The following scenario happens too often:

• A player writes an introductory email to a college coach.

• He receives a positive response, like this: PROVIDE EXAMPLE

• They have an initial phone conversation

• The coach asks the player to keep him updated

• The player doesn’t keep him updated

Once you've received an initial email response or had an introductory phone call with a college coach, the challenge becomes staying on their radar amidst the sea of talented prospects.

Here are some tips:

Provide Regular Updates

During your initial conversation with a coach, ask how often he would like updates.

Also ask how he wants updates (email/social media/text).

Follow these guidelines if you’re not sure:

• Freshmen/Sophomores - Every 2-3 months (only for D1 prospects)

• Juniors - Every month for D1 prospects. Otherwise every 2-3 months.

• Seniors - AT LEAST once a month (be aggressive about moving the process forward)

In your messages, provide updated metrics, stats, academic information, and other notable achievements.

Along with keeping you on a coach’s radar, these updates demonstrate your commitment to continuous growth.

Provide Updated Video

Along with you update messages, include updated video footage (from games and/or practice).

Keep your videos less than two minutes. Edit out dead time to show as many highlights as possible in a short video.

Your videos DON’T have to be overly professional.

Here’s an example of a catcher showing coaches some throws:

Showcase Academic Achievements

Coaches value academic progress as well, so don’t be shy about mentioning any awards, honors, or milestones you earn.

Keep your profile updated with your cumulative GPA and standardized test scores after each semester (provide a copy of your transcript for verification).

Give coaches updates about your academic interests and what you may decide to study in college. They need and want to know if their institution provides a path for you to achieve your academic goals.

Personalize Your Messages

Once you’ve started dialogue with a program, personalize ALL your future messages (whether email or text).

Let the coaches know you’re paying attention to their program:

• Congratulate them on big wins

• Point out things you like about their program (facilities, uniforms, etc.).

• Reference things you’ve talked about in the past.

If coaches suspect an email is generic, they may become suspicious about your interest level.

Be Persistent (but Respectful)

Understand that coaches are more busy at certain times of the year.

During the spring, especially, they are focused on the current season and recruiting typically goes on the backburner for a while.

If you don’t receive prompt responses all the time, don’t jump to conclusions about their interest level.

If you don’t receive a response within a week, send another message like this:

Coach,

Did you receive the message I sent last week? I know you’re very busy, so no big deal if you missed it. Here’s what I said:

<COPY PREVIOUS MESSAGE>

Thank you!

John Smith

If you STILL don’t receive a response, wait a couple more weeks and try again.

Reach Out Before and After Events

If you’re going to recruiting events such as camps, showcases, and tournaments, do the following:

• Contact coaches ahead of time to introduce yourself (coaches who will or are likely to attend)

• Contact coaches who WERE at the event afterwards to ask for feedback

Click here for a previous article I wrote with more detailed advice.

Offer an “Out”

In your communications, provide an opportunity for coaches to express if they are no longer interested.

Communicate that you understand their time is valuable, and if they don't see a fit, you'd appreciate them letting you know.

This gives coaches an easy way to communicate if their interest wanes, saving both parties time and energy.

It can (and likely will) sting initially when a coach tells you he’s not interested, but you will find out eventually anyway.

It’s better to politely ask for a “yes,” “no,” or “not yet,” than to leave the conversation open-ended.

Thank you for reading! Here is a summary of the main points to stay on a college coach’s radar:

• Provide regular updates

• Provide updated video

• Showcase academic achievements

• Personalize your messages

• Be persistent (but respectful)

• Reach out before and after events

• Offer an “out”

If you found this information valuable, please share it with others who may benefit from the information.

Sincerely,

Matt

P.S. If you would like my advisement and guidance through the entire recruiting process, please reply to this email or text 319-883-0242, and let me know you’d like to schedule a free consultation.