Emailing college coaches: how to make a solid first impression?

I'm planning on reaching out to college coaches soon, and I want to make a good first impression. What kind of information should I include in my email? Should I attach videos of my games or any other documents? Also, what's the best way to follow up with them after the initial contact?

When emailing college coaches to make a solid first impression, it's essential to be concise, informative, and personalize your message. Here's a general outline to follow and some tips to consider:

1. Subject line: Be clear and specific. Include your name, graduation year, position, and maybe a notable achievement. For example, "John Doe, 2024, Forward, All-State Selection."

2. Greeting: Address the coach by name, e.g., "Dear Coach Smith." Personalize the greeting for each email you send.

3. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, your interest in the team, and which school you currently attend. Mention why you're reaching out (e.g., high-interest level in their program, heard great things about their coaching, or drawn to the college's academic offerings).

4. Academic and athletic summary: Summarize your academic and athletic accomplishments, including GPA, test scores (if relevant), stats, awards, and accomplishments. Ensure you include your position and details about your current team.

5. Show your interest: Explain why you're interested in the specific college and athletic program. This demonstrates your dedication and commitment to both the program and your sport.

6. Provide highlights and/or game footage: Instead of attaching videos, include a link to an online highlight reel or your full game videos, ideally on a platform like Hudl, YouTube, or Vimeo. Make sure the video quality is high and focus on showcasing your best moments.

7. Contact information: Include your cell phone number, email address, and the contact information for your current coach, so they can easily get in touch with you or your coach for additional information.

8. Closing: End the email by expressing gratitude for their time, and if possible, mention any upcoming tournaments or games where they can see you play in person. Finally, close with something like "Sincerely" or "Best Regards," followed by your full name.

As for following up, wait at least two weeks after sending your initial email. If you haven't heard back by then, you can send a brief follow-up email thanking them for their time and mentioning any recent achievements or upcoming games. Keep updates relevant and spaced out to avoid overwhelming the coach. Additionally, if a coach responds, be sure to reply promptly and professionally.

Remember, make each email unique to the coach and school you're contacting. By following these tips, you'll stand out and make a memorable first impression. Good luck!