We recently completed our admissions cycle, earning acceptance to many top schools (Andover, Exeter, St. Pauls, etc.), and athletics were an important component of our child’s application. Based on our successful engagement with coaches across many schools, I’m sharing some advice based on our experience hoping it can be helpful to future applicants.
The below guide is built into sections, and designed to provide a step by step approach. Please recognize this experience is based on having a very talented young athlete who would likely provide an immediate impact to any school’s varsity program. If you/your child is not in that situation, then this guide may not be as helpful to you.
One thing we’ve learned is that there are a few people who can make a sizeable impact on your application, and an athletic coach is one of them. At many schools, coach’s have an opportunity to advocate for prospective athletes with the admissions office. Being a strong athlete cannot overcome other challenges (e.g. grades, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation), so this guide is designed for both those that are strong athletes and are at or near the level of what your prospective school is looking for in other areas.
In life, relationships matter. And in our experience, building a relationship early (before applications open) and staying in close contact with coaches throughout the entire application cycle, proved to be a winning strategy, both in terms of a coach’s comfort level with the prospective student, as well as giving the student the opportunity to sense whether they’d enjoy working with that coach for their high school career.
Starting a connection with coaches early, before the application season starts, demonstrates initiative and allows you to stand out from the crowd. This guide details how to build a strong foundation for your application through strategic coach communication while acknowledging the crucial role of academics in the admissions process.
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Research and Target:
- Identify Your “Dream Schools”: Create a list of prep schools with strong athletic programs in your sport. Research their recent performance, coaching styles, academic offerings, and admissions philosophy. Ensure these align with your academic and athletic goals. There are plenty of good resources for recent performances, college commitments, etc., including the school’s athletics website or external sites like maxpreps.com.
- Know Your Coaches: Don’t just focus on the head coach. Research the entire coaching staff. Identify assistant coaches specializing in your position or event, as they may be the primary point of contact for recruiting younger athletes. Recognize that coaching changes happen. Some for the better, others not so much. If a school has had success (top league finishes, many kids who go to play in college, etc.), it’s a good sign that the coach will have some influence in the admissions process for very strong athletes that can help build and/or continue the school’s legacy of success in your sport.
Proactive Outreach:
- Early Bird Gets the Worm: Don’t wait for the application process to open in August; you should initiate contact with coaches in July before application season begins. Once the prior school year wraps up, coaches will have more time to start thinking about the next year and attracting talented kids to their program. Reaching out early will demonstrate your initiative and position you favorably before the admissions process and Fall sports season kicks off. Coaches get busy once school starts, so get their attention early.
- Craft a Compelling Introduction: Your introductory email should be professional and concise. Introduce yourself, mention your grade level, and highlight your most impressive athletic achievements. If you play in a top-tier league (e.g., ECNL, MLS Next), mention it. Attach a well-edited highlight reel showcasing your skills and potential. Keep this to 90 seconds max. Put your best highlights up front. Most coaches stop watching after 45-60 seconds.
- Be Specific and Engaging: Express your genuine interest in their program and why you believe you’d be a valuable asset to their team in the future. Mention specific aspects of the school or coaching philosophy that resonate with you. Personalize your message to each coach for maximum impact.
Building the Relationship:
- Consistent Communication is Key: Go beyond the initial introductory email. Aim to follow up with coaches monthly. Update them on your athletic progress, including game highlights, awards, personal bests, or participation in camps or clinics.
- Show Initiative: Don’t just send updates – ask for opportunities to connect more deeply. Express your interest in a Zoom call with the coach to discuss your progress and learn more about the program’s philosophy and training regimen.
- Deepen Your Understanding: As you get into the Fall season, inquire about Zooming with current players. This allows you to gain valuable insights into the team culture, student life, and the daily routine of a student-athlete at the school.
- Showcase Your Character: Go beyond just athletic achievements. Briefly mention academic successes, leadership roles, or community service involvement. Paint a well-rounded picture of who you are as a student-athlete.
- Show Your Teammate Potential: Express your willingness to learn from more experienced players and contribute positively to the team environment, even before you join.
Leveraging Your Connection:
- Stay Connected: Once you’ve established a rapport, express your desire to stay connected and updated about the program. This allows coaches to continue to assess your development and keep you top-of-mind throughout the recruiting process.
- Highlight Your Coach Connection in Your Application: When you submit your application, mention your communication with the coach in your cover letter or athletic resume. Focus on the nature and frequency of your interactions, and your continued interest in the program.
The Role of Academics: The Foundation for Everything
While a strong coach connection can significantly improve your chances, remember it’s not a substitute for a solid academic profile. Here’s why strong academics are essential:
- Table Stakes for Admission: Top boarding schools have rigorous academic standards. Excellent grades, strong standardized test scores (if required), well-written essays, and positive letters of recommendation are essential for any applicant, regardless of athletic prowess. These are considered “table stakes” – the minimum requirement to even be considered.
- Success Beyond Athletics: Admissions officers want well-rounded students who can excel not just on the field (or court, or track), but also in the classroom. Strong academics demonstrate your ability to handle a demanding academic workload and thrive in a competitive environment.
How Coaches Can Help (But Can’t Guarantee):
- Advocacy for Passionate Athletes: If you’re a talented athlete and the coach genuinely wants you on their team, they’ll likely advocate for you to the admissions office. This advocacy can be a powerful boost, especially if your application is on the borderline.
- Ranking System (At Some Schools): Some schools have a system where coaches rank potential recruits based on athletic talent and fit within the program. A high ranking from the coach can significantly increase your chances of admission, particularly if your academic profile is already competitive.
- Remember, It’s Not Guaranteed: Coach advocacy is influential, but it’s not a guarantee. Admissions officers weigh all aspects of an application, and a stellar academic profile remains crucial. Think of the coach’s influence as a tipping point. If your application is strong academically, a coach’s endorsement can push it over the edge and into the “accepted” pile.
The Parent’s Role: Striking a Balance
While student-driven communication is crucial, parent involvement can offer valuable support:
- Guide Initial Research: Parents can help with initial research on schools and coaches, identifying potential targets and providing resources. However, students should craft and send introductory emails independently.
- Be a Resource, Not a Spokesperson: Students should conduct follow-up communication with coaches. Parents can help draft emails but encourage students to personalize and send them themselves. This helps develop communication skills vital for success at the boarding school level.
- Focus on Support, Not Pressure: Parents should be enthusiastic about their child’s athletic pursuits, but avoid pressuring them or coaches. Let your child take the lead and showcase their talents.
Signs Coaches Show Interest (and Disinterest):
- Frequent communication: Coaches who maintain regular contact (calls, texts, emails) demonstrate significant interest.
- Going the extra mile: Inviting you for extended phone calls, campus visits, or introductions to current players suggests strong interest.
- Transparency: Honesty about recruiting needs showcases genuine communication. If a coach is no longer recruiting for your position, they’ll likely inform you directly.
Remember:
- Respect the Coach’s Time: Be mindful of coaches’ busy schedules. Keep communication concise and focused, highlighting relevant updates and inquiries.
- Let Your Child Shine: Trust your child’s ability to connect with coaches. Offer support without overshadowing their efforts. Their passion and communication skills will be on display throughout the process.
- Interpret Coach Communication: By 8th grade, student-athletes should be able to manage basic communication with coaches. Parents can offer guidance in interpreting coaches’ responses and interest levels. Discuss the coach’s communication style and what it might suggest about their level of interest.
- Be Patient: Building strong relationships takes time. Consistent communication and genuine interest demonstrate your commitment. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately – coaches juggle busy schedules.
The Bottom Line:
By strategically connecting with coaches early and establishing a strong foundation, while maintaining a stellar academic profile, you’ll be well on your way to impressing coaches and admissions officers at your dream boarding schools. Remember, this is a collaborative effort – a combination of your initiative, talent, strong academics, and your parent’s support as you navigate this exciting chapter in your athletic and academic journey.
Additional Tips:
- Highlight Leadership: Do you hold leadership positions on your current teams or in your community? Mention these experiences in your communication with coaches, as they showcase your ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Demonstrate Work Ethic: Beyond talent, coaches value dedication and hard work. Briefly mention any offseason training programs or camps you participate in. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement.
- Be a Good Sport: Sportsmanship is crucial. Highlight instances where you displayed good sportsmanship during games or competitions. This shows maturity and character.
- Stay Humble: Confidence is important, but avoid arrogance. Focus on your accomplishments while remaining grounded and respectful.
By following these tips and establishing a strong foundation through early coach communication and a commitment to academic excellence, you’ll increase your chances of gaining admission to your top boarding school choices. Remember, the journey itself is a valuable learning experience, so approach it with enthusiasm, dedication, and a positive attitude.