Letter of recommendation for student athletes?

Hi, I'm a student athlete, and I need to ask my coach for a letter of recommendation. Any ideas on what should be included or highlighted in a recommendation letter specifically for student athletes? Any tips would be really helpful!

Answer: It's great that you're thinking about your letter of recommendation! When requesting a letter from your coach, you should discuss with them the qualities and experiences that best showcase your character, work ethic, and dedication, both athletically and academically. Here are some ideas to consider for your letter of recommendation:

1. Leadership: If you have held any leadership positions within the team, such as captain or co-captain, ensure your coach highlights these roles and provides specific examples of your ability to lead, motivate, and support your teammates.

2. Teamwork: Colleges value students who work well with others and contribute positively to a collaborative environment. Ask your coach to include examples of how you've cooperated with your teammates to achieve common goals, and how your attitude contributes to a supportive and inclusive team atmosphere.

3. Personal growth: Your coach can discuss your progress over the years, both athletically and personally. This might include improvements in skill level, increased leadership, or overcoming adversity such as an injury or challenging personal circumstances.

4. Time management and commitment: Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging. If you've managed to excel in both areas, ask your coach to emphasize your strong time management skills and unwavering commitment to both your sport and your education.

5. Resilience and work ethic: Athletic success often comes with setbacks and obstacles. If you have overcome any challenges, such as bouncing back from a loss or pushing through a tough season, ask your coach to share these stories to demonstrate your resilience and dedication to your sport.

6. Coachability: Lastly, it's important that your coach highlights your willingness to listen, learn, and grow as an athlete. Being receptive to feedback and constantly striving to improve not only benefits your athletic performance but also indicates your personal growth and adaptability.

Be sure to provide your coach with any necessary information about your prospective schools and their athletic programs, and remind them of specific experiences or accomplishments that you'd like them to include. This will help ensure that your recommendation letter is tailored to your unique strengths as a student athlete. Good luck!