of them are noise.
Soft signals that sometimes mean something
A coach pull-aside with a specific positive question is usually warmer than a “what to work on for next year” talk.
Moving up with older groups and holding up is a yes lean. Getting eaten alive after a move-up is often just a test.
Water-break chats cut both ways. Friend-group skill matches are soft calibration, not a promise.
Coach body language from the bleachers is mostly noise. Stop staring.
For what the drills themselves usually signal, see how to read the tryout drill.
What does not matter
Whether the coach said hi to you does not matter. Prior coaching history between families does not matter.
The cleats you bought for day one do not matter. Coaches decide from what the kid does on the field.
Your kid’s self-score is often high. Adjust slightly down.
If they think they bombed and you saw real competence, adjust slightly up.
How to hold the wait
Say once on the drive home: You played hard. We’re proud of you either way. We’ll figure out what’s next together.
Do not repeat it at every meal. Keep Sunday normal with pancakes, errands, or a movie.
When the list posts, be nearby. If the name is missing, start with the 24-hour rule, not a midnight email.
The list is one event. Plenty of bubble kids at 11 look clearly sorted by 14.
The wait ends.