What should I include in my email to reach out to college coaches?

Sorry I have a few typos.🙃

I'd recommend including some humility

If you are good, seems like they'll find you.

Include why you are interested in their program specifically. And understand that while coaches will give you some leeway if you are "fast for your age", ultimately the times you run next year as a junior will be 99% of what the coaches care about, and until they see a bit more of you as a junior/senior they won't make any offers or promises.

“Hi Coach Santos / Jermyn / Gibby,

My name is … and I just finished my sophomore year of high school (or a rising junior…) at school [name]. I’ve run a 4:10 / 9:00 / track 14:30 5000 and my SAT is 1580 (or ACT is 36), weighted GPA is 4.5, and my class rank is top 2%. (obviously replace this with whatever your actual times are)

I’ve been thinking about running in college and [school] is one I’d be interested in because of …. (2-3 reasons and don’t say ranking. Potentially mention legacy if applicable)

My milesplit profile is linked below.

Best,

[name]

Thanks for your reply! I really appreciate the detailed response.

most kids your supposed age, if they have taken anything, either did a junior high SAT for duke talent or PSAT for national merit, not a sophomore year full blooded SAT -- that's usually junior or senior year. does the bot not know this?

the form letter is basically fine, though i'd throw in the kitchen sink. i'd give times for any unusual-for-HS one-off events you ran well and might be useful at, eg steeple. i'd also mention without times anything else you've done, eg relays. unless you're proud of a particularly good split.

i am fairly skeptical when someone says i am hot stuff but mentions no time. you are only halfway through HS and most people improve the rest of the way. if you are state-level awareness of you should already be out there. if you aren't state-level, why are you writing coaches the day communications open? they get a bunch of correspondence and you need to jump out when they read it. you want to be fast as possible when you make contact. or you risk going in the circular file and a spam folder while you improve for 2 years. so you need to not just pace your races and your kick, but time when you try to prompt recruitment. unless you are amazing, you're "legal" but "very early."

in short, unless you are an absolute stud, what is the hurry?

GPA is important too, if you have an impressive mark for 400/800 you can put that as well. Maybe talk a little bit about yourself and why you're interested in their school and program.

Keep it to the point though, what I hear from many many coaches and even recruits is that coaches prefer you to be quick to the point, which is: You are this fast, make good grades and want to run for them. Save the specifics for later correspondence.

Nope. Unless you're the best of the best, in track and field a good part of the burden falls to you to reach out.

yeah my experience was a list of soccer coaches live scouting me vs. running coaches just wanting to know events and times over, well, then, it was the phone. probably because they were in season when i was, probably meets same days i was.

even then, with soccer, it was like send them league and tournament schedules and if we're in the same place i'll watch you and we'll talk after. which is to say even there it's like most of us initiate but then more of them actually scout.

side point but one opportunity that provides is collateral scouting, nominally there to watch x but y comes over and initiates, and the coach sees z he likes while he's there. even at the smaller school level i was getting recruited at, quite a few contacts were made where the coach was there for someone else, asked after who else is a senior, notes whether they like me or not, after finishing with that parent, shuffles down to my dad, grabs me post game, all but offers a partial scholarship then and there.

but i'm guessing it's different with 10-20 seniors per varsity event times 2 genders times however many events, who might or might not be worthwhile. much easier in soccer to be like i like him and him and him, and are they pursuing college and what are their scores. 2 teams at a time.

All that you should include:

Name

Grad year and state

PRs

GPA and Test Scores

Waxing poetic about how hard of a worker you are and how big your goals are means virtually nothing to anybody. Every kid "works hard" and "cares a lot" when they're emailing coaches.

Correct. Don't assume coaches will reach out to you just because you've decided you're fast. Coaches sometimes miss a result or skip over you for silly reasons. They need you to reach out.

Ask and ye shall receive:

Image:upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons...

Attach a photograph, or give them your Facebook or whatever you kids use

There are many good runners, some programs recruit almost exclusively locally or within their region and are limited with resources. Letting a program you know you are interested can never be a bad idea.

Name, race times, grades, SAT score... What, are they supposed to not include any of those if they are good? I think you are just jealous.

no, I admire his/her confidence and proactive approach. As an athlete, it's important to reach out to coaches, even if you're among the best. With so many talented athletes out there, making the effort to connect ensures you're on their radar when they start recruiting and allocating scholarship funds.

I'd include something like this:

When emailing college coaches as a top runner looking to be recruited, it's important to be concise, professional, and to highlight your achievements and potential. Here’s a suggested outline for your email:
Subject Line:
Prospective Track and Field Athlete - [Your Name)
Dear Coach [Last Name],

My name is [Name], and I am a [junior/senior] at [High School]. I am reaching out to express my interest in joining the [College/University] Track and Field team.

Personal and Academic Background:
I am passionate about running and have been dedicated to improving my performance throughout my high school career. Alongside my athletic pursuits, I have maintained a [GPA] and have taken [mention any advanced or relevant courses].
Athletic Achievements:
Here are some of my notable accomplishments:
- **Event**: [Time/Mark], [Competition Name], [Date]
- **Event**: [Time/Mark], [Competition Name], [Date]
- **Event**: [Time/Mark], [Competition Name], [Date]

I have attached my athletic resume and a link to my highlight reel for your reference.

Why This College:
I am particularly interested in [College/University] because of its excellent [mention specific aspects like coaching staff, track facilities, academic programs, etc.]. I believe that under your guidance, I can further develop my skills and contribute to the team's success.

Next Steps:
I would love the opportunity to discuss how I might fit into your program and how I can contribute to the team's future successes. If possible, I would be grateful for the chance to visit the campus and meet with you in person.

Contact Information:
Thank you for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Email] or [Your Phone Number] if you need any additional information.

Closing:
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[High School Name]
[Graduation Year]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

Attachments:
1. Athletic Resume
2. Highlight Reel Link (or embed the video in the email)
This template provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of your qualifications and interest, making it easier for coaches to assess your potential fit with their program.