Spencer Lanoue
Writing a college recruiting email can feel a bit like standing at the edge of a diving board, trying to find the right balance before you leap. You want to make a great first impression and stand out. You're not quite sure where to start. In this guide, I'll help you craft a compelling recruiting email that captures attention and opens the door to potential college opportunities.
Why Writing a Great Recruiting Email Matters
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of crafting your email, let's talk about why this matters. A well-written recruiting email is your chance to showcase your unique skills and personality to a college coach. It's not just about listing your stats or achievements; it's about telling your story and making a connection.
Colleges receive hundreds, if not thousands, of emails from prospective students. How do you make yours stand out? By being genuine, clear, and concise. Your email should reflect your interest in their program and demonstrate why you'd be a great fit. Think of it as your personal elevator pitch, condensed into an email format.
Research. Know Who You're Writing To
Before you start typing away, spend some time researching the college and the team you're interested in. Who is the coach? What is their coaching style? What are the team's recent achievements? This information will not only help you tailor your email but also show the coach that you're genuinely interested in their program.
Visit the college's athletic department website, read recent news articles about the team, and check out any available social media profiles. If you have mutual connections, perhaps a coach or a current team member, mentioning these can also add a personal touch.
Example of How to Use Research in Your Email:
Subject: Prospective Athlete Interested in Joining [College Name] Soccer Program
Dear Coach [Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I'm a senior at [Your High School]. I've been following the [College Name] soccer team and am impressed by the team's performance, especially their recent victory at [Tournament/Championship].
I'm reaching out because I believe my skills and dedication would be a great fit for your team. As a midfielder, I have led my high school team to three regional championships, and I am eager to contribute to [College Name]'s continued success.
Looking forward to the possibility of discussing how I can be a part of your program.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Crafting a Strong Subject Line
The subject line is your first point of contact. It's like the headline of an article. If it's not compelling, you risk it going unread. Keep it concise yet informative. Include your name, your sport, and a hint of your interest in their program. This should give the coach a reason to open your email.
Some examples of effective subject lines:
- "Prospective Pitcher for [College Name] Baseball Team - [Your Name]"
- "Interested in Joining [College Name] Track & Field - [Your Name]"
- "[Your Name] - Aspiring Goalkeeper for [College Name] Soccer Team"
Personalize Your Introduction
Starting off your email with a personal greeting is always a good idea. Instead of a generic "Dear Coach," use their last name: "Dear Coach Smith." It shows that you've done your homework and adds a personal touch.
Begin by briefly introducing yourself. Include your name, year in school, and where you play. This sets the stage for the rest of your email.
Sample Introductory Paragraph:
Dear Coach [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a varsity swimmer at [Your High School]. I'm currently a junior and have been following the [College Name] swim team for some time now.
Highlight Your Achievements and Skills
This is your chance to shine! Highlight your key achievements and skills that you believe make you a strong candidate for their team. Be specific and quantify your accomplishments where possible. Did you win a state championship? Have you been recognized as an MVP? Include these details.
While it's important to share your accolades, try to keep this section concise. You don't want to write a novel. Just enough to pique the coach's interest and encourage them to learn more.
Example of Highlighting Achievements:
I have been swimming competitively for six years and was the captain of our high school team. Last year, I set a new state record in the 100m freestyle at the regional championships. Additionally, I was named MVP two years in a row for my contributions to the team.
Express Genuine Interest in the Program
Coaches want to know that you're genuinely interested in their program. Not just sending a mass email to every college on your list. Mention specific aspects of the program that appeal to you. Maybe it's the team's recent success or the coaching staff's philosophy. Whatever it is, make it personal.
This section is where your research comes into play. Tailor your message to the program and coach, demonstrating that you've done your homework and are excited about the possibility of joining their team.
Example of Expressing Interest:
I'm particularly impressed by the [College Name] swim team's commitment to excellence and the supportive team environment. Coach [Last Name]'s focus on both academic and athletic success aligns perfectly with my goals.
Include Your Academic Information
While your athletic ability is important, coaches also want to know about your academic standing. Include your GPA, SAT/ACT scores (if applicable), and any academic honors or awards. This gives coaches a well-rounded view of you as a student-athlete.
Keep it brief, but make sure to highlight your strengths. If you have a strong academic record, don't hesitate to showcase it.
Sample Academic Information:
Academically, I maintain a GPA of 3.8 and scored 1350 on the SAT. I am also a member of the National Honor Society, which has been a rewarding experience for me.
Conclude with a Call to Action
Wrap up your email by inviting the coach to follow up with you. A call to action encourages the recipient to take the next step, whether it's scheduling a call, attending a camp, or visiting the campus. Be polite and express your eagerness to connect.
This is also a good time to mention if you have a recruiting video or any additional materials you'd like to share. Offer to send them if the coach is interested.
Example Call to Action:
I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the [College Name] swim team. Please let me know if there's a convenient time for us to speak. Additionally, I have a highlight video I would be happy to share if you're interested.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Proofread and Edit
Before hitting send, take the time to proofread and edit your email. Typos or grammatical errors can detract from your professionalism. Read it out loud or have someone else review it for you. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
Consider using tools like Spell to help with editing. With Spell, you can quickly polish your email, ensuring it's free from errors and flows smoothly. Spell helps you go from draft to final copy in minutes, saving you time and effort.
Follow Up, But Don’t Overdo It
After sending your email, it's okay to follow up if you haven't heard back after a couple of weeks. Coaches are busy, and sometimes emails slip through the cracks. A gentle reminder can bring your email back to the top of their inbox.
However, don't overdo it. If you haven't received a response after a follow-up, it's best to move on and focus on other opportunities. Persistence is good, but you don't want to come across as pushy.
Example Follow-Up Email:
Subject: Follow-Up on My Interest in [College Name] Swim Team
Dear Coach [Last Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on the email I sent a couple of weeks ago regarding my interest in joining the [College Name] swim team. I'm very enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your program.
Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Be Patient and Stay Positive
Finally, remember that patience is key. The recruiting process can take time, and not every email will result in an immediate response. Stay positive and keep your options open. Every interaction is a learning opportunity, and each email you send helps you refine your approach and improve your chances.
Keep working hard, both academically and athletically. Your dedication and persistence will pay off in the long run. And remember, tools like Spell can help streamline the writing process, allowing you to focus on what matters most. Preparing for your future.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a college recruiting email is an art that balances showcasing your achievements with expressing genuine interest in a program. With careful research, personalization, and clarity, your email can open doors to exciting opportunities. And if you're looking for a tool to make the writing process faster and more efficient, Spell is here to help. It transforms hours of work into minutes, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters.
