Following Up with Colleges After a Tournament

Following up with college coaches after a tournament can feel a lot like a sales process. The goal is to build a connection without coming across as too eager. Timing, tone, and content are all key to a successful follow-up. Here’s a detailed approach to make your follow-up effective and keep the conversation moving forward.

1. Timing is Everything

Coaches, like players, travel from all over the country to attend tournaments. After the event, they’re likely exhausted and inundated with emails. Your goal is to stand out without getting lost in the initial flood of messages.

• Avoid the Day Of: Don’t send an email right after the game or on their travel day.
• Wait 24 Hours Post-Travel: Give them a chance to catch up on their main inbox.
• Optimal Send Time: Aim to send your follow-up mid-morning (around 10 a.m.) when coaches have had time to settle in with their coffee and start their day.
  

By sending your email at this time, you increase the likelihood that your message is noticed and read thoughtfully.

2. Crafting Your Follow-Up Message

A well-crafted email (using a free Sendcoach email template) can be the difference between an ignored message and a meaningful connection.

Key Points to Include:

• Gratitude: Thank them for attending your game.
• Highlights: If possible, include a link to a short highlight reel or specific clips.
• Reflection: Share how you felt about your performance. Be authentic. If you didn’t play your best, it’s okay to acknowledge it and share what you’re working on.
  

3. Make Highlights Accessible

Sharing highlights is a powerful way to reinforce your skills, but it’s important to make it easy for coaches to access them.

• Avoid Barriers: Use platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) that don’t require coaches to log in or create an account.
• Quick Tip: If you don’t have official video access yet, you can record the clips using your phone. Modern phone cameras are high-quality, and a recorded clip can still look professional enough to share.

The goal is to make it as easy as possible for coaches to see your abilities.

4. Relationship-Building Over Time

Think of building a relationship with a coach as plotting points on a graph—they need multiple touchpoints to get to know you better.

• Consistent Communication: Keep the conversation going over time with periodic updates about your progress.
• Build Trust: The more often they hear from you in meaningful ways, the more likely they are to feel connected to you as a player and a person.

5. Timing Strategies

Your approach may differ depending on the division of the program:

• Division I and II Coaches: Only rising Juniors (after June 15th) and Seniors can engage directly in recruiting conversations. If so, ask for a call. If they invite you to an ID camp, ask for a call.
• Division III Coaches: Relationship-building can begin earlier, but take your time and don’t push too hard for immediate phone calls unless the school is a top priority. Keep them warm if you are prospecting D1 and D2 opportunities. If you are focused on D3 than treat them as a primary target and ask for a call and begin building a relationship.

If you’re targeting a Division III school, remember that they know you’re likely also considering Division I and II programs. Showing genuine interest in their program can make a strong impression early and you can build on that relationship if D1 opportunities dry up. If you are a freshman or sophomore most D3 schools will push you off until your Junior year.

7. Final Thoughts

The recruiting process can be long, frustrating, and filled with uncertainty—for both athletes and parents. But remember, you’re not alone. Building relationships with coaches takes time, patience, and perseverance.

If you ever need extra support, feel free to reach out to me or Sendoach. We’re here to help guide you through the process and ensure you put your best foot forward every step of the way.

- Ben Carcio - Sports Dad and Co-Founder - Sendcoach