How to Email US College Volleyball Coaches

The best email to a college volleyball coach is short, personal and easy to act on: who you are, why this school, your video link, your schedule and your contact details. Write it yourself, send it to the head coach and the assistant who recruits your position or region, and follow up after a big tournament. You can email coaches at any age — NCAA rules limit when Division I coaches can reply, not when you can write.

Ideal length

Under 200 words

Must include

Video link + schedule

Who to send to

Head + assistant coach

Follow up

Every 3–6 weeks with news

You can email

Any time, any grade

Template (copy and edit)

Subject: [Grad year] [Position], [Height] – [Club team] – video + [Month] tournament schedule

Coach [Last name],

I'm [First Last], a [grad year] [position] from [City, State]. I play for [Club team] and [High school]. I'm interested in [College] because [one specific reason].

Highlight video: [link]
Full unedited set: [link]

- Height: [ ] · Approach touch: [ ] (if measured)
- GPA: [ ] · Intended major: [ ]
- NCAA ID: [ ] (if you have one)

I'd love for you to see me play at:
- [Tournament], [City], [Dates] – [Team name], #[jersey]
- [Tournament], [City], [Dates] – [Team name], #[jersey]

My club coach is [Name], [email], [phone].

Thanks for your time. I hope to see you at one of these events.

[First Last]
[Email] · [Phone]

Outside the US? Use your city and country, and add one line with your current league or national-team level and any English test you've taken.

The structure that works

1. Subject line: Grad year, position, height, club and something specific. Example: “2029 OH, 180 cm (5'11"), Northside 16 Elite – video + Feb. tournament schedule”
2. Greeting: Use the coach's name (“Coach Ramirez”), not “Dear Coach.”
3. Why them (1–2 sentences): Show you know the program — the major you want, their style of play, a recent match you watched.
4. Who you are (2–3 lines): Position, height, club, high school, GPA.
5. Video link: One clean link, near the top (see How to Make a Volleyball Highlight Video).
6. Upcoming schedule: Tournament names, dates, court or team number.
7. Contact info: Your email and phone, your club coach's email and phone, and your NCAA ID if you have one.

Example: a finished email

Here's the template filled in by a made-up player. Swap in your own details and one honest reason you like the school.

Subject: 2029 OH, 180 cm (5'11") – Northside 16 Elite – video + Feb. schedule

Coach Ramirez,

I'm Maya Lopez, a 2029 outside hitter from [City, State]. I play for Northside 16 Elite and Lakeview High School. I want to study nursing, and I'm interested in [College] because of your nursing program and the way your team kept attacking out of serve receive in your match against [Opponent].

Highlight video: [link]
Full set vs. Eastside 16 Black: [link]

- Height: 180 cm (5'11") · Approach touch: not measured yet
- GPA: 3.6 · Intended major: Nursing

I'd love for you to see me play at:
- Winter Classic, [City], Feb. 14–15 – Northside 16 Elite, #7

My club coach is Dana Kim, [email], [phone].

Thanks for your time. I hope to see you there.

Maya Lopez
[email] · [phone]

Why it works: the subject line tells the coach who she is and when to see her, the reason for the school is specific, the video links come before the stats, and the schedule gives her team and jersey number so the coach can find her on court.

When and how to follow up

• Find the right address: Use the coaching staff page on the college's athletics website, and fill out the program's online recruiting questionnaire if it has one.
• After a tournament: Send a short update with new stats, a new clip or a “thank you for coming to watch.”
• Every 3–6 weeks: A brief note is fine if you have real news — new video, grades, schedule, a camp you'll attend.
• If you get a questionnaire: Fill it out the same week.
• When a coach replies: Answer within a day or two, and have two or three questions ready about the program, academics and what they look for at your position.
• No reply? That's normal. Before June 15 after 10th grade (or the equivalent year in your country), a Division I coach may not be allowed to write back yet. Keep the program on your list and keep sending updates.

What not to do

• Don't send one email to 30 coaches with everyone in the “To” line.
• Don't use the wrong school's name — double-check before you hit send.
• Don't attach big video files. Send a link.
• Don't let a parent write it for you once you're about 14 or older. Coaches want to hear from the player.
• Don't use an email address you'd be embarrassed to show a coach. Make a simple one with your name.
• Don't write a long essay. If it doesn't fit on a phone screen in two scrolls, cut it.

Deep dive: calling and texting coaches

You may call or text a college coach at any time. Before June 15 after 10th grade, an NCAA Division I coach generally can't call you back directly, so a voicemail may go unanswered. Your club coach can help: club directors often talk with college coaches and can pass on your interest. Once a coach is allowed to call, and asks you to, call back within a day or two with a few questions ready.

Watch: a USC athlete shows how to email college coaches

Video: Victoria Garrick Browne on YouTube. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.

Frequently asked questions