Make a Good First Impression!

6 Do’s and Don’ts When Emailing Coaches During the Recruiting Process

By Casey Chizmazia|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on July 22, 2022)

So, you're starting to email coaches? That's a great way to start your recruiting process! That said, it's smart to make a good first impression and if your first point of contact with a coach is an email, it is important to be respectful. Here is a list of 6 do's and don'ts to help you stand out (in a good way!).

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DO: Address the correct coach. If you have a standard email you are sending to each coach you must double, and triple-check that you have addressed the coach you mean to contact. Also, make sure if you use the school name that it's changed as well.

DO: Provide them with all the necessary information. If you plan on having coaches come watch you at a game or tournament, I urge you to make sure they know what position you play and your jersey number. If they can't recognize you in a game, chances are they won't know who to watch!

DO: Check your email for any grammatical errors if a coach is struggling to understand your email they might not bother with a reply. Making sure the email is legible and cohesive will automatically make a good impression with a coach. You could even download Grammarly on your computer or laptop which will fix grammar or spelling mistakes right on the spot!

DON'T: Have your parents email the coach of the school you are interested in! If you are in high school and have decided to try and further your athletic career, it's on you to take the time and contact the coach, not your parents. They have already put in enough time taking you to practices, and supporting you for the last 18 years. It's your turn to take care of yourself!

DON'T: Send mass emails. Having a standard email template is fine, but you also need to personalize it to that specific school and coach. Even just adding a single sentence explaining why you are interested in their program can distinguish your email from other potential recruits.

DON'T: Send one coach an enthusiastic email and a less inviting one to others. College coaches have plenty of rules to follow when it comes to contacting players, so they may not always reply to you. But coaches talk and if word gets around you are showing varied interest in programs or showing a lack of respect that can affect your reputation among other coaches. That's not to say you can't express to a dream school that you are very interested, but be respectful of all programs and coaches.

Overall, reaching out to coaches doesn't have to be as intimidating as it seems. Just make sure to be respectful, provide them with as much information as you can, and double check for errors. In no time you will be making connections and having coaches express their interest back. You certainly won't be able to form those relationships if your parents are the ones emailing coaches so take the initiative on your own.