6 Professional Athlete Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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Your athlete cover letter should first and foremost demonstrate your passion for the sport. Show that your dedication extends beyond the field or court. In the second paragraph, highlight your teamwork and leadership abilities. It's essential to convey how you can contribute to the team both in and out of the game.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Starting your athlete cover letter can feel like pre-game jitters. You're ready to apply for a job, only to realize you need more than your resume—a cover letter that packs a punch without mimicking your resume's play-by-play. Focus on your standout moment, the peak of your professional prowess, and weave it into a compelling narrative. Keep it concise, dodge the clichés, and remember, you're aiming to score with just one page.

Enhance your athlete cover letter writing experience; using our guide, you'll learn how to:

  • Create a athlete cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
  • Use industry-leading athlete cover letter templates and examples to save time;
  • Dedicate your athlete cover letter space to your best achievement;
  • Make sure your athlete cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.

Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your athlete cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.

Athlete cover letter example

LIAM JOHNSON

Los Angeles, California

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

Discovering that your institution values the holistic development of student-athletes resonates deeply with my professional philosophy and past experiences. I have a proven track record of developing strategic recruitment plans that promote both athletic and academic success.

During my tenure at Elite Sports Academy, I designed and executed a personalized athlete support program, which not only bolstered student engagement by 50% but also ensured a 95% successful placement rate of athletes in prestigious collegiate programs. The crux of this success was my initiative in pioneering a CRM-based tracking system to monitor athlete progress, which resulted in a 30% increase in efficiency. Through these efforts, I strengthened our partnerships with over 50 college athletic programs and ensured NCAA compliance across all advisement activities.

I am eager to bring this same level of commitment and proven success to your organization. My goal is to continue crafting environments where student-athletes can thrive academically and athletically. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and passions align with the vision of your athletic department.

Sincerely,

LIAM JOHNSON

Athlete Placement Specialist | Student-Athlete Development
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Emphasizing proven success with strategic recruitment plans showcases an understanding of the importance of aligning student-athlete recruiting with the institution's goals, which is critical for an Athlete Placement Specialist role.
  • Highlighting the creation and successful implementation of a CRM-based tracking system for monitoring athlete progress illustrates the applicant's initiative and technical skill, suggesting they are well-prepared for the data management aspects of the position.
  • Mentioning a high successful placement rate of athletes and a significant increase in student engagement demonstrates results-driven achievements, which are persuasive metrics for a hiring manager seeking effective program development.
  • Expressing a commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes aligns with the values of the hiring institution, painting the applicant as a strong cultural fit for the athletic department's mission.

Standard formatting for your athlete cover letter

Structure your athlete cover letter, following industry-leading advice, to include:

  • Header - with your name, the role you're applying for, the date, and contact details;
  • Greeting - make sure it's personalized to the organization;
  • Introduction paragraph - no more than two sentences;
  • Body paragraph - answering why you're the best candidate for the role;
  • Closing paragraph - ending with a promise or a call to action;
  • Signature - now that's optional.

Set up your athlete cover letter for success with our templates that are all single-spaced and have a one-inch margin all around.

Use the same font for your athlete cover as the one in your resume(remember to select a modern, Applicant Tracker System or ATS favorites, like Raleway, Volkhov, or Chivo instead of the worn-out Times New Roman).

Speaking of the ATS, did you know that it doesn't scan or assess your cover letter? This document is solely for the recruiters.

Our builder allows you to export your athlete cover letter in the best format out there: that is, PDF (this format keeps your information intact).

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The top sections on a athlete cover letter

  • Header with Contact Information: This should include the athlete's name, address, phone number, and email, making it easy for the recruiter to reach out for further communication.

  • Greeting: Addressing the cover letter personally to the recruiter or head coach shows that the athlete has done their research and is serious about joining the team.

  • Introduction: The introductory paragraph should capture the recruiter's attention, possibly by highlighting a recent achievement or expressing passion for the sport, setting the tone for the rest of the letter.

  • Athletic Highlights and Achievements: This section is unique to athletes as it emphasizes past sporting successes, important statistics, and any relevant skills that show why the athlete would be an asset to the team.

  • Closing and Call to Action: In closing, the athlete should express enthusiasm for the opportunity to meet and further discuss how they can contribute to the team, and indicate availability for tryouts, visits, or interviews.

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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Athletic accomplishments and statistics: Demonstrates proven performance and potential, critical for a recruiter to assess skill level and competitiveness.
  • Sportsmanship and teamwork: Shows ability to collaborate effectively with others and maintain a positive attitude, crucial in team dynamics.
  • Physical fitness and endurance: Conveys the candidate's ability to meet the demands of the sport and endure through rigorous training and competitions.
  • Coachability and adaptability: Suggests a willingness to learn and adapt techniques, which is important for continuous improvement and responding to feedback.
  • Leadership experience: Highlights the ability to motivate and guide others, important for team roles and potential captainship.
  • Discipline and work ethic: Reflects a commitment to training and self-improvement, indicating reliability and dedication to the sport.

How to start your athlete cover letter: with a greeting, of course

Have you ever considered just how powerful a personalized salutation can be?

We sure have news for you! Your athlete cover letter should start with the right salutation to recruiters, nurturing a sense of respect and individuality.

Greet recruiters by using their first name (e.g. "Dear Tom" or "Dear Patricia") if you've previously established contact with them.

Otherwise, opt out for the less familiar, "Dear Ms. Peaches" or "Dear Ms Kelsey", if you've found the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or a corporate website.

"To whom it may concern" is never a good option, as it creates a sense that you've been sending out your athlete cover letter to anyone. Instead, use "Dear HR team" or "Dear (company name) recruiter" for a feeling of exclusivity.

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List of salutations you can use

  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [Coach's/Manager's Last Name],
  • Dear [Team or Department] Staff,
  • Dear [Team Name] Recruiting Team,
  • Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
  • Dear Selection Committee,

What to include in those first two sentences, or your athlete cover letter introduction

Have you ever wondered what the best way is to present your profile in the athlete cover letter introduction?

There's no right or wrong answer if you're being concise and authentic to yourself.

Some professionals start their athlete cover letter by:

  • congratulating the company - focusing on something impressive, whether that's an award, an industry-leading project, or a key event;
  • aligning their passion for the field or industry with the job - if you're enthusiastic about what you do, you'd thus grow your skill set and value as a professional.
Intro Paragraph
Grounded in a decade of competitive sports, I am poised to bring a track record of resilience and strategic victories to the innovative team at Peak Performance Athletics, a brand I have long admired for its commitment to excellence and its nurturing of athlete potential.
RIGHT

What to write in the middle or body of your athlete cover letter

Here's where it gets tricky.

Your athlete cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.

Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.

Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.

Your athlete cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.

Body Paragraph
During my final collegiate season, I led our team to an undefeated streak, culminating in a national championship. My relentless training enhanced my speed by 20%, directly contributing to scoring an average of 1.5 goals per game. This persistence and performance under pressure mirror the dedication I would bring to your professional sports team.
RIGHT

Closing remarks to end your athlete cover letter

Of course, you'll have to show gratitude to the recruiters, who have assessed your profile at the end of your athlete cover letter .

A "Thank you for the consideration" would work wonders, instead of the standard "Sincerely yours".

Do you want to make an even better impression?

Close off your athlete cover letter by promising how you see yourself excelling in the role and the positive impact you'd bring about.

A sentence that encourages some further action on the recruiter's end could also be a good way to close off the communication (e.g. provide your availability for an interview).

Closing Paragraph
Eager to discuss my fit for the role, I hope to schedule an interview. My dedication and skills are poised to contribute to your team's success.
RIGHT

Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your athlete cover letter?

Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your athlete cover letter.

Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.

Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).

Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).

Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.

Key takeaways

Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your athlete cover letter:

  • Always make sure your athlete cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
  • In your athlete cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
  • Focus your athlete cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
  • Ensure your athlete cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
  • If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.

Athlete cover letter examples

Explore additional athlete cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Experience

Student Athlete

For a Student Athlete position, emphasize your discipline, time management, and teamwork skills developed through balancing sport and academic responsibilities. Demonstrate a strong commitment to both personal and team goals, illustrating instances where you've led or supported teammates. Mention any leadership roles, like team captaincies, and detail your experience in working under pressure, showcasing resilience and adaptability. Outline how these abilities have led to concrete results, such as improved team performance or personal academic achievements. Highlight your understanding of the importance of healthy competition and sportsmanship.

By Role

Division 1 Athlete

Seeking a Division 1 Athlete position demands a strong showcase of your physical abilities, teamwork, and discipline. Highlight your athletic achievements, records, and stats to demonstrate your proficiency in the sport. Mention your ability to work under a high-pressure environment, showing commitment and resilience. If you've led as a team captain, emphasize your leadership skills and how you've spurred team success. Don't forget to include any accolades or recognition received, displaying your competitive edge and dedication to excellence in your sport.
View Division 1 Athlete Cover Letter

High School Athlete

When pursuing a High School Athlete position, stress your dedication to the sport and team commitment. Mention leadership roles, like team captain, and highlight your work ethic and discipline, illustrating your contribution to team dynamics and successes. Include specific achievements, such as breaking personal or school records. Share any recognitions or awards received to showcase your talent and dedication. Detail your understanding of teamwork and sportsmanship, using 'action-result' stories to demonstrate how your athletic abilities have directly led to positive outcomes for your teams.

College Athlete

When creating a cover letter for a College Athlete position, it's important to showcase your dedication and discipline. Highlight your experience in balancing education with a rigorous training schedule, demonstrating time management and teamwork skills. Mention specific athletic achievements and how they reflect your commitment and competitive nature. If you have leadership experience as a team captain or through other roles, be sure to include this to illustrate your ability to motivate and guide others. Use a 'challenge-action-outcome' framework to present situations where your attributes contributed positively to your athletics program.

Track And Field Athlete

When applying as an Entry-Level Track and Field Athlete, highlight your physical fitness, discipline, and specific athletic achievements. Mention any records you've set or medals you've won. If you have specialized in particular events such as sprints, jumps, or throws, indicate your personal bests. Emphasize your dedication to training, dietary discipline, and your ability to work with coaches and teams. Using a 'challenge-training-outcome' framework, showcase how your efforts led to improved performance in events.
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
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