60 The Sports Scholarships Insider’s Guide
Even though your home phone number is included in the
profile, you should provide it in the cover letter as well. Tell
coaches when the best time is to call either you or your par-
ents. If your high-school coach is willing to have coaches call
him or her at home, mention the coach’s number (including
area code), as well as the best contact times.
The same editing, grammar, and spelling rules apply to your
cover letter as those recommended for your profile. Keep your
cover letter to one page.
If your cover letter appears to be mass-produced, it is likely
that it will receive less serious attention. The following devices
will ensure that the coach knows the letter is written specifi-
cally to him or her:- Use the college name.
- Use the college address.
- Use the team name.
- Use the coach’s name.
- Keep it to one page.
By using the first four suggestions, it quickly reveals that
you have done research on the school and athletic program
that you are making contact with. Comments about a team
or athlete success gleaned from the school’s website can make
a valuable first impression. Use a small item like that in your
cover letter.
A sample cover letter follows.