- Purpose: Respond respectfully, keep the conversation going, and show interest in the program even though you can’t attend the camp.
- Use this guide to create a coach update that’s bold, real, and totally YOU—just before Nationals.
1. Start With a Real Moment (This is Who I Am Under Pressure)
Think about:
A gritty comeback moment
A tough match that changed your mindset
A challenge in practice that made you level up
A moment you hyped your team when it mattered most
Examples:
“Down 22-24 and my serve was next. I took a breath, tossed the ball—and decided I was going for it. We won that match and earned our bid to Nationals.”
“I wasn’t in the starting six, but I made sure I was the loudest, most locked-in teammate on the bench—and it mattered.”
“The gym was 100 degrees, everyone was dragging—and I found myself being the one who brought the energy up.”
Your Moment:
“That moment when _____________________________________________________
made me realize _________________________________________________________.”
2. Who You Are + Your Role on the Court (Beyond Position + Stats)
Think personality and playing style:
What do teammates count on you for?
How do you shift the energy on the court?
What’s your superpower in a match?
Examples:
“I’m a 2026 libero from Texas who refuses to let the ball touch the floor—if it does, it’s never without a fight.”
“I’m a 2025 setter who sees the game like a puzzle—I love setting the tempo and connecting people.”
“I’m a 2026 pin who brings fire and noise. I swing big, block harder, and live for tough matchups.”
Your Intro:
“I’m a ________ [year] __________ [position] from _____________ [city/state],
and I’m the kind of player who _____________________________________________.”
3. What Drives You (Your Why / Mission)
Get personal:
What lights you up about volleyball?
What’s the deeper reason you grind in practice?
What kind of team and culture are you chasing in college?
Examples:
“I love being the teammate who makes others believe they can win—even when we’re down.”
“Every rep is about more than me—I’m building toward a future with a team that wants to grow together.”
“I play because this sport teaches me how to fight, adapt, and lead.”
Your Mission:
“What drives me is _______________________________________________________.
I’m working toward ______________________________________________________.”
4. Highlight Video or Clip Link
Only include if it’s recent and strong.
Examples:
“Just posted new highlights from our last qualifier—shows my defense in transition and serve receive under pressure: [link]”
“Here’s a 90-second clip where I’m running a 5-1—watch how I’m setting tempo and directing traffic: [link]”
Your Link + Context:
“Here’s a highlight from _______________ that shows _________________________: [link]”
5. Where You’ll Be Playing (Nationals Details)
Get specific if allowed: event name, city, dates, team name, jersey number, and known court/schedule.
Examples:
“I’ll be at AAU Nationals in Orlando from June 23–26 with Elevate VBC 16-Black, Jersey #12. Court schedule coming soon!”
“You can catch me at USAV Nationals in Vegas June 30–July 3—Team Rise 16 Adidas, #5. We’ll be repping hard on Day 1.”
Your Nationals Info:
“I’ll be at _____________________________ in ___________________ from _____________.
I’m with _____________________, Jersey #. (Add schedule if known)”
6. Closing Line (Real, Warm, No CTA Needed)
Keep it real and confident. No “hope to hear from you” or “let me know what you think”—just vibe.
Examples:
“Thanks for reading—I’m grateful for this journey and I’m ready to compete hard at Nationals!”
“Appreciate you letting me share a glimpse of my grind—I’ll keep showing up.”
“This is just a chapter in my story—I’m chasing big goals with everything I’ve got.”
Copy + Paste This into VERA for Your Final Email
Hey VERA! I’m writing a pre-Nationals update email to college coaches I’ve already introduced myself to. I want it to sound like a confident, high-energy 16-year-old girl who’s fired up for Nationals and sharing her story. Here’s what I want to include: Opening Story (Defining Moment): [Insert Yours] Who I Am + My Role on the Court: [Insert Yours] What Drives Me / Why I Play: [Insert Yours] Highlight Video Link: Just posted new highlights from our last qualifier—shows my defense in transition and serve receive under pressure: [link] Where I’ll Be Playing Next (Nationals Info): [Insert Yours] Closing Line: [Insert Yours] Make it sound bold, energetic, real, and exciting—something that makes a coach *want* to come watch me play.I need this in the voice of a 16 year old girl, in the Storybrand framework. Avoid generic statements such as hi coach my name is, or i want to share a quick update, or how are you? Focus on storytelling and engaging.