COMMUNICATE WITH COACHES
An important step in the college recruitment process is for players to contact coaches on their own. Coaches would much rather spend their time evaluating players that have expressed a genuine interest in attending their college. Coaches also find it helpful to have a general idea as to if a player will fit into the academic environment of their school (most coaches will want to know GPA and intended major).

Prior contact from players not only helps to attract coaches to a particular tournament but it also increases the likelihood that a coach will view one of your team's games during the tournament. Contacting coaches is a critical part in a student's effort to be recruited to play in college.

HOW TO CONTACT
Contact information for coaches is always available on the college's website. Search in Athletics (sometimes in "Student Life" area). Most programs have a specific online recruiting form that players fill out. In addition, the coach's email address will be listed on an Athletics Staff Directory page.

WHAT A COACH LOOKS FOR
College Coaches appreciate and are more interested in players that have done some research before they initiate communication. A general statement that you are interested in their program, in most cases, is not good enough and will not capture the attention of a coach, who routinely receives hundreds of emails. Be specific about what you like about the college as well as what you have learned that might attract you to the soccer program that is offered. Again, coaches are looking for players that have a genuine interest. If your email looks like it went out as a mass distribution, a coach is less likely to take notice.

Be particular and concise about the information that you provide. A coach does not need to hear your life story in an initial contact. Also, avoid using commonplace, general statements. Coaches want players to be selective, not only in the schools that a player decides to contact but also in the information that a player provides.

COACHES REGISTERED FOR THE MAD DOG MANIA SHOWCASE
Over the years we have found that many coaches wait until a few weeks before the tournament to register. By mid-June we expect at least 150 coaches to be registered. However, numerous coaches register only days before the event; some even attend and never formally register. So if a coach you have contacted is not on the list, it does not necessarily mean that he or she will not be in attendance.

To get a general idea of coaches that will likely be in attendance this year, please refer to our 2023 list, since many of those coaches attend annually. As we get closer to the tournament date, we plan to update the 2024 list every few days.