Contacting a coach can be an intimidating process. It is hard to know what information to include in the message or if the coach will even know who you are after you push send. But here’s a quick guide on how to approach the email process! Here are our five tips on how to email college coaches in 2022.
Tip 1: Be Realistic
We’ll keep the first tip short and simple, but this is something that is extremely important! When you’re starting your recruitment process it is important that you are realistic with yourself. Not everybody is going to be a D1 athlete. That is the harsh reality of the situation but that’s fine, we’re open to all opportunities because we want the opportunity to play college sports… Right?
Do you know what level you are? If so, that is the level you need to be targeting. If you don’t know, ask someone close to you who you know will be honest with you.
Tip 2: Do Your Research
Before you start emailing Duke, Kentucky, Alabama and Kansas ask yourself the following questions.
- How many players do they have in your position already on the team?
- Does the school offer a program of study (major) that interests you?
- Is that your level?
- Are there players from your state or area on the team?
- Is the tuition financially feasible for you and your family?
- Does the program offer any camps you can attend?
Once you have the answers to a few of these questions (or any others relevant to your search), you should have a general idea if the school is one you would like to pursue and you can start emailing.
Tip 3: Get Specific
No one likes generic mass emails. As coaches, we know prospective students are more responsive to personal communication. Coaches will have the same expectations when receiving emails from recruits. Since you have already researched the institution, you should be able to be EXACT in your email.
- Tips to make your email stand out:
- Email only one coach at a time (no mass emailing)
- Fill out the subject line with an appropriate email heading
- Address the head coach or recruiting coordinator specifically
- Address the school by name
- Mention that you have done research on the institution
- Try to incorporate what it is about their specific academic or athletic program that appeals to you
Read more on how to get recruited here
Tip 4: Keep It Simple
Emails are a great way to communicate with a coach, but they should be sent with a specific purpose. You have to find a balance between overwhelming a coach with information and making yourself stand out as a prospect.
Select a purpose for your email and stick to the topic:
- Introduction and Interest
- Showcase Invitation
- Camp or Showcase Thank You
- Once you have selected the purpose of your email, decide what information is critical. Here are a few suggestions:
- Introduction and Interest
- Team (Club, High School and/or ODP)
- Brief Athletic Information (Position, most significant award or statistic)
- Brief Academic Information (GPA, Grad Year, test score)
- I am interested in your program because…
- Showcase Invitation
- Team
- Schedule
- Why they should come watch your game
- Camp or Showcase Thank You
- Team or Group name and jersey number
- Do they have any feedback for you?
- Are there any other upcoming events they will be attending?
Tip 5: Attachments and Links
Rather than inundating a coach with every detail of your playing history in an email, attach your player profile to the email. Remember Tip 4: Keep It Simple! Coaches are busy and they should be able to immediately identify the purpose of your email.
If you are able to attach a profile or provide a link to a highlight video, they can review your additional information on their own time. Often, videos and profile information are inserted into a recruiting database, allowing for a coach to access and take notes on the information at any time.
Keep the meat of your email clear and concise, but give the coach an opportunity to learn more if they are interested in what you have to offer.
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