How to Follow Up with College Football Coaches (The Right Way)
Following up with college football coaches can be daunting, especially if you're feeling ghosted. This skill, however, can be pivotal in securing a scholarship. This guide will take you through effective follow-up strategies and offer insights into interacting with coaches to get a response.
Understanding the Need for Follow-Ups
Have you ever been left waiting after reaching out to a college coach? You're not alone. Many athletes face situations where coaches don't respond immediately. In these moments, it’s crucial to not simply let the communication drop. Persistent but strategic follow-up is key to keeping the lines open.
Decoding Coach Communication
Initial Outreach and Ghosting Anxiety
If a coach says they'll get back to you and doesn't, it may be tempting to keep nudging them. For example, one athlete shared that he sent his game highlights after being promised a call back but never received one. The advice here? If the coach allows red receipts and has seen your messages, consider a call instead of another message.
Handling Red Receipts
Seeing a ‘seen’ status without a response can be frustrating. In such cases, a direct phone call can be more effective than endless texting. As you call, prepare to leave a respectful message and plan to follow up with a text if there’s no answer.
From Texts to Calls: Knowing When to Switch Tactics
Many athletes find themselves relying heavily on text communication, while some coaches might prefer direct calls. Understanding this can change your approach significantly. If a coach has explicitly invited you to follow up, like in one anecdotal instance, then it’s time to make those calls regularly.
The Art of Telephone Persistence
If you've reached out multiple times without a meaningful response, consider calling every couple of days. Coaches are often busy, and a direct phone connection can cut through the digital noise. Understand the rhythm of their schedules; early weekdays or travel days might be optimal times for reaching out.
Ask the Right Questions for Better Engagement
Strategizing your communication to foster better responses is crucial. Instead of simply sending your highlights, ask insightful questions such as, "After watching my film, how do you see me fitting into your program?". This encourages the coach to engage in a conversation rather than passively watching your clips.
Embrace Rejection Gracefully
Fear of rejection should not hinder your follow-up efforts. The worst outcome is a coach indicating that you're not the right fit. Embrace these moments as opportunities to move on and seek others who might see your potential. Remember, persistence paired with strategic communication often leads to positive results.
In Conclusion
The follow-up process is a delicate balance of persistence and respect. Be proactive, refine your questions, and don’t shy away from making phone calls. When rejection occurs, treat it as a stepping stone to your ultimate success. Keep honing your approach, and you'll likely find the right fit in no time.
Apply To Work 1-on-1 With Richie
Richie's mentorship program provides access to the entire Next Play® protocol for earning a football scholarship, complete with mentorship, coaching, and accountability for your son, thereby ensuring he develops into an elite communicator, leader, and businessman, and ultimately earns a full-ride scholarship.
