As a college coach and camp director the No. 1 question I am asked these days, besides how can I be a better player, is how can I (or my son or daughter) get recruited. For the soon-to-be junior or senior as well as their parents this process can sometimes be confusing and just plain overwhelming. I think that while recruiting continues to change, there are a few fundamental truths and some ways to make the process less confusing and manageable. First and foremost is do you really want to make the commitment to play at the next level and what is the level of your commitment? I always have felt that if there is a desire for you to play there is a place for you. Based on your level of ability and commitment there are nearly 250 men’s college varsity lacrosse programs between NCAA Divisions I, II and III and junior colleges and just over 250 on the women’s side. These schools range in size, location and level of play so there should be a fit for you. There are also numerous college club teams in the USLIA that offer a different experience, though they cannot offer scholarships.
Now that you have decided to play, how do you get the whole thing started? There are numerous recruiting services or agencies out there. While U.S. Lacrosse and Inside Lacrosse both offer good services, make sure to do your homework as well.
Obviously it’s easy if you are considered to be one of the top recruits in your area — the coaches will find you. Here are some things to do if you are not one of the lucky few but still have that desire to play. Try to gauge the level at which you think you might be able to play. Think about what kind of school you are looking for or your possible major and then make a list and write or call the coach. If you have a video you can send, that’s even better.
While it is never too late to be recruited look to do this at the end of your sophomore year or beginning of your junior year. I have met very few coaches who won’t follow up when contacted. Tell them of your interest in their school and program, where you play, what you play, your GPA and/or SAT scores and any other information you feel you need to relate. Most importantly tell them how to contact you. As the NCAA forbids contact to a recruit until after your junior year, make sure to give information so coaches can write you back.
You can also ask what camps the coaches might be working and/or organizing. Going to the coach’s camp is great because you get a real good feel for the coach, his/her players and the school at the same time they’re getting to know you. Make sure to tell the coach your interest and that you are coming.
Once you figure out what camps you’re going to, make sure to let coaches know so they’ll give you a look if they’re there. Try to find out who is working at what camp and what coaches might be there. If you’re looking at small schools in the south most of the southern coaches will be at our camp or the Dixie, giving you an opportunity to speak with them and them a chance to see you.
Nowadays there are more and more camps that are geared to the recruiting process. Maybe you did not get a chance to try out for the Free State Team (Maryland) or Empires (New York), but at these bigger camps such at Elite, Top Star, 205 and Champ Camp (to name a few), you will be seen by a lot of coaches as well as get on many schools’ mailing lists. Going to one of these camps may not guarantee you will get recruited by the big programs, but this will get you on a lot of coaches’ radars and open yourself up to more possibilities.
Once you have started the process the next step is to look to make a visit to some of the schools you want to see. Make sure to let the coach know you’re coming. Let him/her know if you want to stay over, meet some of the players on the team, see admissions, see the classes, meet faculty, etc. These are things you should look to do when you are there — and the coach can help set all that up.
After you visit and have decided where to apply make sure to get your financial aid information together. You need to find out if it is affordable for you and the coach needs you to get that in. Even scholarship programs have only so much money to go around and they often rely on the financial aid package the school will give before they can add on top of that.
Here are some final tips as you get into the recruiting process. Make sure you feel comfortable at the school, coaches and players. Not being comfortable can make for a bad experience. Feel free to ask lots of questions. Lastly and most importantly be honest. If you plan to go somewhere else, let the coach know so he/she can move on. Don’t tell five schools they are your No. 1 choice — lacrosse is a small community and you don’t want to get a bad reputation. Remember also not to burn any bridges. You never know when you may need to transfer or a coach will change schools. Honesty always works best.
Good luck and start looking for that school and program that fits you |
