You sent 50 cold emails to college coaches. You got 3 responses.
Meanwhile, your teammate sent 10 emails and got 7 responses. Plus two coaches reached out to her first.
What's the difference? She has a network. You don't.
Here's how to build one.
Why Network Matters More Than You Think
College recruiting isn't just about being good. It's about being known.
Coaches get hundreds of recruiting emails per month. Most go unread. But when a coach they trust says "you should look at this player," they pay attention.
That's the power of network.
The 4 Types of People in Your Recruiting Network
1. Your Club Coach
Your club coach knows college coaches. They've placed athletes at programs. They have relationships.
If your club coach vouches for you, doors open.
Make your club coach your biggest advocate:
- Be coachable (they won't recommend players who are difficult)
- Communicate your goals (tell them which schools you're interested in)
- Ask for help (most coaches want to help, but you have to ask)
Your club coach can make introductions, send film, and put in a good word. Use them.
2. Your High School Coach
Your high school coach may not have the same college connections as your club coach, but they can still help.
They can:
- Write recommendation letters
- Make calls to coaches they know
- Invite college coaches to watch your games
Don't ignore your high school coach. They want you to succeed.
3. College Coaches You've Built Relationships With
You don't need to know 100 coaches. You need to know 10-15 coaches who know you well.
Build real relationships:
- Go to camps at schools you're interested in
- Follow up after camps with thank-you emails
- Attend games and introduce yourself to coaches
- Send updates on your season (not just highlight videos)
When a coach knows you personally, you're not just another email.
4. Alumni and Former Players
People who played at programs you're interested in can give you insider info and make introductions.
Ask:
- What's the team culture like?
- What does the coach really value?
- Would you be willing to put in a word for me?
Most former players are happy to help. Just ask.
How to Build Relationships (Not Just Send Emails)
Sending a cold email is not building a relationship. It's spam with your name on it.
Here's how to actually build relationships:
Attend College Camps
College camps are recruiting events disguised as skill camps. Coaches run them to evaluate talent.
Go to camps at schools you're interested in. You'll get face time with coaches. You'll see the facility. You'll meet the team.
After the camp, send a follow-up email:
"Thanks for the great camp. I learned a lot about your program and I'd love to stay in touch. Here's my updated film."
Now you're not a stranger. You're someone they've met and coached.
Show Up to Games
If a school is within driving distance, go watch them play.
After the game, introduce yourself to the coaching staff:
"Hi Coach, I'm [name]. I'm a [position] in the class of [year] and I really enjoyed watching your team play. I'd love to learn more about your program."
Hand them your business card (yes, make recruiting business cards with your name, position, grad year, email, and phone).
Now they have a face and a name to attach to your emails.
Send Updates (Not Just Highlight Videos)
Don't only email coaches when you have a new highlight video.
Send updates:
- "We just won our regional championship. Thought you'd want to know."
- "I just committed to playing for USA Volleyball's High Performance program. Wanted to share the news."
- "I watched your match against [opponent]. Your defense was incredible. Congrats on the win."
You're staying on their radar without being annoying.
Be Real in Communication
Coaches can tell when you're using a template. Personalize every email.
Bad:
"Dear Coach, I am interested in your volleyball program. Please find my highlight video attached."
Good:
"Hi Coach Smith, I watched your match against UCLA last week. Your middles were lights out. I'm a middle blocker in the class of 2027 and I'd love to learn more about your program. Here's my film."
One feels robotic. The other feels human.
How to Ask for Help (Without Being Annoying)
Most people want to help. But you have to ask in a way that makes it easy.
Asking Your Club Coach
Bad:
"Can you help me with recruiting?"
Good:
"I'm really interested in these 5 schools: [list]. Do you have any connections with coaches there? If so, would you be willing to send them my film or put in a word?"
Be specific. Make it easy for them to say yes.
Asking a College Coach for Feedback
Bad:
"Do you think I'm good enough to play for you?"
Good:
"I know your roster is filling up for my class. If I'm not a fit right now, could you give me feedback on what I need to work on to play at this level?"
Coaches respect players who ask for honest feedback.
Asking an Alumni for Help
Bad:
"Can you get me recruited to your school?"
Good:
"I'm really interested in [school] and I'd love to learn more about what it's like to play there. Would you be open to a quick call? I have a few questions about team culture and what Coach [name] values."
You're asking for advice, not a favor.
What Not to Do
Don't do these things:
- Don't spam 100 coaches with the same generic email
- Don't ask someone you've never met to "put in a good word" for you
- Don't ghost coaches who reach out (even if you're not interested, respond)
- Don't badmouth other programs or coaches (word gets around)
- Don't expect people to do the work for you (networking requires effort)
How to Maintain Your Network
Building the network is step one. Maintaining it is step two.
Send Seasonal Updates
Every 3-4 months, send a quick update to coaches you've been in contact with:
- "Just finished club season. We placed 3rd at nationals. Here's my updated film."
- "High school season starts next week. Excited to compete for a state championship."
Stay on their radar.
Say Thank You
If someone helps you (coach, alumni, mentor), send a thank-you note. Not an email. An actual handwritten note or card.
People remember that.
Give Updates When You Commit
When you commit to a school, let the coaches who recruited you know.
"I wanted to let you know I've committed to [school]. Thank you for your time and interest. I really appreciated getting to know your program."
Coaches respect that. And they'll remember you (maybe they'll recruit your younger sibling or teammate later).
The Long Game
Building a recruiting network takes time. You don't build it in a month. You build it over 2-3 years.
Start early. Attend camps in your freshman and sophomore year. Build relationships before you need them.
By the time you're a junior and actively recruiting, you'll have coaches who know you, trust you, and want you on their team.
That's how you get recruited.
Set Point helps athletes build and track their recruiting network so no opportunity gets missed. Worth checking out if you're serious about getting recruited.