In the competitive landscape of college athletics, reaching out to college coaches via email can be a crucial step in your recruiting journey. Here’s a guide to help you craft effective emails that make a positive impression and increase your chances of getting noticed:

1. Research and Personalization

Before drafting your email, research the college and the coach you are contacting. Understand their program, recent achievements, and coaching philosophy. Personalize your email by addressing the coach by name and mentioning specific aspects of their program that interest you.

2. Clear and Concise Subject Line

Your email subject line should be clear and to the point.

Becky Jones / Libero / 3.8 GPA / Villa Park HS, CA / '26

Jon Price - Dual-Threat QB/FS - 6’2” 190 - 30 ACT - Olympus HS, UT - '25

3. Introduction

Start your email with a brief introduction that includes your name, graduation year, position or event, high school, or club team. Mention why you are interested in their program and what attracted you to their college.

4. Academic and Athletic Achievements

Highlight key academic achievements, such as GPA and ACT/SAT test scores, as well as athletic accomplishments, such as stats, honors, accolades, team awards, personal records, championships, etc. It’s OK to brag a bit. It also never hurts to note how your team is currently doing as it illustrates that you’re a team player. Your goal is to peak the coach's interest enough to make them want to watch your highlight video.

5. Highlight Video 

Include a prominent link to your updated Hudl highlight video along with the title of the video "Junior Season Highlights: Games 1-3". The recruiting process begins when a coach responds back to you saying that they really like your film. Send new updated highlight videos on a consistent basis. If it is a “Season Highlight Video”, be sure to add your best plays weekly and always sequence them at the beginning of the video (best play #1, #2, #3. etc.). Remove all plays that really aren’t highlights.

6. Ask for Feedback

End your email by asking the coach for feedback on your highlight film "I would really appreciate it if you could give me feedback on my film!" or "I look forward to your feedback and hearing back from you soon!". Let them know that you'll continue to update them on your academic progress, along with new film.

7. Contact Information and Social Media

Create a professional-looking signature line that includes your contact information (phone number and email), along with a link to your Twitter/X handle. The recruiting process generally begins on email, but often moves over to Twitter/X DM once a relationship has been established.

8. Proofread and Edit

Before sending your email, proofread it carefully for grammar and spelling errors. Ensure the tone is professional and respectful throughout. You may also consider having someone else review it to provide feedback.

9. Follow-Up

If you don't hear back within a reasonable time frame (about 7-10 days), consider sending a polite follow-up email. Reiterate your interest and inquire if they had a chance to review your information.

10. Stay Organized

Keep a record of all your communications with coaches, including emails sent and received, as well as any responses or feedback. This helps you track your progress and follow up effectively.

By following these best practices, you can present yourself in a positive light to college coaches and increase your chances of standing out in a competitive recruitment process.