When you’re reaching out to coaches, it’s easy to get caught up in “happy ears”—assuming a positive response means you’re close to an offer. For example, an email saying, “We’re interested and tracking you,” can feel like a big win, but it’s often just a template response. What really matters are actions: phone calls, invites, or visits.
Stay realistic about your chances. Even if a coach seems interested, it’s smart to assume there’s still work to do. For example, if they’re comparing you to one other player, that’s a 50-50 chance—not a guarantee.
Until you have a formal offer, keep putting in the work. Build your list, expand to other divisions, and focus on creating more opportunities. Recruitment is a numbers game, and every small effort adds up. Celebrate progress, but don’t let it slow you down. Stay focused, and the results will follow.
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Parents should support their student-athlete’s recruitment journey by providing guidance and tools like Sendcoach, but the outreach must come directly from the athlete.
Break down communication into small, consistent updates to build trust and ensure your key message resonates over time.
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.
