By: Katie Murphy
Make Your Emails Work for You, Not Against You
If you’re serious about playing women’s lacrosse, your emails to college coaches are likely to be your first impression. And in a crowded inbox, small mistakes can quietly knock you out of consideration before a coach ever sees you play. Let’s fix that.
Keep It Brief
The most common mistake? Writing too much. Coaches don’t have time to read essays about your passion for lacrosse. Keep your email tight, focused, and easy to scan. Aim for two to four short paragraphs. If a coach can’t quickly understand who you are and why you’re reaching out, they’ll move on.
Just the Facts, Please
Another frequent misstep is leaving out key information. Coaches need relevant facts upfront. Include your grad year, position, height, GPA, and level of experience. These details help them quickly assess whether you might be a fit. Skip your life story; this isn’t your college essay. Stick to what matters for recruiting. Not sure exactly what to say in a recruiting email? See our best tips here.
Personalize Your Message
Generic “Dear Coach” emails are another red flag. If your letter reads like you copied and pasted the same message to 50 schools, coaches can tell. Each email should be personalized—for example, “Dear Coach Smith,”—and include something specific, such as “Congratulations on your recent win against USF.”
What to Say
Every email should have one main focus. That makes it easier for the coach to read—and easier for them to respond. Your first message might introduce you and express interest in the school’s program. A follow-up email could share your upcoming participation in a tournament including dates, locations, times, and your team name so they can find you at the event. Another email might include a link to your latest highlight reel, or reference a recent game you watched and what stood out to you.
It’s Okay to Toot Your Own Horn
You’ve probably been taught that it’s not cool to brag, but coaches do want to hear about your accomplishments. And if you don’t tell them, who will? If you’ve earned MVP honors, all-conference recognition, or strong academic awards, include them. Academic performance matters more than you might think. Coaches know you still need to clear admissions, and strong grades can also make you eligible for academic scholarships—something every program values. Learn more here about what traits college coaches really look for.
Mind the Details
Tone matters. Be friendly, but professional. Avoid slang, emojis, or overly casual language. And always proofread. Spelling or grammar mistakes can make you look careless. Don’t forget the basics at the end of every email: your full name, phone number, and email address. Make it effortless for a coach to contact you.
Get Organized
Create a simple spreadsheet to track every email you send and receive. As you communicate with multiple coaches, this becomes essential. It helps you stay consistent, follow up appropriately, and evaluate which programs feel like the right fit.
Recruiting is a Process, Not a Single Email
Coaches don’t expect you to be a literary genius in your emails, but they do want recruits to come across as mature, enthusiastic, and genuine in their team interest. Choose your words carefully. And remember, recruiting is a process, not a single message. Your emails are the starting point of a relationship that can lead to calls, visits, and ultimately, a roster spot.
Make every one count.