Yes, you can text a college coach, but make sure to follow NCAA recruiting rules and guidelines and be professional and respectful in your communication.
Detailed answer to your inquiry
Yes, you can text a college coach, but there are rules and guidelines that you should follow. According to the NCAA, coaches can receive texts from prospective student-athletes starting on September 1st of their junior year in high school. Prior to that, coaches are not allowed to respond to any text messages from recruits. It is also important to note that student-athletes should not send excessive or repetitive messages to coaches, as this could be seen as a violation of NCAA rules.
As for the content of your text message, it is important to be professional and respectful. This is an opportunity to introduce yourself and express your interest in the program, but you should avoid bragging or making unrealistic promises. As recruitment consultant Dan Tudor advises, “Text messaging can work as a āfirst touchā to start a conversation with a coach, but it should always be rather brief, respectful, and to the point.”
Here are some interesting facts about texting college coaches:
- According to a survey by Tudor Collegiate Strategies, over 90% of college coaches use text messaging as a recruiting tool.
- Texting can be a convenient and quick way to communicate with coaches, especially if you are interested in multiple programs and want to keep your options open.
- Some coaches prefer phone calls or emails instead of texts, so it’s a good idea to research the coach and their preferred method of communication before sending a text message.
- NCAA rules prohibit coaches from initiating text messages with recruits until their junior year, but there are no restrictions on recruits initiating contact with coaches via text message.
- Texting can be a great way to maintain contact with coaches throughout the recruiting process and keep them up to date on your progress, but it should not be relied on as the sole method of communication. Face-to-face meetings and visits are also important in building a relationship with coaches.
To summarize, texting a college coach can be a useful tool in the recruiting process, but it’s important to follow NCAA rules and guidelines and to be professional and respectful in your communication. As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
Table:
| Pros of Texting College Coaches | Cons of Texting College Coaches |
|---|---|
| Quick and convenient communication | Potential for being seen as excessive or repetitive |
| Useful for introducing yourself and expressing interest | Can’t guarantee a response |
| Can maintain contact throughout recruiting process | Some coaches may prefer other methods of communication |
| Good for sending updates and progress reports | Should not be relied on as the sole method of communication |
Video response to “Should you text a college coach?”
Zan Barksdale’s top recruiting tip is to film a customized video introduction for the coach or recruiting coordinator of a college a player is interested in attending. By doing so, players increase the chances of receiving a response, as coaches appreciate the extra effort. Barksdale suggests updating all recruiting information while coaches have more free time due to the coronavirus outbreak. Though a response is not a guarantee of a roster spot or scholarship, personalized videos may lead to invitations for school visits or recruitment opportunities, as demonstrated by Harold Reynolds’ invitation of a promising high school player.
Other approaches of answering your query
If you have begun texting or receiving texts from a college coach, that is a good sign you are making significant progress in the recruiting process. It is completely OK to text a college coach. Be sure, however, that texting a coach is the appropriate form of contact.
Texting college coaches is a great way to build relationships and get to know a coach in a more informal setting. Usually, texting will start further along in the recruiting process, after the first or second email, and often after your first call with the coach.
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Is it appropriate to text college coaches?
Response to this: Don’t text a coach if you haven’t asked for permission to text. Sometimes, a coach will initiate sending a text first. If not, be sure to ask if it would be alright to text them for updates either in a follow up email or phone call.
Is it better to email or text a college coach?
The best way to contact college coaches is through email. An introductory email is an important first step in the process and is a great way to initially send your key information to college coaches.
Is it OK to DM college coaches?
Response will be: Some coaches may have public social media accounts so that anyone can DM them, but it is a good idea to follow them first so that you show interest. In your own social media account bio you should have details about the sport you play, your position, your graduating year, and your hometown.
What do you say when messaging a college coach?
The reply will be: Include important information about yourself!
- Your Name ā you would be surprised how often athletes forget this!
- Your Position ā so coaches can determine if they need to fill your position, or not.
- Your Organization and Number ā Be specific because your organization or club team most likely has 2-5 teams per age group.
When should you text a college coach?
Usually, texting will start further along in the recruiting process, after the first or second email, and often after your first call with the coach. College coaches donāt give out their phone number to every recruit, so take that as a good sign you are getting recruited by that coach.
Is texting the only way to communicate with coaches?
Even though it is now very common, texting is certainly not the only way to communicate coaches. For more information on improving more of your coach communications skills you should read Straight Talk on How to Call Coaches and How to Write DMs That Open Coachesā Doors.
Should you email college coaches?
Remember, a good coach email can put you on their radar, but if you arenāt prepared for a coach to research you (or even better, respond!) then, you can quickly fall off their recruiting list. Here are three things to do before you email college coaches: Clean up social media.
Should you talk to college coaches on the phone?
The response is: Donāt be timid. A phone conversation gives recruits the opportunity to sell their potential, ask questions and get feedback on where they stand in the coachās recruiting class. Talking to college coaches on the phone is also a great way to show your personality. Donāt only talk about athletics during coach phone calls.
When should you text a college coach?
Answer: Usually, texting will start further along in the recruiting process, after the first or second email, and often after your first call with the coach. College coaches donāt give out their phone number to every recruit, so take that as a good sign you are getting recruited by that coach.
Is texting the only way to communicate with coaches?
Answer to this: Even though it is now very common, texting is certainly not the only way to communicate coaches. For more information on improving more of your coach communications skills you should read Straight Talk on How to Call Coaches and How to Write DMs That Open Coachesā Doors.
Should you talk to college coaches on the phone?
Answer to this: Donāt be timid. A phone conversation gives recruits the opportunity to sell their potential, ask questions and get feedback on where they stand in the coachās recruiting class. Talking to college coaches on the phone is also a great way to show your personality. Donāt only talk about athletics during coach phone calls.
Should you email college coaches?
Remember, a good coach email can put you on their radar, but if you arenāt prepared for a coach to research you (or even better, respond!) then, you can quickly fall off their recruiting list. Here are three things to do before you email college coaches: Clean up social media.