I’ve had this question asked several times by players over the years, “how do I tell a coach that I am not interested?”.  This may be a question you face at different stages of communication with a coach so I wanted to address a couple of scenarios and give you some insight into how I have my players address this topic.

If you receive an initial email from a coach at a school that you know you would not attend no matter what, it is still common courtesy to send a reply back. Even if your resume is much stronger than the girls who play for that program, NEVER think you are better than the players, the school, or the coach. We have all been at different stages in our games, we all have different goals of playing (and coaching) college golf and many coaches work tirelessly to try and recruit better players so the least you can do is show them the respect of at least replying.

The one thing I tell my girls is to stop and think about how they feel when a coach never responds back to their emails or phone calls. They are left wondering if the coach just isn’t interested? Did they get the email? Did they forget? Did I do something wrong? Are they done with their recruiting? I do reassure them that coaches are busy and can’t always get back to everyone, but when a coach does take the time to respond that at least gives the girls a little better feeling. It may be a simple “Thank you but we aren’t interested” or “Thank you but we are done with your recruiting class”, which can be hard for a player to hear at times but at least they get an answer and can move on.

The same applies when a coach emails you. You may think “I am never going there to play” but it is still very important to at least respond back and give a polite version of “Thank you but I am not interested” or “Thank you but it is just not the fit I am looking for at this time.”. There are several different ways that I have my girls approach this reply based on their reasons for not being interested but at least take the time to send a kind and respectful response back so that the coach can move on as well.

With all that being said, DO NOT narrow down and disregard interest from a coach unless you know for sure that you have other options that are going to be legit opportunities. Yes, there may be some schools that you wouldn’t attend whether you played golf or not, which I understand factors with academics, size, location, and intended major can determine that from the beginning which is completely acceptable. But if you don’t have any valid reason to not consider the school, then I recommend you at least take the time to learn more and have a conversation with the coach. Then you can make your decision and let the coach know your interest level in continuing to communicate.

I never like to encourage my players to waste a coach’s time if they are not legitimately interested in the school and golf program. Yes, there is a lot they can learn from communicating with coaches but I know how valuable a coach’s time can be as well. Once a player decides to move on to their other opportunities or offers, I ask that they let that coach know ASAP. You need to be as honest as possible in telling the coach why you are no longer pursuing that school and program. They may be disappointed but the coach will have much more respect for you if you let them know through phone or email and not just leave them hanging.

 

If you would like more information about the college recruiting process please contact RecruitPKB College Consultant Brandi Jackson at bjackson@pkbgt.org.