When it comes to contacting college coaches, student-athletes tend to rely on digital forms of communication, including email, text and social media. But when college coaches are considering hundreds of potential recruits, what really stands out is when a student-athlete calls them. Not to mention, this direct, real-time form of communication gives the student-athlete an opportunity to convey their interest in the program, get their questions answered and build a relationship with the coach.
Before picking up the phone, here are a few things to consider:
When to start calling
While college coaches can’t contact recruits until June 15 after their sophom*ore year, student-athletes can initiate contact with coaches at any time. However, reaching out to college coaches isn’t as simple as picking up the phone and calling. It’s important for recruits to be strategic and take the necessary steps to prepare before calling a coach.
Before reaching out, student-athletes should try to narrow down their target list of schools to those they know they are most interested in. Once this list is finalized, recruits should start with an introductory email. Not only will this give you a chance to introduce yourself and share your important information, but you can also let the coach know to expect a call from you.
What time of year to call
If you’re calling a coach that you don’t currently have a relationship with, you should aim to contact them during the offseason or the summer when they’re less busy. Coaches are generally the busiest during their sport’s season and may be harder to reach. To identify the best time of year to call, check out the NCAA DI and DII recruiting calendars for detailed information about when coaches are most accessible by sport.
What day of the week to call
To find the best day of the week to call, start by looking at the team’s schedule. Make note of game days and big tournaments to avoid calling on the days leading up to and the day of these events. From our research, coaches say Mondays or Tuesdays typically work best.
What time of the day to call
The best time to call a coach is in the morning when you’re likely to catch them in the office, between 8–10 a.m. during the week. If you’re unable to call in the morning, it’s best to wait until the evening between 6–10 p.m. after practice is over. The offseason offers more flexibility, making it easier to get the coach on the phone during the day. Also, don’t forget to check the time zone if the school is in a different one you are calling from.
How to prepare for the call To prepare for a call with a college coach, consider the following tips:
• Research the school and program before you call. Make sure you know the coach’s name, background and roster details.
• Be confident and speak clearly. State your name, graduation year, where you’re from and remind them of any communication you’ve previously had. Remember, college coaches talk to lots of athletes throughout the recruiting process.
• Prepare questions so you have something to talk about.
For more tips and advice, visit NCSA’s contacting college coaches resource page.
