Recruiting
SAMPLE EMAIL
TO COACHES
Your first email to a college coach is your first impression. Most recruits get it wrong. Here's how to get it right.
THE TEMPLATE
Subject: [Your Name] | [Position] | Class of [Year] | [High School]
Coach [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name]. I am a [class year] [position] at [High School] in [City, State]. I am [height] and I play [primary position].
I have been following [School Name] basketball and I am genuinely interested in your program. [One specific sentence about something real — a recent season, a player who developed there, the program's academic reputation in your intended major. Be specific.]
My current stats are [stats]. My GPA is [GPA] and my [SAT/ACT] score is [score]. I have attached my highlight film and a copy of my academic transcript for your review.
I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your program and discuss whether there might be a mutual fit. I can be reached at [phone] or [email].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
[Your Name]
[High School]
[Grad Year] | [Position] | [Height/Weight]
[Phone] | [Email]
WHY IT WORKS
The subject line is searchable
Coaches receive hundreds of emails. A clear subject line with your name, position, class year, and school lets them file and find it. Generic subjects get ignored.
You lead with who you are, not what you want
State the facts first. Coaches need the basics — class, position, size, location — before they can decide if there's any fit at all.
The specific compliment is not optional
One real sentence about their program tells a coach you actually know who they are. 'I'm interested in your program' means nothing. 'I know three players from your last two classes went on to play professionally' means everything.
You give them what they need to evaluate you
Highlight film and academic info in the first email. Don't make them ask. Coaches who have to follow up for basic info usually don't.
Short and professional
Not a cover letter. Not a life story. Coaches read this in 30 seconds and decide whether to click on your film.