What to Do If a College Coach Stops Responding to You
- Collegiate Goals Editorial Team
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Every NCAA recruit will experience this at some point—you’ve been talking to a college coach, exchanging emails, maybe even had a great first call. Then suddenly… silence. No response to your last email, no new messages, and you’re left wondering what went wrong.
If this happens, don’t panic. There are many reasons why a coach might stop responding, and it doesn’t always mean they’ve lost interest. This guide will help you understand why a coach may go silent and, more importantly, what you should do next.
Why Do College Coaches Stop Responding?
Before assuming the worst, consider why a coach may have stopped replying:
Coaches often follow strict recruiting periods where communication is limited. Check the NCAA recruiting calendar to understand when coaches are allowed to contact recruits:
They’re evaluating multiple recruits. Coaches talk to hundreds of athletes. Just because they haven’t responded yet doesn’t mean they’re not still interested.
Your email got buried. NCAA coaches receive tons of emails daily—yours may have simply been overlooked.
They’re focused on their current season. Recruiting is important, but during the season, coaching their team comes first.
They filled their recruiting class. If a program has already found the players they need, they may stop communicating with other recruits.
You’re no longer a top priority. This can be tough, but if a coach has moved on to other recruits, you need to adjust your approach.
Step-by-Step: What to Do If a College Coach Stops Responding
"For more official guidance on the recruitment process, check out the NCAA Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes:
1. Give It Some Time
Coaches don’t always respond immediately. If it’s only been a few days, be patient. Wait at least 7–10 days before assuming they’re ghosting you.
2. Send a Follow-Up Email
If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, send a polite and professional follow-up email:
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – Class of [Grad Year]
Dear Coach [Last Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on my last email and see if you're still recruiting for [Position] in the Class of [Grad Year]. I’m still very interested in [School Name] and would love to know if there’s anything else I can provide.
I’ve also included my latest highlight video for your review: [Insert Link]
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
3. Check for Other Communication Methods
Maybe the coach isn’t as active on email.
Try:
DMing them on Twitter/X or Instagram (if they follow you).
Calling their office phone (found on the team’s website).
Asking your high school or club coach if they can reach out on your behalf.
4. Keep Updating Coaches With New Info
Even if a coach doesn’t respond, keep them updated with:
New game film or highlight videos.
Updated stats or personal bests.
Big wins or tournament results.
They may not reply right away, but staying on their radar keeps your name in their mind.
5. Move On to Other Opportunities
If a coach hasn’t responded after multiple attempts, it’s time to refocus your energy elsewhere. Keep reaching out to other schools and expanding your options.
You never want to put all your hopes on one program. Always maintain multiple conversations with different NCAA coaches.
Real Example: How a Canadian Athlete Got a Response After Being Ignored
David, a hockey player from Alberta, emailed a D1 coach three times with no response. Instead of giving up, he:
Sent a follow-up email with an updated highlight video.
Called the coach’s office and left a short voicemail.
Attended a showcase tournament where the coach was scouting.
A few weeks later, the coach replied, saying he had been busy with the season but liked David’s persistence.
This proves that coaches aren’t always ignoring you on purpose—sometimes, they just need a reminder.
Your Next Steps If a College Coach Stops Responding
Wait at least 7–10 days before assuming the worst.
Send a polite follow-up email checking in.
Try alternative communication methods (social media, phone calls, club coach).
Continue updating the coach with new game film and performance updates.
Expand your options—don’t rely on just one school.
For more NCAA recruitment strategies, check out:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many times should I follow up before giving up?
Follow up twice over a few weeks. If they don’t respond after that, focus on other schools.
Q2: What if a coach liked my first email but then stopped responding?
They might still be interested but evaluating other players. Keep updating them with new stats and videos.
Q3: Should I call a coach if they stop responding to emails?
Yes, calling their office or sending a DM can be effective if emails are going unanswered.
Q4: Can I still commit to a school if a coach stops responding?
If a coach isn’t responding, it’s best to assume they’ve moved on. Focus on schools that actively communicate with you.
Q5: What if a coach said they’re interested but won’t give me an offer?
They may be waiting to evaluate other recruits. Keep playing, improving, and updating them—but don’t wait forever.
Conclusion
It’s frustrating when a college coach stops responding, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve lost interest. By following up professionally, trying alternative communication methods, and keeping your options open, you can keep your NCAA recruitment on track.
The key is persistence—but also knowing when to move on to other opportunities. The right program is out there, and the more effort you put into the process, the better your chances of finding the perfect fit.
For more NCAA recruitment strategies, check out: