Top 5 Mistakes Players Make When Emailing College Coaches

Reaching out to college coaches is one of the most important — and overlooked — steps in the recruiting process. A well-written email can open doors, while a weak one can get ignored in seconds. If you’re serious about playing at the next level, avoid these 5 common mistakes players make when contacting college coaches:

1. Copy-Pasting Generic Emails

Why it hurts: Coaches get hundreds of emails. If yours starts with “Dear Coach” and looks like it was sent to 50 schools, it’ll get skipped.
Fix it: Personalize each email. Mention something specific about the school, team, or recent game. Show that you’ve done your research and truly care about their program.

2. No Highlight Video or Key Info

Why it hurts: Coaches are busy. If they can’t quickly see your level or find your position, grad year, and club, they won’t waste time hunting it down.
Fix it: Include a short, direct intro with your name, grad year, position, club/high school, and a link to a highlight video (YouTube or Hudl works great).

3. Writing Like a Fan Instead of a Recruit

Why it hurts: Coaches want players, not superfans. Overhyping their school or saying “it’s always been my dream” doesn’t mean you’re a fit.
Fix it: Be respectful and enthusiastic, but keep it professional. Focus on how you could add value to their program, not just how much you love it.

4. Poor Grammar and Typos

Why it hurts: First impressions matter. A sloppy email suggests you’re not serious or detail-oriented — not qualities coaches want.
Fix it: Use spellcheck, proofread, and ask someone to review your email before sending. This shows maturity and professionalism.

5. Not Following Up

Why it hurts: One email is rarely enough. Coaches are swamped during the season, and your message may get buried.
Fix it: If you don’t hear back in 7–10 days, send a short follow-up. Share any updates — a big game, new video, or GPA bump. Persistence shows interest.

Final Thought:
College coaches want players who communicate clearly, care about their program, and take initiative. Avoiding these 5 mistakes won’t guarantee a scholarship — but it will get you noticed in a crowded inbox.

Need help crafting a great email? At The Complete Footballer, we help players build standout recruiting profiles, write strong emails, and navigate every step of the college journey.