High school athletes must be proactive if they want to get their name out there. After identifying the school or program you may like to attend in the future, the next hurdle is connecting with coaches. While there is a likelihood of being scouted at camps, most coaches find recruits online or when they are contacted directly.

Here are a few ways to connect with coaches and turn options into opportunities:

Set up your recruiting profile

Before reaching out to coaches, athletes should have a recruiting profile set up. Having a strong online profile allows for coaches to look over your statistics and determine if you could potentially be a good fit to their team. Most recruiting processes are done online, so you are increasing your chances at being scouted. 

If you don't know where to start setting up your profile, Sportsrecruits and Smartathlete are great resources to check out. 

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Emailing

An email introducing yourself and presenting key information that may catch the coach's eye is the best way to establish communication with a coach. Luckily for you, most coaches have their email listed on their school website. This email should serve as an introduction–be sure to let the coach know that you have researched their program and have the potential to be a college athlete. While coaches have limits on contacting a potential recruit, they will be able to get in touch with your current coaches and arrange a time to connect with you.

Related: 5 Important Email Tips During the Recruitment Process

Calling/Follow-Up Call

A well-timed phone call can make an impact in your recruiting process. Generally, it is best to call a coach after you have already sent them an introductory email. Calls with coaches should involve you asking questions about their program while also being prepared to answer any questions they may have. Coaches are looking for athletes who are genuinely excited about their programs, so a phone call can help you stand out from the rest.

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* Originally published on October 31, 2022, by Kelly Wick