How to write a strong recommendation letter for a student?

Hey there! My coach agreed to write me a recommendation letter for colleges, but has no idea where to start. Is there a go-to example or template that they could use? Any specific points or details that should be highlighted for a stronger impact?

Absolutely, your coach should indeed strive to include certain aspects in your recommendation letter for it to have a profound impact.

1. Personal relationship: The letter should start by explaining how the coach knows you. This includes mentioning for how long you've worked together, and the capacity of the relationship (team level, personal training sessions)

2. Specific anecdotes or instances: The coach should cite specific instances that exemplify your dedication, leadership abilities, and teamwork skills. This could include how you were pivotal in turning around a tough game, or instances where you showed extreme dedication to practice and improvement.

3. Personal characteristics: More than just your athletic ability, the letter should also illustrate the coach's experience of your character. This could bring to light your perseverance, ability to take criticism and learn from it, leadership, and sportsmanship.

4. Future potential: Here, the coach can discuss their outlook on your future, both in an athletic and academic setting. They can highlight how the skills you've developed in the sport will be beneficial in the classroom and beyond.

5. Conclusion: Lastly, the letter should be wrapped up with a strong endorsement, inclusive of the coach's confidence in your ability to succeed in college and beyond.

Here's a simplified template:

"Dear [College Admissions Committee],

I'm writing to recommend [Your Name] as a student that will bring unprecedented value to your school. Working with [Your Name] over the past [length of time], I have observed these qualities first-hand, making [Your Name] stand out from others who have been part of my team.

It was during [specific match/practice/event] that [Your Name] demonstrated [specific qualities]. Not just a great athlete, [he/she/they] also exemplified [personal characteristics] beyond their years.

A look into [Your Name]'s future is promising. [His/Her/Their] commitment to the sport, combined with [his/her/their] academic dedication, assures me that they will be able to tackle whatever challenges college presents.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that [Your Name] has the potential to bring great value to your institution and recommend [him/her/them] without any reservations."

This might help your coach get a head start, but remember that the strongest letters are personal, provide detailed examples and are heartfelt!

Best of luck with your applications!