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Best Practices

Email Communication Guidelines

Follow these proven strategies to maximize your chances of getting a response

Do This

  • Be professional and respectful
  • Keep it concise (under 200 words)
  • Personalize each email
  • Include relevant stats/achievements
  • Proofread carefully
  • Include contact information
  • Follow up if no response (2 weeks)

Avoid This

  • Use generic "Dear Coach" emails
  • Send mass emails (BCC)
  • Write long paragraphs
  • Use informal language or slang
  • Forget to attach materials
  • Email during dead periods
  • Be pushy or entitled

Key Information

  • Full name & graduation year
  • Position(s) you play
  • Current team/club
  • GPA & test scores
  • Key athletic achievements
  • Highlight video link
  • Contact information
Templates

Professional Email Templates

Click any template to copy it to your clipboard, then customize for your situation

1

Initial Introduction Email

First contact with a coach, introducing yourself and expressing interest

Subject Line: [Graduation Year] [Position] - [Your Name] - [Your Country/State] Example: 2026 Point Guard - Maria Silva - Brazil
2

Follow-Up Email

2 weeks after initial email with no response, or after attending a camp/showcase

Subject Line: Following Up: [Graduation Year] [Position] - [Your Name]
3

Post-Camp Thank You Email

After attending a college camp or showcase where you met the coach

Subject Line: Thank You - [Camp/Showcase Name] - [Your Name]
4

Unofficial Visit Request

When you want to visit campus and meet with the coach in person

Subject Line: Unofficial Visit Request - [Your Name] - [Graduation Year]
5

International Student-Athlete Introduction

First contact as an international athlete, highlighting your international experience

Subject Line: [Graduation Year] [Position] from [Country] - [Your Name]

Tips for International Athletes

Time Zones

Be aware of time zone differences when expecting responses

Context

Briefly explain your level of competition (not all coaches know international leagues)

Language

If English is not your first language, have someone proofread your email

Measurements

Include both metric and imperial measurements (height, weight, etc.)

NCAA Eligibility

Mention that you are registered or in process of registering with NCAA Eligibility Center

Phone Number

Always include country code (+XX) before your phone number

Timing

When to Send Emails

Timing can significantly impact your response rate

Best Times to Email

  • Days: Tuesday - Thursday
  • Time: 9am - 4pm coach's local time
  • Season: Off-season typically gets better responses
  • Tip: Schedule emails to send at optimal times

Times to Avoid

  • Dead Periods: No contact allowed (check NCAA calendar)
  • Game Days: Game days and travel days
  • Holidays: Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.
  • Championships: Conference tournaments, nationals
Pro Tips

Maximize Your Success

Research First

Before emailing, research the coach's name (spell it correctly!), their coaching history, and team needs. Reference something specific about their program.

Personalize Every Email

Coaches can tell when you send mass emails. Personalize each message with specific details about why you're interested in that particular school and program.

Track Your Outreach

Keep a spreadsheet of which coaches you've contacted, when, and any responses. Follow up appropriately but don't spam.

Ready to Contact Coaches?

Use these templates to craft professional emails that will get coaches' attention.

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