Engaging College Coaches: Why It Matters

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Engaging with college volleyball coaches is crucial for getting recruited. Consistent, thoughful communication not only demonstrates your interest, but also helps coaches see you as more than just an athlete; they get to know your character and drive. Here's why engagement matters, how often to reach out and what you can do to stand out in the recruiting process.

Why Engagement Matters

First, engaging with college coaches is how they know you are interested. College coaches LOVE to tell me, "She emails us all the time". I have even had college coaches search specific athletes on their phone and show me ALL the times that athlete has emailed them and then say, "Look how interested she is!"

If you're trying to get them to come to your court, YOU need to communicate how interested YOU are in their program. College coaches aren't going to bother walking from court 12 to court 98 unless it's worth the trip.

I do want to make a quick disclaimer though - if you aren't good enough to play volleyball at a school like TCU, then it will not matter how many times you email them. I know some people get mad at me when I say things like this, but it's just the reality of the recruiting world.

How Often Should You Email College Coaches?

Families might also ask me, "Jason, aren't we bugging them by emailing them too much?" The honest response to that is that if the school genuinely interested in that specific athlete, then you are never bugging them. How often should you reach out? Another great question! Depending on where you are in the process, it does change. Older athletes typically need to more often to stay on the radars of college coaches. Younger athletes can get away with emailing less often. During the club season we often talk about sending emails out AT LEAST before and after each qualifier and bigger tournament. College coaches love to watch film of the athletes they are recruiting. Especially if there is mutual interest.

Show Coaches Who You Are, Not Just How You Play

The second point here is that engaging with college coaches is how THEY get to know YOU. Athlete's need to be sending out more than just film when they engage with college coaches. Once a coach find that you are an athlete that can help their team win (this is extremely important), then they start to evaluate the person behind the athlete. Coaches begin to look at all of the intangibles you bring to the table. They will start to compare and contrast those with the other athletes they are recruiting in your class and begin to narrow down which person (not just athlete) is going to be the best fit or fit what they need in that class.

Don't Give up! Consistent Communication Wins

Remember, every response, even a quick thank you, keeps you on a coaches radar. Don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away. Sometimes it takes several emails before you get a reply. The athletes who keep engaging, following up, and showing genuine interest are the ones who stand out.

So, keep the conversation going. Respond, reach out, and repeat. The more visible and proactive you are, the more likely you are to turn your college volleyball dreams into reality.

Want more tips on communicating with coaches or navigating the recruiting process? Drop your questions in the comments or check out our other resources!