What's the One Email a College Coach Will Actually Open During the Holidays?

Let’s be real: your dream college coach is buried in emails. Recruits. Current players. Alumni. Other coaches. Admin. Their inbox is a battlefield of unread messages.

But in December? It gets worse. There are holiday parties, family trips, end-of-semester grades, maybe even some vacation time. Coaches are people, too. They’re stressed, busy, and mentally drained.

So, why would they open your email in the middle of all that?

Because you’re not going to send just any email. You’re going to send the one email that stands out not as another task, but as a genuine, positive, and easy-to-digest message.

It’s not about being flashy. It’s about being different. Here’s exactly how to write it.

Why the Holidays Are Your Secret Weapon

Before we get into the wording, understand this: during the holidays, most recruits go quiet. They assume coaches are “off” and don’t want to bother them.

That’s your advantage.

When your email pops up in a quieter-than-usual inbox, it has a much higher chance of being seen. You’re not competing with 50 other recruit emails that day. You might be one of just a handful.

But it has to be the right kind of email. The wrong kind will get deleted instantly.

The Anatomy of an Email a Coach Will Actually Open

This email has four key parts. Miss one, and you risk getting lost in the shuffle.

1. The Subject Line: The Gatekeeper

This is the most important part. If your subject line is weak, your email will never be opened. It needs to be clear, personal, and low-pressure.

🚫 Bad: Recruiting Question

🚫 Worse: Please Watch My Film!!

✅ Gold Standard: Happy Holidays from [Your Name], Class of 2025

It’s simple, festive, and tells them exactly who it’s from without demanding anything.

2. The Opening: The Hook

The first line determines if they keep reading. Do NOT start with “My name is…” or “I am writing to you because…”. They get it. They know you’re a recruit.

Start by acknowledging the moment.

• "Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a great start to the new year."

• "Hope you're getting some well-deserved rest during the break."

It’s human, it’s respectful, and it shows you see them as more than just a coach.

3. The Body: The Value

This is where you briefly reconnect and provide an update. Keep it to 2-3 sentences max. Coaches scan emails; they don’t read novels.

Mention one specific, recent accomplishment. This is crucial. It shows you’re active and improving.

• "I just wrapped up my fall season with [Your Team Name] and was really proud to finish with a .420 batting average."

• "I've been focused on increasing my velocity and just hit a new personal best of 63 MPH."

• "My high school season starts in a few weeks, and I'm excited to build on the work I put in this offseason."

4. The Call to Action: The Next Step

Make it easy for them. Don’t ask a vague question like, “Are you interested in me?” Instead, give them a simple, concrete next step.

• "I've attached my updated stats and video highlights for whenever you have a moment."

• "I'll be playing at the [Tournament Name] in [City] on January 15th if you'll be in the area."

• "No need to reply—just wanted to share my update and wish you happy holidays!"

See the difference? There’s zero pressure. You’re sharing information and extending well-wishes, not demanding a response.

The Template You Can Use Right Now

Here it is. Copy, paste, and fill in the blanks.

Subject: Happy Holidays from [Your Name], Class of [Your Grad Year]

Dear Coach [Last Name],

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! Hope you're able to enjoy some time off.

I just wanted to share a quick update—I've been working hard on [Skill You’ve Improved] and recently [Your Specific Accomplishment, e.g., "helped my team win the X tournament" or "achieved a new personal best in Y"].

I've attached my updated highlight film and stats for your review at your convenience.

No need to reply! Just wanted to share my progress and wish you and your program all the best in the coming year.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]Class of [Year][Your Phone Number][Link to your online profile/recruiting video]

Why This Email Works

It’s short, respectful, and valuable. It provides new information (your update) without demanding anything in return. It shows you’re proactive, polite, and serious about your development.

You’re not just another recruit asking, “Do you like me?” You’re a thoughtful athlete sharing your journey and respecting their time.

That’s an email a coach will remember. And better yet, that’s an email a coach will open.

Now go send it—and then go enjoy your holidays. You’ve earned it.