Staying on a Coach’s Radar: Email Tips for Recruits
Regular email updates are a crucial part of the college recruiting process for high school swimmers. They keep you on a coach’s radar, highlight your progress, and help build a relationship. But recruiting emails shouldn’t be one-sided. Showing interest in the coach’s team and their recruiting efforts signals that you’re not just looking for any spot—you’re searching for the right fit.
This guide outlines what to include in your email updates, from time drops and upcoming meets to thoughtful questions that keep the conversation going.
Making Your Recruiting Emails Stand Out
Be Concise and Clear: Stick to the most relevant points—coaches are busy.
Personalize the Email: Use the coach’s name and reference something specific about their program to show genuine interest.
Provide Context: When sharing times or training updates, explain how they reflect your progress.
Include Links or Attachments: Share meet results or highlight videos if appropriate.
Keep the Conversation Open: Conclude your email with an invitation for the coach to share updates about their team or recruiting efforts.
How Often to Email Coaches
You should email a coach at least once a month to keep your recruiting conversation warm. If you have significant news or an exciting update, do not hesitate to email them more than once a month. But, do not bombard them with emails that does not include specifics.
What to Include in Your Email Updates
1. Ask About Their Program Show genuine interest in the program's development by asking thoughtful questions about recent competitions or team dynamics. Example: "Coach Anderson, I watched your team's impressive performance at the conference championships last weekend. The team energy during the relays was incredible. How do you build such strong team chemistry?"
2. Competition Schedule Share your upcoming meet schedule with specific events and goals. Example: "I'll be competing at the Regional Championships in Austin next month (March 15-17). I'm entered in the 200 IM and 400 Free, and I'm aiming to break my previous best times in both events."
3. Performance Updates Provide concrete details about your recent achievements. Example: "At last weekend's sectional meet, I achieved a breakthrough in my 200 Breast, dropping 2.3 seconds for a new personal best of 2:14.65. This puts me under the Junior National cut, and I'm excited to keep improving."
4. Training Developments Highlight specific improvements in your training approach. Example: "This season, I've been focusing on improving my distance per stroke, particularly in butterfly. My coach has noticed significant improvements in my efficiency, especially in the back half of my races."
5. Academic Success Update them on your academic achievements and course load. Example: "I'm currently maintaining a 4.2 weighted GPA while taking three AP classes. I recently received the Science Department Award for my research project on fluid dynamics."
6. Leadership Activities Share experiences that demonstrate your character and leadership. Example: "As team captain, I've started organizing weekly study groups for our younger swimmers, helping them balance their academic and athletic commitments. It's been rewarding to mentor others while developing my leadership skills."
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