Like a cover letter when you apply for a job as an adult, your letter serves as an introduction. You will want it to catch the coach’s attention, briefly state how you can help the coach’s program and why you are interested in his or her program. Make absolutely certain that it is free of spelling and grammatical errors and that you have the correct coach’s name. If emailing ahead of a showcase in which you will be playing and a coach will be attending, include your showcase schedule and invite the coach to watch you play. Your attached profile then acts as your resume while your video and transcript show your work samples in athletics and academics.

 

Here is a sample letter: 

 

Dear Coach Apicella,
 
My name is Andi Blodgett and I am a junior at McClintock High School in Tempe, Arizona.  I am my high school varsity and club team's catcher, and about the only thing I am as competitive in as softball is in the classroom.
 
I expect to earn an academic scholarship to help pay for my education. I have already earned two academic letters and plan on earning one more before I graduate. I also am a member of student council and was inducted into National Honor Society this year. I have run cross country, played keeper on the McClintock soccer team and started nearly 60 games the past two seasons at catcher for the Chargers softball team.
 
Although I play multiple sports, softball is my true passion, and I want to play for as long as I can.  I love catching, and I think I'm pretty good at it.  When I was a freshman, I spent a lot of time with our school’s veteran pitching coach, learning the art and science of pitch calling.  Now I can be trusted to call my own game.  I am also comfortable at second base and shortstop.  

I'll be playing this fall in the City of Lights Showcase in Las Vegas, Oct. 24-28.  I hope you will come and watch me play and consider me for your 2016 team.
 
Thank you for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,

 

Andi Blodgett

 

Attached or linked were all the appropriate contacts, profile, video and school transcript.

 

One critical tip: Cast a wide net. See what schools match with you in academic offerings and perhaps acceptable geographical location, then email as many of those as you can at all levels. Even if you do not think a school is one you would like to attend, interest from any school is a good thing. At the very least, it is leverage as you seek the best opportunity for yourself.