How to Email College Coaches (And Actually Get a Response)

Contacting college coaches is a crucial step in the college football recruiting process. However, many high school athletes either don’t do it at all or send emails that get ignored. Crafting a well thought out email can put you on a coach’s radar and increase your chances of being recruited. This guide will walk you through how to email college coaches effectively.

1. Research Before Reaching Out

Before sending any emails, make sure you’re reaching out to the right coaches. Here’s what to do:

• Find the correct contact information (often available on the school’s athletic website).
• Understand the program, their current roster, and their style of play.
• Mention something specific about the school or team to show genuine interest.

2. Crafting the Perfect Subject Line

Coaches receive hundreds of emails daily. Your subject line needs to stand out. Keep it short and to the point. Some good examples:

• “John Smith – 6’2” QB – Class of 2026 – Highlight Reel”
• “Speedy WR with 4.5 40-Yard Dash – Interested in [School Name]”
• “All-State LB – 3.8 GPA – Interested in Your Program”

For more subject line tips, check out this recruiting email guide.

3. Writing a Compelling Email

Your email should be professional, concise, and packed with relevant information. Here’s a basic structure:

Opening:
Introduce yourself, your position, your height/weight, and your high school. Example:

“Dear Coach [Last Name],

My name is John Smith, and I’m a 6’2”, 200-pound quarterback from [High School] in [City, State]. I’m in the Class of 2026 and am very interested in [School Name]’s football program.”

Highlight Key Information:

• Your current stats and any key achievements (e.g., All-Conference, Team Captain, 4.5-second 40-yard dash, etc.).
• Your GPA and test scores (if available) to show academic eligibility.
• A link to your highlight reel (uploaded to Hudl, YouTube, or another accessible platform). Example:

“This past season, I threw for 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning All-State honors. I have a 3.8 GPA and a 25 ACT score. Here’s a link to my highlight reel: [Insert Link].”

Call to Action:
Politely express your interest in their program and ask about next steps. Example:

“I’d love to learn more about your recruiting process and how I might fit into your program. Please let me know if there are any camps or visits where I could showcase my skills. Looking forward to hearing from you.”

Closing:
Sign off professionally:

“Best regards,
John Smith
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Hudl/Highlight Reel Link]”

4. Following Up the Right Way

If you don’t get a response, don’t panic. Coaches are busy. Follow up in 7-10 days with a polite reminder. Example:

“Hi Coach [Last Name],

I just wanted to follow up on my previous email. I’m still very interested in [School Name] and would love to connect when you have time. Here’s my highlight film again: [Insert Link]. Looking forward to hearing from you!”

For more follow-up strategies, check out this NCAA recruiting contact guide.

5. Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending generic, copy-paste emails – Personalize each email for each coach.
• Writing too much or too little – Keep it under 250 words while including key details.
• Using poor grammar or being unprofessional – Always proofread before sending.
• Not including a highlight reel – Coaches need to see your skills in action.

Conclusion

Make sure you contact coaches the right way, it can make a huge difference in your recruiting journey. Research each program, craft a compelling email, and follow up professionally. Take the initiative and start reaching out—your future in college football could depend on it!