How to Email US College Volleyball Coaches

International students: US colleges recruit players from many countries. The NCAA Eligibility Center reviews academic records from your country's school system (official transcripts plus certified English translations) and also certifies your amateur status. Start early and see Eligibility.

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 specific coach who recruits your position, and follow up after a big tournament. You can email coaches at any age — NCAA rules limit when Division I and II 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

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.

Template (copy and edit)

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

Coach [Last name],

My name is [First Last], a [grad year] [position] from [City, State or Country]. I play for [Club team] and [School]. I'm interested in [College] because [specific reason — major, program style, something you noticed watching them].

Here's my latest highlight video: [link]
Full unedited set: [link]

Quick facts:
- Height: [cm / ft-in] · Approach touch: [ ] (if measured)
- GPA: [ ] · Intended major: [ ]
- NCAA ID: [ ] (if registered)
- International players: national-team or league level: [ ] · English test (if taken): [ ]

I'll be playing at these events and would love for you to see me in person:
- [Tournament], [City], [Dates] – [Team name / jersey #]
- [Tournament], [City], [Dates] – [Team name / jersey #]

My club coach, [Name], can be reached at [email] / [phone].

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

[First Last]
[Email] · [Phone]

When and how to follow up

• 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.
• No reply? That's normal. If you haven't reached June 15 after 10th grade (or the equivalent year in your country), the 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 your sophomore year, an NCAA Division I or II coach generally can't call you back directly, so a voicemail may go unanswered. One way around this is to have your club coach connect you: club directors often talk with college coaches and can share your interest. After June 15, if a coach asks you to call, do it within a day or two, and have a few questions ready.

Watch it

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

Frequently asked questions