So You Want To Play College Soccer? - Master Communication with College Coaches + Must Use Email Templates!

Dreaming of Playing College Soccer in the Northeast? Take our quick, two-minute questionnaire designed to simplify your search

March 02, 2025

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our essential new blog series on college recruitment! Whether you're just beginning your journey or are already deep into the process, this series is designed with you in mind. We'll delve into crucial topics like crafting an impressive highlight video, developing a strategic college list, and mastering the art of securing scholarships. Regardless of where you stand, our series is filled with essential tips and guidance to propel you towards success. Join us every week as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

  • Master Communication with College Coaches + Must Use Email Templates!

  • Dreaming of Playing College Soccer in the Northeast? Take our quick, two-minute questionnaire designed to simplify your search.

  • Just Released! Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas

Master Communication with College Coaches + Must Use Email Templates!

Reaching out to college soccer coaches can be a pivotal part of the recruitment process. Crafting a clear, professional email can make you stand out and create opportunities to showcase your athletic and academic potential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you communicate effectively with college soccer programs, including detailed strategies, examples, and answers to frequent questions.

Preparing for Your Email

Before hitting “send,” take the time to ensure your message will leave a positive impression. Preparation is key.

Polish Your Highlight Video

Your highlight reel is often the first glimpse a coach will get of your abilities. Make it count by using recent footage that demonstrates your strengths, like tough tackles, accurate passes, or spectacular goals. Keep it short and impactful—generally around 3 to 5 minutes.

Clean Up Your Online Presence

Many college coaches will check your social media profiles to get a sense of who you are beyond the field. Make sure all your accounts reflect maturity and professionalism. Remove any posts that could send the wrong message or misrepresent your character.

Communicate With Your Current Coaches

Inform your high school or more importantly your club coach about the programs you’re interested in. College coaches often reach out to your current coaches for recommendations, so make sure they’re updated and prepared to highlight your strengths.

Writing an Effective Email

A well-crafted email is a chance to introduce yourself and make a lasting impression. Here’s how to structure it.

Personalize Your Message

Avoid sending generic emails to every coach. Do some research about the program and include specific details to show genuine interest. For example, mention the team’s playing approach, recent achievements, or why it aligns with your goals.

Example:
“Dear Coach Parker, I’ve been following the Quinnipiac University soccer team’s impressive rise in the national rankings, and I admire your team’s focus on quick transitions and disciplined defense. My experience as a winger who thrives on creating scoring opportunities would complement your style of play.”

Write a Strong Subject Line

Your subject line is critical—it’s the first thing the coach sees and determines whether your email gets opened. Include key information like your position, graduation year, and a notable stat.

Examples of Eye-Catching Subject Lines:

  • "2025 Forward | Claire Weston | 15 Goals, 10 Assists | Highlight Video Included"

  • "2026 Wingback | Tim Harris | 6’2 Versatile Defender | Game Footage Attached"

  • "Goalkeeper | Max Rivera | 1.2 GAA | Class of 2027 Highlight Reel"

Start With a Professional Introduction

Introduce yourself in the opening lines. Be concise but make sure to include your name, position, school, and graduation year. This gives the coach the basic info they need upfront.

Example:
“My name is Riley Adams, and I’m a Center Back currently in my junior year at Westfield High in Austin, Texas. I play for Lone Star SC and serve as co-captain of the U17 team.”

Highlight Your Accomplishments

Showcase your most impressive achievements—both athletic and academic. Include numbers and awards to paint a clear picture of your abilities.

Athletic Highlights:

  • Led team in assists with 14 and tallied 10 goals this season.

  • Named Defensive Player of the Year for the conference in 2023.

  • Helped team secure a regional championship victory in penalty shootouts.

Academic Success:

  • Maintain a 4.0 GPA while enrolled in multiple AP courses.

  • Achieved a 29 on the ACT and plan to retake for a 30+ score.

College coaches value student-athletes who excel both on and off the field, so balance highlighting your soccer talent with your academic performance.

Provide Supporting Materials

Make it easy for coaches to evaluate you by attaching the right resources, such as:

  • A highlight video showcasing your skills—uploaded to a professional platform like YouTube or Hudl.

  • Your game or tournament schedule so they can watch you play live.

  • Contact details for your current coach for references.

Be sure all links and attachments are functional, clearly labeled, and easy to access.

End With a Call to Action

Close your email by guiding the coach on the next steps. Whether it’s reviewing your highlight video, attending an upcoming match, or scheduling a call, make a specific ask.

Example Call-to-Action:
“I’ve included a link to my highlight video along with my upcoming tournament schedule. I’d love to hear your thoughts on my performance or discuss how I might contribute to your program. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any additional information.”

Remember to Follow Up

If you don’t hear back within two weeks, send a polite follow-up email. College coaches have demanding schedules, so a second message can help bring your email back to their attention.

Common Concerns When Contacting Coaches

What if I Don’t Get a Response?

Not hearing back doesn’t mean the coach isn’t interested—they might just be busy or focusing on the current season. If you don’t receive an answer, follow up. You can also ask your club coach to help initiate contact.

Are College Coaches Allowed to Respond?

Recruiting rules vary based on the level of competition. For Division I programs, coaches are limited in when they can respond to prospective student-athletes (e.g., June 15 after the sophomore year or September 1 of junior year). Division II and III coaches, on the other hand, can reply at any time.

Who Should I Contact First?

For large programs, it’s often best to start with assistant coaches or recruiting coordinators responsible for your position. Smaller schools may not have a dedicated recruiting staff, so reaching out to the head coach is perfectly fine.

Sample Email Template

Subject Line:
"2025 Striker | Riley Adams | 12 Goals, 8 Assists | Highlight Video Attached"

Email Body:
Dear Coach Parker,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Riley Adams, and I’m a striker entering my junior year at Westfield High School in Austin, Texas. I play for Lone Star SC, where I’m proud to serve as co-captain.

What excites me most about your program is [specific detail about the team, program, or coach’s philosophy]. I admire your record of success in the Midwest Conference and your emphasis on creating scoring opportunities through dynamic, attacking play. I believe my ability to finish under pressure and my creativity in the final third would make me a strong fit for your team.

Summary of Achievements:

  • Scored a total of 12 goals this season with 8 assists.

  • Named Team MVP by my peers and earned All-District recognition in 2023.

  • Maintain a 4.0 GPA and rank in the top 5% of my class.

I’ve attached my game schedule and included a link to my highlight video [insert link]. I’d love to hear your thoughts or discuss how I could make an impact on your team. Please feel free to contact me or my club coach, Jamie Turner, at [email/phone].

Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Best regards,
Riley Adams
[Phone Number] | [Email Address]

Final Tips for Success

  • Take the time to craft personalized, well-structured emails for each program.

  • Attach relevant materials like highlight videos and schedules to make evaluation easier.

  • Proofread your email carefully to avoid typos or unprofessional errors.

  • Stay persistent yet polite when following up.

Using these strategies can greatly improve your ability to connect with college soccer coaches and increase your chances of being recruited.

Dreaming of Playing College Soccer in the Northeast?

Navigating the college soccer recruiting process can feel overwhelming, with so many schools to consider and limited resources. That’s why we’ve created a quick, two-minute questionnaire designed to simplify your search. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete, and within 24 to 48 hours, you’ll receive a personalized response highlighting Northeast programs that align perfectly with your soccer résumé and goals.

By completing the questionnaire, you’ll save time and money, avoid chasing the wrong schools, and focus on where you truly belong. Take control of your recruiting process today and start targeting schools that are the right fit for you. Don’t wait—Complete the 2-Minute Questionnaire Now and take a big step toward achieving your college soccer dreams!

Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas!

We’re thrilled to announce a unique chance to shine in front of college coaches.This spring, we’re hosting exclusive ID Clinics for both boys and girls at the brand-new Day Hill Dome in Windsor, CT. These clinics are the perfect chance to showcase your talent and elevate your game while connecting with top college coaches.

A Premier Showcase for Aspiring Players - Your opportunity to Shine and Get Noticed!

Whether you’re a male or female athlete, these clinics are designed to help you take a confident step toward your college soccer aspirations. We’ve invited college coaches from across New England and the Northeast, representing DI, DII, and DIII programs, making this an incredible opportunity to get noticed by the best in the game.

With only 50 player spots available per clinic, space is very limited. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and make the most of this exciting event!

Don’t Miss Out – Register Now

This is your chance to shine and take your skills to the next level. Slots are filling up fast, so don’t delay! Register today to lock in your place and ensure your spot at this high-profile event.

🔗 Boys (Only 31 spots remain)- Reserve your spot now!

🔗 Girls (Only 26 spots remain) - Reserve your spot now!

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About: Steve Coxon College Soccer Network

Steve has 20 years of college-level experience, 17+ years in D1 as the Head Recruiter. He has facilitated more than $30 million in college scholarships.

Location - Connecticut, USA