I’m applying to Andover, and I’m really interested in basketball. I’m definitely not a star player, but I think I’m well above average. Do you think it would be helpful to me to email the basketball coach, or would that be not helpful?
Have you filled out the athletic interest form? Is your current basketball coach able to email the coach and tell the coach how you are a useful player? Would you make varsity freshman year?
I am sure someone else with more knowledge will jump in. I think coaches tend to actively support kids who will be game changing athletes. I do think that Andover should know you would be a valuable member of the bb team (if you and your current coach truly feel that will be the case). There are kids on my daughter’s team who are not “typical” players but they are highly valuable for strange reasons. Eg. one is super short and does not contribute much on offense but defensively she causes 10+ turnovers a game and can make the difference in a close game. That is the kind of kid I am thinking of.
I see. I already had my coach do a special interest recommendation, but I also wanted to talk to the coach, just so he could see with his own eyes im good.
How would emailing the coach help him “see with his own eyes” how good you are? Are you planning to include a game video?
Alright looking back I realize that wasn’t the best way to put it. I wanted to talk to him at the Andover open house, but he wasn’t there, cause the team was at a basketball game. So I want to get a chance to talk to him about the basketball program and also tell him that I’m really interested. I’m just hesitating because I’m thinking maybe you have to be a star athlete.
is that clearer?
If you are a good player I would email the coach. Ask your current coach if you can include his/her contact information in your email.
You can say something like: Please call or email my current coach, Coach XYR, if you’d like some insight into my game. Coach XYR also completed a special interest recommendation for me.
That would be perfect! Thanks so much for the idea 
Adding to what @dogsmama1997 suggested, you could also add a brief video of you playing in a game and/or any school news clippings that may mention you. To the OP: I think it’s really difficulty for students, like yourself, who may be age 13 or 14 and not getting a response back from a coach. It may seem impolite. Don’t take it personally. Sometimes at these open houses, it’s the Varsity coach who is giving a presentation and that person may be the wrong person for your level of play. Maybe you will get a response from the JV coach? Some schools have specific inquiry forms for coaches and also “platforms” for sending a video.
Yeah thanks! I briefly described where I play (leagues), my position, and my playing style. Like @dogsmama1997 suggested I added my coach’s email. Before, I send it, I will add something to the effect of ‘if you want, I could send you footage of me in a game.’ Not exactly that, I’ll spice it up with vocabulary but I think you guys get the idea.
I think that’s a good idea, they like to see video of you.
When I reached out to coaches, my highlight reel was part of the first email. I reached out to both the varsity & JV coaches. One of them should respond to you. That said, I did this back in October before the season. Now coaches are coordinating road trips, dealing with team problems - and either teaching or even working in admissions! Do reach out and do include video, but don’t get discouraged if the response isn’t as quick as you would like. It really is the busy season now.