A coach’s first impression of you is going to come in the form of your introduction letter. It is an essential piece of the recruiting process. You want your letter to stand out amongst all of the other emails college coaches are receiving. What can you do to make sure your letter grabs the attention of a college coach and they want to discover more about you and eventually want to evaluate your athletic ability and meet you in person? 

Here are some tips and advice to help you write a dynamite introduction letter that will be sure to grab college coaches attentions. 

Use a professional email

If your email is your first and last name, such as JohnSmith@gmai.com, then you don’t necessarily need to include your name in your subject line. You want the coaches be able to identify you immediate from your email address. Avoid using email addresses like SoccerPrincess321@gmail.com or SoccerBaller911@gmail.com A professional email shows the coach you are taking your recruiting process seriously.

Pay Attention to the Details

Make sure you sending your emails to the proper coach at the proper school. You don’t know how many times I received an email intended for another coach at another school but with my programs name attached.

Email Subject Line

Don’t overlook the importance of a strong subject line, it is the first thing the coaches eyes see. A well written subject line that sparks interest can be a differentiator. 

• Don’t Be Generic - A subject line that tells the coach exactly who you are E.g. 2022 CM Playmaker, All ECNL XI Team, 2021 Outside Back with Attacking Prowess)
  

• Include Stats - What physical stats or game stats are important? E.g 2021 5’10 Goalkeeper, PA All State Selection, .85 GA, 14 Shutouts
  

• Tailor the Subject Line - Gear towards what level you are interested in. E.g John Smith, Target Forward , 11 Goals 3 Assists, DIII Interest
  

• Reference a Specific Request/Event - For follow up emails a subject line can reference something specific, ie Campus Visit, Event follow-up, Upcoming Camp Schedule

Spending a little extra time on your subject line can go a long way in your recruiting. Focus on the program to find the best way to market yourself to the college coach.

The Email itself

Your introduction letter to a college coach should be a personally written email intended for that school, that program, that coach. NO FORM LETTERS. Be personal, Be Specific. Your introduction should include 5 parts.

1. Greeting - Dear Coach Smith (Not Dear Coach)
   

2. Introduction - Hello, my name is ….  (Recruiting Class, High School, Club, Position, etc.
   

3. Purpose / Objective - Why are you writing? Express interest in the program, request a campus visit, attend an ID Clinic. Each time you write to a college coach there should be a purpose or objective. E.g. I am interested in State College for these reasons.
   

4. Value - The Value is who you are as a student and as an athlete. What attributes do you possess? Why should a coach recruit you? What value can you add to the program both on and off the field Discuss Academics Achievements, Athletic Achievements both team and individual, and other extracurriculars are you involved in , community service, other sports, clubs, and employment.
   

5. Follow-Up - What’s the next step? How will you follow up or how do you want them to follow up? Revisit the recruiting guidelines to know when and how college coaches can begin initiating contact. 

Social Media

“Use your social media to enhance your personal brand.” A college coach may view your social media profile to gauge your character by looking at the things you post and the things that are important to you. Be careful what do you on social media. Use the T-H-I-N-K acronym when considering posting something.

T - IS IT TRUE H- IS IT HELPFUL I-IS IT INSPIRING N- IS IT NECESSARY K-IS IT KIND

Are you looking for more guidance in the recruiting process than visit www.GuidingFutureStarsAcademy.com to get your copy of Designing Your Pathway to College Sports workbook and start planning for your college athletics future.

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