How to Earn a Letterman Jacket

Letterman jackets are given in both high school and college to top performing students who excel at their sport. The letterman jacket is usually a heavy jacket that is customized by the student to reflect their achievements, but always include the school name, school colors, year of the student’s graduation and the school mascot. Whether at high school or college level, letterman jackets give students the ability to show off their individual accomplishments as well as their pride in their school.

Instructions

  1. Earning a Letterman Jacket

    • 1

      Join a varsity-level sport. While the most common sports are baseball, softball, basketball and football, you can receive a letter for doing well in any sport with a varsity level, including soccer, tennis and golf.

    • 2

      Excel at your chosen sport according to the school’s set standards. Some schools require a performance level such as a certain number of scores, steals, baskets or tackles, while other schools require a minimum level of participation, and yet other schools require a participation level. The coach decides if you met the school’s criteria for earning a letter.

    • 3

      Receive your letter. Varsity athletes will receive a certificate of achievement and a letter emblazoned with a small symbol of your sport (like a football or baseball), or a pin with that symbol that can be worn on your letter.

    • 4

      Buy your letterman jacket from a designated sports retail stores and have your letter sewn on. You will be able to customize your jacket, but some things will be standard, including the school name and colors.