Your athlete just got a letter from a college coach.
Maybe it came in the mail. Maybe it was an email with the school's logo saying, "We've been following your progress and would love to learn more about you."
And now you're wondering: Is this real? Are we being recruited?
Here's the answer you need to hear:
Most recruiting letters are not recruiting.
They're database mailings. Mass communication. A way for coaches to cast a wide net and see who responds.
That doesn't mean the letter is worthless. But you need to understand what it actually is — and what it isn't.
What a Form Letter Actually Means
When I was recruiting at the D1 level, we had a database of thousands of athletes. Kids we'd never seen play. Names from camp rosters, showcase lists, ZIP code filters.
A few times a year, we'd send letters — not because we were actively recruiting those athletes, but because we wanted them to know we existed.
Here's what those letters said:
- "We're excited about your potential."
- "We'd love to learn more about you."
- "Please fill out our recruiting questionnaire."
Notice what's missing? Anything specific about your athlete.
If the letter could've been sent to 500 other kids, it's a form letter. You're on the list. That's it.
How to Tell If Interest Is Real
✅ Real Interest Looks Like This:
- They reference something specific — your athlete's video, stats, a tournament, or a coach recommendation
- Personal outreach via phone call, text, or direct email (not bulk mail)
- Invitation to campus for a visit, camp, or workout
- Clear next step: "Send me your summer schedule" or "Let's set up a call"
❌ Form Letter Interest Looks Like This:
- Generic language that could apply to anyone
- No mention of specific skills or recent performance
- Mass email (BCC'd to a list)
- No follow-up unless you initiate it
- Only "next step" is filling out a questionnaire
If you're getting the second version, you're not being recruited. You're being invited to start the conversation.
What to Do When You Get a Form Letter
Step 1: Respond quickly.
Fill out the questionnaire. Send a short email thanking them and include your athlete's highlight video and schedule.
Keep it 4–5 sentences. Make it easy for the coach to learn more.
Step 2: Follow up consistently.
After big games or tournaments, send quick updates. Every 4–6 weeks. Show progress and engagement.
Step 3: Watch for signs of real interest.
If the coach starts asking questions, following up, or inviting your athlete to events — it's getting real.
No response after multiple follow-ups? Move on. Focus on schools that actually engage.
The Bottom Line
A form letter is not an offer. It's not a scholarship. It's not even recruiting.
It's an open door.
The families who turn that door into an opportunity are the ones who walk through it with confidence and a plan.
Most families make one of two mistakes:
- They assume it's a big deal and stop taking action
- They assume it's meaningless and ignore it
The right move? Treat it like an opportunity to start a conversation.
Work that conversation into a relationship. If it doesn't develop, move to the next school.
So… Is Your Athlete Being Recruited?
If a coach is calling, texting, watching film, asking about schedules, and talking about program fit — yes, you're being recruited.
If all you've got is a letter and a questionnaire link — not yet. But you could be, if you handle it right.
What to Do Next
Sitting on recruiting letters and not sure what they mean or what to do next?
Book a Free Strategy Call → — I'll help you figure out which schools are real opportunities and which ones to let go.
The families who succeed don't wait for coaches to find them. They take control of the process and turn letters into conversations — and conversations into offers.
Let's get your athlete there.
– Alex Swenson
Former D1 Coach
Founder, Premier Athletes
P.S. A letter is a good thing. But it's the starting line, not the finish line. Let's build your plan together.
