Why Follow-Up Can Make or Break Your College Soccer Recruitment

When you email college soccer coaches, the hardest part isn’t sending the first message…
It’s what happens after.

Most players hit “send,” get nothing back, and assume the coach isn’t interested.
But here’s the truth:

➡️ Many coaches are interested — they’re just busy.
➡️ They forget names fast.
➡️ They see hundreds of emails a week.

If you don’t follow up strategically, another player will take your spot.

This blog gives you a clear, respectful, proven system to stay top of mind with U.S. coaches without being annoying.

What Coaches Want in a Follow-Up

College coaches pay attention to players who show:

✔ Consistency
✔ Professionalism
✔ True interest in their program
✔ Growth over time

That means your follow-ups shouldn’t be:

🚫 “Did you get my last email?”
🚫 “Coach, please respond.”
🚫 A copy-paste message sent to 50 schools

Your follow-ups must add value every time.

How Often You Should Follow Up

Here’s a rule top recruits follow:

📌 Once every 7–10 days until:
A) the coach schedules a call, OR
B) they clearly say they are not recruiting your position for your class

And then?

📌 Continue every 2–3 weeks, sharing updates and staying on their radar.

Recruiting is a marathon — not three emails and a miracle.

The 4 Types of Follow-Ups That Actually Work

Each type has a specific purpose. Rotate between them.

1️⃣ Game + Video Updates

Coaches want proof of improvement.

Examples of updates:

• New highlight reel (even if short)
• Individual game clips
• Tournament goals, assists, stats, awards

💡If you don’t have a great reel yet, learn how to create a coach-friendly one here: What Really Happens Inside a College Soccer Coach’s Inbox

2️⃣ Academic Updates

Remember: better grades = more scholarship opportunities.

Send updates when:

• GPA increases
• You get a new test score (SAT, ACT, TOEFL)
• You’re accepted into honors classes or certifications

Small academic wins matter a lot in U.S. recruiting.

3️⃣ Schedule + Exposure Updates

Share:

• Upcoming showcases or ID camps
• Livestream match links
• Your Jersey # and Position
• Game location + time

Make it as easy as possible for a coach to watch you.

4️⃣ Relationship-Building Messages

Show that you actually care about their program.

Example:

“Coach, I watched your team’s match vs. ___ — great result. I really like your fast-pressing style, especially how your 6 shifts defensively.”

You’re showing:
✔ Intentionality
✔ You did research
✔ You can fit their system

Not just “I want a scholarship.”

Follow-Up Email Template You Can Copy

Subject: Update + Video – [Full Name] | Class of [Year] | [Position]

Hi Coach [Last Name],

Hope you’re doing well. Thank you again for taking the time to view my profile. I wanted to share a quick update since my last message:

• [Recent performance update: stats, award, tournament invite, etc.]
• [Academic update, if available]
• [Upcoming games/camps with jersey # and livestream if possible]

Here is a short highlight update from last weekend:
[Video Link]

I am very interested in your program because [specific reason related to their team’s style, culture, academics, etc.].

Would you be available for a quick call next week?
I’d love to learn more about your recruiting needs for the Class of [year].

Thank you again for your time, Coach.

Best,
[Your Full Name]
[City, Country]
[Height / Weight / Dominant Foot]
[Position(s)]
[Tracking Link to Full Profile]

💡 Need help writing your intro email?

Check out this guide: How to Write the Perfect Email to College Soccer Coaches

How to Follow Up After Silence

If you get no response after multiple emails, try:

“Coach, just confirming you received this. Please let me know if I should continue to keep you updated.”

Short. Respectful. Professional.

If they still don’t respond?

➡️ Move them down your priority list
➡️ Keep them on a once-a-month update cycle

You never know when needs change.

Follow-Up on Social Media (The Right Way)

Instagram + Twitter/X can be powerful:

✔ Like a recent post of their team
✔ Comment on achievements (never spam!)
✔ Share your goal clips and tag the program

But:

🚫 Don’t send essays in DMs
🚫 Don’t message every player on the roster

Keep it professional like a resume.

Follow-Up Timeline Cheat Sheet

Situation                                                  Follow-Up Timing                    Follow-Up Type

First contact, no reply                                     Every 7–10 days                                  Video + schedule updates

Coach opens email but doesn’t reply          Next 5–7 days                                     Relationship + question

Coach responds once                                      Every 1–2 weeks                                 Stats + academic updates

Coach schedules a call                                    Immediately after + reminders      Profile updates

Coach says “Not your class/position”          Every 3–4 weeks                                Growth updates

Why Follow-Up Shows the Best Version of You

Coaches evaluate:

• Maturity
• Leadership
• Communication skills
• How you overcome challenges
• Your long-term consistency

Every message is a first impression.

Your goal is to demonstrate:

“I want your school — not just any school.”

Turn Silence Into Opportunity

When you follow up strategically:

🔥 You stay top of mind
🔥 You prove persistence and professionalism
🔥 You position yourself above similar-talent players
🔥 You open doors for calls, visits, and offers

Want more tools to stay ahead?

‍
💡This resource breaks down the recruiting timeline like a coach sees it: How to Use Your Gap Year to Boost College Soccer Recruitment

Conclusion: The Players Who Follow Up, Win

You don’t need to be the best player.
You need to be the player who stays on the radar.

The formula is simple:

✔ Short & professional messages
✔ Once per week
✔ Add value every time
✔ Show you care about their program

Follow-up is not annoying…
It’s showing that you’re serious about earning your spot in college soccer.