Want More Replies from College Coaches? Be Relentlessly Consistent

By Craig Foster

Consistently Send More Emails: The Secret to Getting Noticed by College Coaches

If you’re an athlete looking to catch the eye of college coaches, you might be wondering: How can I stand out in a sea of talented players? The answer is simpler than you think, but it requires persistence and strategy. The key? Consistently send more emails.

Coaches are inundated with messages, videos, and highlight reels every single day. If you only reach out once or twice, you’re unlikely to make a lasting impression. In fact, you might not even register on their radar. But don’t worry—this isn’t about being annoying or pushy. It’s about staying visible and building familiarity. Let’s dive into why frequency matters and how you can use it to your advantage in the recruiting process.

Why One Email Isn’t Enough

Picture this: You’re a college coach managing a team, scouting talent, and juggling a million other responsibilities. Your inbox is flooded with emails from hopeful athletes, and social media notifications are piling up. Now, imagine you receive an email from a player you’ve never heard of. You skim it quickly, maybe watch one highlight video, and then move on to the next thing. Sound familiar?

That’s the reality for most coaches. They’re not ignoring you on purpose—they’re just busy. Sending a single email or making one social media post might feel like a big effort on your part, but for them, it’s just another drop in the ocean. If you want to stand out, you need to increase your frequency.

Here’s a stat to consider: research shows that it takes an average of 7-8 touchpoints (emails, calls, social media interactions, etc.) before someone even remembers who you are. For college coaches, who are dealing with hundreds of potential recruits, that number might be even higher. So, don’t be discouraged if your first few outreach attempts don’t get a response. It’s not personal—it’s just part of the process.

The Power of Consistency

Consistency is your secret weapon. When you send 20 messages over 20 weeks, coaches aren’t reading every single one (and you shouldn’t expect them to). In fact, they might only engage with 5 of those messages. But here’s the magic: the more you reach out, the more familiar your name becomes. Over time, they’ll start to recognize you, and that recognition can be the difference between being overlooked and being seriously considered.

Think of it like planting seeds. Each email, video, or social media post is a seed. Some might not take root right away, but the more seeds you plant, the greater your chances of seeing growth. Eventually, one of those messages might catch their attention at the right time—maybe they’re looking for a player with your specific skills, or maybe they finally have a spare moment to watch your highlights. When that happens, your consistent efforts will pay off, and your recruiting process will gain momentum.

How to Do It Without Being Annoying

Now, you might be thinking, “Won’t I come across as desperate or annoying if I keep emailing?” The short answer is no—if you do it right. Here are a few tips to ensure your outreach feels professional, respectful, and effective:

1. Space Out Your Messages

Don’t bombard coaches with daily emails. Instead, aim for a steady cadence—once a week or once every two weeks is a good starting point. This gives them time to respond (or at least notice you) without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Mix Up Your Content

Don’t send the same email over and over. Vary your messages to keep things fresh. For example:

• One week, send a short email introducing yourself and linking to your highlight reel.

• The next, share an update on your recent game stats or a new achievement.

• Follow up with a thank-you note if they respond, or even a quick social media message to stay on their radar.

3. Keep It Short and Relevant

Coaches are busy, so make your messages concise and to the point. Highlight what makes you unique (your position, stats, awards, etc.) and why you’re a good fit for their program. Avoid long-winded emails or attachments that might end up in their spam folder.

4. Use Multiple Channels

Emails are great, but don’t limit yourself. Supplement your outreach with social media posts, direct messages, or even handwritten notes (yes, those can still make an impact!). The more ways you can stay visible, the better.

5. Track Your Efforts

Keep a spreadsheet or notes on who you’ve contacted, when, and how they responded (if at all). This will help you stay organized and ensure you’re not accidentally reaching out too frequently to the same coach.

What to Expect

Let’s be real: not every coach will respond, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to get a reply to every message—it’s to build awareness. Over time, your persistence will pay off. Coaches might start recognizing your name in their inbox or on social media, and that familiarity can lead to more serious conversations down the line.

For example, let’s say you send 20 emails over 20 weeks. Out of those, a coach might only read 5. But if one of those 5 emails happens to arrive when they’re actively looking for a player like you, you’ve just increased your chances of getting noticed. It’s all about playing the long game.

Final Thoughts: Stay Patient and Persistent

Recruiting can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not getting immediate responses. But here’s the truth: college coaches want to find talented players like you. They just need to know you exist—and that’s where consistency comes in.

So, don’t be afraid to send more emails. Don’t worry about being “too much.” Coaches are used to hearing from recruits, and the ones who stand out are the ones who don’t give up. By staying persistent, mixing up your approach, and keeping your messages professional, you’ll increase your visibility and improve your chances of getting noticed.

Ready to take the next step? Start drafting your emails today, and don’t forget to follow up. Your dream school is out there, and with a little effort and a lot of consistency, you’ll get their attention.