A Canadian student-athlete anxiously checks their inbox, waiting for a reply from an NCAA coach. They sent their first email last week, but there’s still no response. Should they send another email? When is the right time to follow up?
Many Canadian athletes make one fatal mistake in their recruitment journey—they reach out to coaches but fail to follow up properly. NCAA coaches receive hundreds of emails weekly, and without a strategic follow-up, your initial message may get lost.
If you’ve made first contact with a coach and haven’t heard back, don’t panic. Here’s exactly how to follow up with NCAA coaches the right way and increase your chances of getting noticed.
Why Following Up with NCAA Coaches is Crucial
Sending one email is not enough. NCAA recruitment is competitive, and coaches prioritize athletes who show persistence and genuine interest in their program.
Here’s why following up is a game-changer:
Coaches are busy and may have missed your first email.
A follow-up keeps your name fresh in their minds.
It shows initiative, commitment, and professionalism—traits that coaches value.
When to Follow Up with an NCAA Coach
Timing is everything. Following up too soon can feel pushy, while waiting too long may cause the coach to forget your name.
1 Week After No Response – Send a polite follow-up email.
Immediately After a Coach Responds – Acknowledge their email and provide any requested information.
After a Game or Tournament – If you played in an event they attended, reach out to discuss your performance.
When You Have a Major Update – Share new highlights, academic achievements, or improved stats.
To ensure you're reaching out at the right times, check the official NCAA Recruiting Rules & Calendar for updated contact periods.
How to Write a Follow-Up Email to an NCAA Coach
The key to a great follow-up email is being professional, respectful, and concise.
Subject: Follow-Up on My Interest in [School Name] – [Your Name]
Coach [Last Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding my interest in [School Name] and the [Sport] program. I understand you have a busy schedule, but I wanted to express my continued enthusiasm for your team.
Since my last email, I have [mention an update: improved stats, a new highlight video, a recent tournament performance]. Here’s a quick link to my updated highlight reel: [Insert Video Link].
I’d love the opportunity to learn more about your recruiting process and where I might fit into your future plans. Please let me know if you’d be available for a quick call or if there’s anything else I can provide.
Looking forward to your response.
Best,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Position & Graduation Year]
[Your Email & Phone Number]
[Your Highlight Video Link]
What If an NCAA Coach Still Doesn’t Respond?
If you’ve sent two follow-up emails and haven’t received a response, don’t get discouraged. Coaches may be busy or not currently recruiting your position.
Here’s what to do next:
Expand Your List – Reach out to more schools to increase your options.
Engage on Social Media – Follow the program on Twitter and engage with their content.
Attend Showcases & Camps – If possible, go where NCAA coaches are actively scouting.
Be Patient & Persistent – Recruitment takes time, and you may get responses when you least expect them.
Example: How Following Up Helped a Canadian Athlete Secure an Offer
Josh, a soccer player from British Columbia, emailed a Division II coach but didn’t get a reply. Instead of giving up, he followed up one week later and included his updated highlight video.
The coach responded, explaining that they had missed his first email. After several conversations, Josh earned a roster spot and scholarship.
His success came down to persistence, smart timing, and providing value in his follow-up messages.
Your Next Steps to Improve NCAA Recruitment Success
Review your first email to ensure it was clear and professional.
Send a follow-up email one week later if there’s no response.
Keep updating coaches with your latest stats and highlights.
Expand your outreach to multiple programs.
Stay patient and keep improving your skills.
Want more NCAA recruitment strategies?
Learn how to prepare for your first call with a college coach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I follow up with an NCAA coach?
If you don’t get a response, wait one week before sending a follow-up email. If they still don’t respond, follow up again after another two weeks.
Q2: What should I do if a coach tells me they aren’t recruiting my position?
Thank them for their time and ask for recommendations on other schools that might be a better fit.
Q3: Can I follow up with NCAA coaches through social media?
Yes! Many NCAA coaches are active on Twitter, so engaging with their posts and sending a polite DM can be effective.
Q4: How do I know if my follow-up email is too aggressive?
Keep your email polite, professional, and concise. Avoid sending too many emails within a short period.
Q5: What if a coach never responds, even after following up?
Move on and focus on other schools. Not every coach is recruiting for your position, and your time is better spent elsewhere.
Conclusion
If you want to get recruited, following up with NCAA coaches is just as important as your initial outreach. Coaches are busy, and persistence shows dedication. By timing your emails correctly, keeping your messages professional, and staying patient, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed.
Start applying these strategies today, and keep improving both your communication and your game. The right follow-up could be the difference between being overlooked and earning a spot on an NCAA roster.
Comments