I am a Junior in high school and am just about to send out letters to schools that I am interested in. I know the first letter should be short and sweet, and I also should include a player profile, but what about recommendations? Do I need a few included with the first letter. Anything else I should know would be greatly appreciated.

I believe in sending recommendations only when asked for

After they see you play they will contact the people they need to contact

What you want to do is just make an introduction in your first letter, not overwhem them with paper.

tho ya don't want to overwhelm them, you're getting started writing a bit late - if you have a well respected coach, instructor or pro scout who's contact # you can give, then do so - a familiar/respected name to them might get you "caught up some" if he has good things to say about you - and could even make the difference in them finding time to see you play - - or not.
also don't give someones # without them being aware of it

BEE

I think he will be fine-- they cannot talk to him until July 1 upcoming anyway---if he touches base nowand lets them know where he will be playing this summer and fall he should be ok

Tr, I know ya probably forgot more than I ever knew, but some of what you forgot is that at this point college coaches have all but finalized their 1rst stage July call list of players that they have been following & sending letters to since last September - these guys are "well known" to them - most effort will go to trying to arrange to see them "live"

an intro letter for an '05 hs jr expressing general interest in their proogram is likely to at best go to the bottom of the pile - - and
to suggest that a letter of general interest from an unknown player will get them out to his games is very, very optimistic

Well, that makes me feel optomistic... . I'm not looking at big DI schools, smaller, DII's or DIII's that I could possibly play at. How about a letter of recomendation from an ex-pro who is my coach? Thanks.

Bee,

Could you please elaborate a little more about the first phase call list? Your experiences etc.etc. I don't think my son gives this date to much thought,but I would be lying if I didn't say it's killing me.And I think you said once this was suppose to be fun?
Just kidding,everything that has happened in the last year has been great.

jastern05
If you are interested in specific colleges, sending the coach information about yourself can never be a bad thing. Of course coaches already have a pretty good idea on who they going after, but at the D3 level kids are able to change their minds much easier than the higher levels. No matter what classification of player you believe you are or how much a HS coach or any other coach recommends you, the college coach ultimately will make the decision on whether or not he wants you to be apart of his program.
To me, a D3 program wouldn't mind a very talented player who either "falls through the cracks" or chooses D3 because of reasons specific to themselves.

Recommended info to send (I'm sure other have suggestion posted around this board also, so these would be my personal thoughts): all contact info, coaches phone numbers, stats (no need to go over board though) and who you will be playing for in the summer, including game times and locations if possible. And personally, I love getting directions to field sites but be accurate - I say that because it shows a level of interest on the players part. My final point would be to make sure what information you are sending is readable and don't mis-spell words.

It's not too late to send first letters. Are you attending any college showcases? A good strategy is to send letters to the coaches & schools that you know will be attending the showcase. Expressing your interest in their school in advance of the event will help guide the coaches to seek you out while you are performing on the field. I would also include the recommendation letter in your first mailing. It worked well for my son in establishing player credibility at initial contact.

Bee,
My son was on the radar but there were some big schools who we never got questionaires from, any correspondance at all until they saw my son play last summer, so my opinion is that it is never too late. Lots of the calls came late August from these schools, remember signing is not until November.
And for those who disagree, senior summer is MOST important.

I agree that is really never too late...especially since there is always the draft which impacts sholly's, there are players who don't end up making the grades, etc..so $$ can and do come available...

getting your name in front of them and letting them know who you are at showcases, or tourney's etc...does make a difference.

one JC coach who offered my son a scholly (great guy and program...didn't accept though) said he remembers that my son sent him an update each year on his pursuits and where he was playing during the summer...so ya never know...

I agree. It is never too late. We just did a video of a kid who didn't even start on his High School team until he was a senior. He didn't get any looks till May. He sent letters and when he got response sent recommendations and his highlight tape. He has offers from 3 D2's now. It is never too late.



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