You have 3-5 seconds to grab a coach's attention.
That's it.
If your email doesn't stop their scroll in those critical moments, you've lost your chance.
Most players start their emails with:
"Hi Coach! My name is Jane Smith and I'm a forward from Random High School..."
And coaches have seen that opening hundreds of times before.
The Pattern Interrupt
Think about how you decide what to watch on social media.
If the first few seconds don't grab you, what happens?
You scroll to the next one.
College coaches reading emails? Same thing.
But what if you started differently?
Hook strategies that work
Instead of introducing yourself at the start of every email, try:
- Referencing something specific from that program's recent games
- Sharing news of an accomplishment that shows character
- Sharing what you admire about the program's style
- Opening with a compelling learning moment from your development
The key is beginning with something that makes them curious to read more.
The Conversation Starter
Your email isn't just about sharing information.
It's about starting a relationship.
The best hooks:
- Show you've done your homework
- Create genuine interest
- Provide a glimpse of your personality
- Give coaches a reason to read more
Why This Matters
Coaches can't respond until after June 15 of your sophomore year.
But they can read.
They can remember.
They can add you to their watch lists.
One Thing That Works
Before sending your next email, write three different opening lines.
Ask yourself: "If I got 50 emails today, would this one make me want to read more?"
If not, keep writing.
Reality Check
You're not just competing against other players.
You're competing for attention in a crowded inbox.
Sometimes the difference between being noticed and being filed away is those first 3-5 seconds.
Want my complete email communication strategy? The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook includes proven templates for every stage of the process, plus my framework for building relationships through authentic communication.
