Contacting College Coaches

When first contacting college coaches, a specific approach is required. Remember, coaches get bombarded with letters, faxes, emails of interest on a regular basis, many of whom are unknown to the coaching staff. An approach I encourage players to take on is fairly basic but effective.

Initially, an introduction letter should be drafted indicating your interest in a selected school's hockey program as well as your interest in what they have to offer academically. Include a brief description of who you are and what you have to offer (on the ice and in the classroom) and don't forget to include particulars such as your position, age, grade, and team info. It's also a good idea to include upcoming activity considered to be a potential scouting opportunity. All this can be said in a short, two paragraph email.

EMAIL

In my opinion, email is the best way to send introductory notes for many reasons; convenience being the major one. Coaches can be anywhere when sending and receiving email.

PARENTS

Another point to consider is that parents' opinions are considered biased for obvious reasons and are rarely taken seriously. For this reason alone, it is important that the letters of interest come from the players.

FOLLOW-UP

When following-up with coaches, remember one minor detail; don't. Your introductory note to colleges are to simply introduce yourself; tell the coaches who you are; what you have to offer; and that you would like to be considered.

The end of your intro note should not say things like; "I look forward to hearing back from you..." or "Please respond at your earliest..." Most coaches will get back to you if they can. If not, you will have plenty of opportunity to send periodic updates. For example; if you have a few tournaments or hockey related events going on over the summer, it's not a bad idea to send an update to a few of the schools you're interested in reminding them of where and when they can find you.

The competition today is great and continues to grow each year. With so many players and so few positions available, your success will depend on your approach.

Hockey Resume

Once you begin contacting schools, it's a good idea to assemble a hockey resume of your own that must be updated on a regular basis. Resumes need to be as detailed as possible but also as brief as possible. Try not to exceed 1-2 pages.

Include items such as all current and previous statistics; team information; academic information such as GPA and test scores; something about you that will help to distinguish you from 1000 other players; all contact information; upcoming schedules; and an overview of what you have to offer.

It's a good idea to include your resume when contacting college coaches and always remember, coaches want players who want to go to their school.

--- Tips ---

1) Keep track of all correspondence. When you reach out to a coach, catalog the important details; date; name of coach; main points; etc. If you end up talking to numerous schools, the ability to refer to your notes can prove to be invaluable.

2) Don't bug college coaches! Without going into detail; I was talking with a coach, who will go unnamed, not long ago. During his/her 4 day vacation, he/she received over 20 voicemail messages from one player. This former Division I prospect found it very difficult to find a home for the next four years. Word spreads quite quickly in the hockey world.