Contacting coaches is an important part of the recruitment process because it allows you to introduce yourself to coaches and show your interest in their school and program. By contacting coaches, you can also learn more about the schools and programs that you are interested in and get their feedback on your skills and experience.
There are a few different ways to contact coaches. You can email them, call them, or even send them a letter. When contacting a coach, be sure to include your name, your year of graduation, and your sport of interest. You should also include a brief overview of your skills and experience.
BEST PRACTICES FOR CONTACTING COACHES:
- Do your research. Before you contact any coaches, make sure to do your research on the schools and programs that you are interested in. This will help you to determine if the schools and programs are a good fit for you and to make sure that you are contacting the right coaches.
- Be clear and concise. When you contact a coach, be sure to be clear and concise. State your name, your year of graduation, and your sport of interest. You should also include a brief overview of your skills and experience.
- Follow up. After you contact a coach, be sure to follow up with them. This shows that you are interested in the school and program and that you are serious about your recruiting process.
- Be patient. Coaches are often very busy and may not be able to respond to you right away. However, if you are persistent and keep in touch with coaches, you will eventually get their attention.
WRITING A STRONG INTRODUCTORY EMAIL TO COACHES:
- Start with a strong subject line. The subject line is the first thing the coach will see, so make sure it is clear and concise. You can include your name, your year of graduation, and your sport of interest.
- Be polite and respectful. Remember that coaches are busy people, so start your email with a polite greeting and end it with a thank you.
- Get to the point quickly. Don't waste the coach's time by rambling on. State your name, your year of graduation, your sport of interest, and why you are writing to them.
- Highlight your skills and experience. Tell the coach what you are good at and what you have accomplished. Be sure to include any relevant stats or awards.
- Be honest and transparent. Don't try to exaggerate your skills or experience. The coach will be able to tell if you are being dishonest.
- Proofread your email before sending it. Make sure there are no errors in grammar or spelling.
Here is an example of an introductory email that you can use as a template:
Dear [Coach's name],
My name is [Your name] and I am a [Your year of graduation] from [Your school]. I am writing to you today to express my interest in playing [Your sport] at [Your school].
I have been playing [Your sport] since I was [Your age]. I am a [Your position] and I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team. I am a hard worker and I am always willing to learn new things. I am also a team player and I am always willing to help out my teammates.
I have attached my [Your resume] and a [Your highlight reel] for your review. I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my interest in playing [Your sport] at [Your school].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, [Your name]
FOLLOWING UP:
- It shows that you are interested in the school and program. By following up, you are showing the coach that you are still interested in their school and program. This can be a big deal, as coaches are often looking for players who are truly committed to their program.
- It gives you a chance to learn more about the coaches and the school. When you follow up, you can ask the coach questions about their school and program. This can help you to get a better feel for the school and whether it is a good fit for you.
- It can help you to build relationships with the coaches. By following up, you can start to build relationships with the coaches. This can be helpful when you are applying for a spot on the team. The coaches will be more likely to remember you if you have built a relationship with them.
- It can help you to stand out from the competition. Many players send emails to coaches, but not everyone follows up. By following up, you can stand out from the competition and show the coach that you are serious about your recruiting process.
Here are some tips on how to follow up with coaches after sending an email:
- Send a thank-you email. After you send an email to a coach, be sure to send them a thank-you email. This shows the coach that you appreciate their time and consideration.
- Ask questions. When you follow up, be sure to ask the coach questions about their school and program. This can help you to learn more about the school and whether it is a good fit for you.
- Be patient. Don't expect a response from the coach right away. They may be busy or they may not have had a chance to read your email yet. Be patient and wait for the coach to respond.
- Be persistent. If you don't hear back from the coach after a few weeks, be persistent and send them another email. This shows the coach that you are serious about your recruiting process.
If you've read this far, you're obviously interested in the recruitment process and how to contact coaches. I encourage you to do your research and then reach out to them. Be clear and concise in your communication, and be patient as they may not be able to respond right away. However, if you are persistent and keep in touch with them, you will eventually get their attention.
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