There are different ways that you can reach out to college coaches about the recruiting process, but the preferred method is through email. That initial reach will put you on a coach's radar. Drafting up the right email will let that coach know who you are and what it is that you are looking for and how that coach can reach you.

The NCAA does not allow coaches to initiate contact with a recruit before their junior year of high school. However, the good news is they can talk to you if you contact them first.

Related: 3 Effective Ways to Reach out to a Coach During the Recruiting Process

Introduction Email

The email that you will be sending out to coaches is an introduction email. It will show the coach that you are interested in their program, that you did your research and they can have an idea on who you are and what it is that you are looking for in their program. You can also give them your information on your next game so they can come to watch you.

First and foremost, you want to personalize each email. Coaches can read into the emails and know if they are “not sincere,” so please be transparent. If you don't, they will not take the time to respond. Coaches will be able to tell if you took the time to write the email.

Related: Recruiting and Twitter: 3 Tips for Athletes

Contact information

If you are reaching out to the coach, they will need your information so they can respond accordingly. This is what will happen, you will email the coach, and if they are interested in you, they will reach out to your coach and let your coach know when you should call them so you can talk.

Athletic and academic information – Coaches are looking to see if you will fit into their program, do you have potential and will you be coachable. They will want to know your GPA, ACT, and SAT scores. You will need to include the necessary information.  Moreover, depending upon your sport a link to your highlight video.

Information on competing

Coaches will also need to know where and when they can watch you in person. Coaches are prepared and have a list of athletes they want to watch at a tournament or showcases. So if you're going to be added to their list do not forget to add this information.

Sample Email to Coach

Dear [Coach's Name],

My name is [Your Name], I am in the graduating class of [put the year] at [Your High School] in [Hometown and State]. I am interested in [The Name of The University] and learning more about your program.

[You will want to write a paragraph on the research that you did on the school, highlight what you are interested in.]

I play [Put your position, best events, and the name of your team]. Some of my accomplishments are [list your top three to four, awards or recognitions]. You can view my complete online profile here [Link to your online profile if you have one]. Here is a link to my highlight tape [link to online highlight video]. Please feel free to contact my coach(s) [email and phone number for your high school or club team coach].

Here is my schedule  [include the date, location, name of the event, your team's name, your number, and the name of the field].

[List your GPA/SAT and ACT scores and then talk about what you like about as far as the major that you are looking for.]

I look forward to hearing back from you and learning more about your program.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Email]

[Phone]

[Address]

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Pro Tips: 

• Make sure your email address is professional – There is nothing worse than having an email like [email protected], make it simple and professional like [email protected]
• Title of email is clutch – Include your name, position, and graduating class in the email. This will peak the coach's interest, for example, “All-State Forward Keirsten Sires, 2020 Graduate Easton High School.“
• Research is key – know how many kids are in your position, the team's record (winning percentages, championships, awards) and a little about the players who are on the team. Does the school offer a program of study (major) that interests you?
• Email one coach at a time, no mass emailing.
• Coaches are very busy going through emails, and due to the NCAA recruiting rules, coaches might not be able to get back to you right away. If you know the rules and know that a coach can contact you but did not after a tournament that he attended, it is ok to follow up with another email a week after. If you know a coach can not contact you, it's ok to send an email that is updating them on your progress and academic reports.
• Most important, don't be shy. Be persistent because this will show that you are interested in the coach and their program.

Updated: 8/19/19

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* Originally published on January 17, 2020, by Keirsten Sires