It is never too early to start thinking about the recruiting process. While there are rules and regulations that govern when and how a college coach can get in touch with you, as a recruit, there are no rules governing when and how you, as a recruit, can get in touch with a coach. That said, the best way to get in touch with a coach is via email -- it's quick and easy and the coach can print out a hard copy of your information if they so choose. Initiating contact with a coach to make them aware of your interest in their program will remind them to look for you at upcoming tournaments and play days!

Important Rules and Regulations to Know:

1) College coaches CANNOT contact a prospect via email until September 1st of their Junior year in high school.

2) College coaches CANNOT contact a prospect via a telephone call until July 1st after their Junior year, prior to their Senior year in high school.

3) As of August 1st, 2007 college coaches CANNOT text message or instant message a prospect. Furthermore, the use of Facebook or MySpace pages to communicate with a prospect is prohibited. The only permissible electronic communication will be email and fax.

Where do I begin:

While there aren't any rules governing when and how you can contact a coach, bear in mind that coaches receive countless emails every day. Keep your emails informative yet concise. Moreover, email judiciously -- don't send email updates every day! It is more than sufficient to send an introduction email and follow-up with update emails every few weeks or so. Don't worry too much if you don't hear back from a coach right away. Coaches don't always have the time to respond to every email they receive immediately after they receive it.  (Click on apps & forms for a sample letter)

What do I write?

Put your name and year in the title line of the email so that a coach is made aware of the nature of the email. Keep the email short and to the point -- include information on your high school team and club team and your position so that the coach has an initial overview of who you are and where you play. At the close, include your contact information including cell phone and email -- the two best ways for coaches to get in touch with you! You can also include a short list of the your upcoming schedule or any upcoming tournaments you'll be participating in at the close of your email if you would rather not include that as an attachment. With regards to follow-up emails, feel free to send coaches periodic updates on how your other sport seasons are going (big wins, athletic honors, etc.). Again, keep in mind that coaches don't have much time and brief emails are best!

What is an athletic resume?

An athletic resume is a list of your athletic achievements to date. You should include your club team information and high school team information (coach, coach's contact info, position, number). You can also include your height, weight, and dominant hand. List your athletic achievements as well as information on any other sports that you play. Some programs post an online questionnaire that asks for information covered in a typical athletic resume. In that instance, make sure to fill out the questionnaire! Many times programs will not enter the information from your resume into their database but will instead send you a questionnaire and ask you to fill that out. Check out the programs you are interested in and see what they are asking you to do.

IWLCA -

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