<p>I think trying to figure out why a coach didn’t return emails is like trying to figure out why a college didn’t accept you. There are so many possible reasons, not to mention no reason at all. </p>
<p>If you think a particular college is a good fit grades and times wise (and you want to be a student there), I would take a step beyond emailing the coach. Call the coach and schedule a meeting. </p>
<p>The funny thing is, I do believe that there is a generally accepted “coach speak,” but athletes only are recruited to college once. It makes it tough to understand what the coach means. Combine that with the fact that coaches are charged not only with having a winning team, but also with generally increasing a college’s application numbers. The result can be a glossy description by the coach of how wonderful the school is. Naturally, the athlete thinks the coach is encouraging him, and thus thinks he is being recruited.</p>
<p>Ask the direct question: Would you be interested in me as an athlete? The coach may reply “I have three girls faster than you that I am recruiting. If one doesn’t get in then yes.” Or the coach might say “you can try out if you get in,” which usually means that you are not being recruited. If you can’t make the visit, then at least try calling the coach.</p>
<p>Be just as aggressive with recruiting as you are with your running. You have a short window of time to get the coach’s attention. </p>