How to Connect with College Coaches

Author: Katelyn Hoffman 

As a high school athlete with aspirations to play at the collegiate level, establishing strong connections with coaches is a crucial step in recruiting. This blog post will explore the best ways to connect with coaches through in-person conversations, emails, and phone calls or videos such as the MAP assessment.  

No matter how you choose to communicate with the coaches, it is essential to prepare beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the coaching staff, the team’s values, and the program’s goals. 

Before attending a camp, calling a coach, or sending an email, beginning with a simple introductory email, is essential. In this email, include critical information about yourself, such as your graduation year, position, and location.  

• Email  
• When contacting coaches via email, always begin with an introduction email. The email is an essential first step and should be kept concise. When crafting a subject line, include crucial information such as your graduation year, position, and location. Try to keep subject lines to 50 characters or less.  
• When writing an email to a coach, it is essential to have the beginning reflecting your interest in the program. This would be a good section to include specific information about that University or program. This is a critical introduction, and having detailed information for each school helps emphasize your passion for the particular University, not just playing college football.  
• In the Middle section, this is your opportunity to stand out. Include information on your athletic and academic accomplishments, including why you would be a good fit for the University. For athletics, include relevant measurements and sport-specific stats. For academics, retain your GPA and test scores IF it is beneficial for you to have them. If your GPA needs to be higher, it is better to leave that information out.  
• The Last section should be giving college coaches a specific next step, such as letting them know when you will follow up. Include a link to your recruiting profile, including highlight videos. Including contact information for current coaches or personal trainers is also important. (Always check with the person whose information you are leaving so they are prepared to speak on your behalf.) 
• In-Person Conversations or Phone Calls:  
• An excellent opportunity to talk to coaches is to attend college camps or clinics. This can provide valuable face-to-face interaction. Make the most of these events by showing that you are prepared for a meaningful conversation. However, having a face-to-face conversation with a coach is not always possible, which is why it is important to know how to talk to coaches in different ways. 
• Whether the conversation takes place in person or over the phone, it is essential to be prepared. Prepare a list of questions to ask, show enthusiasm, and highlight your accomplishments and goals. Explain why you believe the coach’s program aligns with your aspirations. Ask the coach about the program, academics, and the recruitment process.  

Regardless of the communication medium, always maintain professionalism and respect. Address coaches by their preferred titles, respond promptly to messages and avoid using slang or informal language. Demonstrating maturity and care will leave a positive impression on coaches. After the meeting, send a thank-you note or email to express appreciation for the coach’s time, regardless of how you felt the conversation went. Gratitude will leave a lasting impression more so than a highlight reel will.