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Emailing college coaches is one of the best ways for recruits to show they are interested in a particular school. But what should recruits include in the email to make a good first impression?

Should they send their transcripts? Do coaches want tournament results? How about video?

We asked a few coaches what they are looking for in this month’s edition of our Coaching Roundtable:

Catrina Thompson, Minnesota women

“A recruit should advise the coaches of their desire to attend and whether they are looking for a scholarship or walk-on spot on the tennis team. A recruit should list their tennis accomplishments in junior tennis as well as academics. A calendar of events in which a recruit is anticipating playing helps coaches prepare their own schedule to attend practices/tournaments. A short video (hitting a variety of shots and some point play) is also helpful. Coaches realize that there are expenses to participate in tournaments so if finances have been an issue making attending tournaments difficult then that should be noted. Coaches also speak to other players and other coaches to determine if a recruit is coachable and the demeanor/attitude of a player. Players should demonstrate that they have researched which teams are their top selections and that they know about the climate, environment, and academic interest in the university and the college community.

“Usually there are only a couple openings/spots on a team each year so a coach will be looking for the best couple of young players that can help their team and who academically are able to be accepted by the university. Neither coaches nor players can write every college, but both should be selective and honest in their interest in each other. Recruits should also understand that they should be open to at least research the colleges of all interested coaches. If you do your research, recruits may find there are some resources offered (that they weren't aware of beforehand) that would make a difference in your collegiate experience. Coaches can also advise players what they need to do to increase their chances to secure a position on the team. I would advise juniors to make contact early on (when NCAA rules permit) and get to know the colleges and coaches.

“Most coaches were former recruits themselves so they understand the difficulties that recruits face and the fragility of young women and men dreaming of playing on their choice of teams and having all or a portion of their college paid for to help themselves and their parents. The opportunity to play tennis, make lifetime friends, challenge themselves to be the best student athlete and obtaining a college degree will be a reward worth all the efforts involved in the recruiting process.”