As I looked at this picture of Collier, Marissa and Geno, I reflected on you mentioning that she lost her father this year. The observation you made is very real. A warm and supportive family atmosphere will no doubt play a large part in choosing where she commits. It drove home the idea that during these home visits and other personal contacts (campus visits), it's crucial that the
assistants form a strong personal bond with the recruit.
They are they ones that the players interact with most on a daily basis.
They are the ones the players go when any type of personal problems or issues arise.
In some programs, it's possible that the players are requested go directly to one of the assistants first. If they cannot handle the situation, then one of them goes to the head coach, who at that time may not be on campus, or may be tied up with administrative duties/commitments or meetings. Most coaches have "an open door " policy with their players, but still encourage the players to contact one of the assistants first to see if perhaps they can resolve the problem/concern. Head coaches do not wet-nurse the players when emotional/physical boo-boos arise, the assistants do.
Marissa is to collier: the same ethnicity (which may or may not mean anything), closer to her own age than Geno, CD or Shea. She also played center/post in college. She's been where Collier is going.
She understands and has experienced everything that she will be going through. Marissa would also be her position coach. We all know
assistants do the bulk of personal contacts with recruits (phone calls, twitter messages, instagrams, e-mails, letters, etc.)
Campus buildings, facilities, presidents and teachers don't recruit players, the coaches do. Campus location (winter weather/distance from home), amenities and desired curriculum availability (Major) of course play a large part in the recruitment process, and of course the
current roster depth at her position, that is huge. As you know, when a player decides to commit to a particular program, it's to the coaches and players. The overall campus atmosphere may play a part, but is seldom the ultimate deciding factor.