Correspondence

The purpose of this section is to help you correspond with college coaches. Do not copy any of these letters word-for-word. Make sure you write your own versions so you stand out from the crowd. Also, many coaches are familiar with this Guide and it will look bad for you if they notice you simply retyped it.

Tips

• Type long letters but handwrite shorter ones if your writing is neat and legible. It will be more personal than if you type them (you can type your Athlete Profile).
• Individualize your letters. Do not send the same version to multiple schools. If a coach feels like you sent a bulk mailing, he will not give your letter as much attention.
• Use stationery to give your correspondence a professional appearance. You can design your own version using a nice font. Include your name, address, phone, and e-mail at the top.
• Do not call or mail letters to a college coach at his house unless he gives you permission. It’s rude and you may annoy him or her. Always use the school address as your contact point.
• Send letters promptly. A thank-you note received the day after a meeting makes a much better impression than one received two weeks later.

HOLD UP: Coaches evaluate the “little things” too!

Bob Temple, VarisityPages.com
Everything you do, and everything you send to a college coach, reflects on you. This includes some of the “little things” that many people may not think about. One such little thing was a student’s email address. I noticed that it referenced his favorite alcoholic beverage. When he created this email address, he probably thought it was funny. But using it was inappropriate. So, if your primary email address might give a negative impression (loudman@xyz.com or bigmanoncampus@xyz.com, for example), you might want to consider changing it, or using a different one to communicate with coaches.

Bob Temple is a sports writer who has covered all major professional sports leagues, major college sports, and high school sports throughout a 23-year writing career.

Letter of Interest

Purpose: To let a college coach know you are interested in competing for his team. Discuss your academic interests and request literature on the school and team.

Athlete Profile

Purpose: To highlight your academic and athletic accomplishments in an easy-to-read format. Include personal, athletic and academic information, references, and photo of you in your uniform. This should accompany the Letter of Interest.

Letter Accompanying a Highlight Video

Purpose: To introduce your highlight video and encourage the coach to watch it. Mention that you are sending the video because the coach asked for one. Do not send a video unless a coach requests it. Thank You Note after a

Campus Visit

Purpose: To thank a coach for taking the time to meet with you, discuss the possibility of competing for his team, and to let him know you are still interested in being recruited. Include specific examples of something pertaining to your meeting so the coach remembers you.

Letter Providing New Information

Purpose: To inform a coach of new developments and reinforce your desire to be recruited. You can send a copy of your game schedule, let the coach know that you will compete in a prestigious event, or that you just made the Dean’s List.