Leadership and Life Balance
How Do I Write an Email to a College Coach?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Keep it short, personal and specific. Put your name, graduation year and position in the subject line. Introduce yourself, share your academic and athletic snapshot, link your video and say why you want that program. Close with a next step, then follow up every ten to fourteen days.
The answer
- Tell your current coach which schools you plan to contact, and ask for their help.
- Keep the subject line under 75 characters: your name, graduation year, position, one key stat or achievement, and a note if a video is attached.
- Greet the coach by name. Give your graduation year, position, high school and location, and one personal reason you like their program.
- Share your athletic and academic snapshot together: best stats, honours, grades and test scores. School and sport are one performance environment.
- Show how you play, not only your numbers.
- Personalise every email with something specific about the program. Do not send copy-and-paste emails.
- Link your highlight video and recruiting profile, add your contact details and say when you will follow up.
- Proofread names and school details, and send in the daytime. Follow up every 10 to 14 days unless the coach says otherwise, each time with something new such as a fresh highlight or academic update. Put the follow-up dates in your calendar.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 28 October 2026.