How to Get Recruited to Play Men's Lacrosse in College
Playing men’s lacrosse at the collegiate level can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. However, the recruitment process can be daunting. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your way into a college lacrosse program.
1. Understand the Recruiting Timeline
Recruitment for college lacrosse typically starts early, often in a player's sophomore or junior year of high school.
Freshman Year: Focus on your GRADES and skill development.
Sophomore Year: Focus on your GRADES. Start attending camps and showcases. Begin reaching out to college coaches.
Junior Year: Focus on GRADES. Intensify your recruiting efforts. Reach out to coaches again as they may not be able to respond until a certain date depending on the school and the rules they are governed by. DI coaches may not contact you for recruitment and commitment until September 1st of your Junior year. DII begins June 15th after your Sophomore year. THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE.
Senior Year: Focus on GRADES. IF you have not committed yet, then narrow your college choices and continue to engage with coaches. THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE. You are selling yourself to a coach and school, make it known that you want to play there and build relationships.
Alternative Options:
Re-class: Consider reclassing to catch up or get ahead in a recruiting class.
Postgraduate Year: Many high level players have done a postgraduate year at an academy school that accepts graduated Seniors into their school for an extra year of education and athletic development.
2. Develop Your Skills
Skill development is crucial. Join a club team, attend camps, and practice obsessively to enhance your skills. Key areas to focus on include:
Fundamentals: groundballs, passing, catching, shooting, and defensive concepts.
Fitness: Incorporate strength training, agility drills, and conditioning into your routine.
Lacrosse IQ: Understand lacrosse strategies and tactics. Watch games and analyze player movements.
3. Create a Highlight Reel
A highlight reel is a powerful tool to showcase your abilities to coaches. Here’s how to create an effective one:
Quality Footage: Use high-quality video from games or showcases. Make sure the footage is clear and focused on you.
Short and Engaging: Keep the video to 3-5 minutes, showcasing your best plays.
Variety: Include offensive and defensive highlights to show your versatility.
Contact Information: Include your name, position, and contact details at the beginning and end of the video. Add your coaches’ contact information to your reel.
4. Build Your Online Presence
In today’s digital age, a strong online presence can make an impact or deter coaches:
Social Media: Use platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with coaches and share your achievements. Don’t be offensive, your online blueprint should be CLEAN.
Lacrosse Recruiting Websites: Create a profile on a recruiting platform to increase visibility. Include your highlight reel, stats, and personal information. imlcarecruits.org is the industry leader.
Personal Website: Consider creating a simple website to showcase your achievements, stats, and highlight reel.
5. Research Colleges and Programs
Not all colleges have the same lacrosse culture or recruitment strategies. Do your homework:
Academic Fit: Ensure the college aligns with your academic interests and goals.
Athletic Fit: Research the lacrosse program's competitiveness, coaching staff, and team culture.
Geographical Preferences: Consider where you want to live and play.
ACL TEST: If you were unable to play sports at all would you still attend this school?
6. Reach Out to Coaches
Proactive communication with coaches can set you apart:
Initial Contact: Send a personalized email to coaches expressing your interest in their program. Include your highlight reel and relevant stats.
Follow-Up: Be respectful but persistent. Follow up a week or two later if you haven’t heard back. CALL THEIR OFFICE AND TRY TO GET THEM ON THE PHONE.
Attend Camps: Participate in college camps or showcases where you can interact directly with coaches and players.
7. Participate in Showcases and Tournaments
Competing in showcases and tournaments is a great way to get noticed:
Select the Right Events: Choose events that attract college coaches. Look for those with a good reputation.
Perform Well: Give your best effort in games and drills. Coaches are looking for talent and attitude.
Network: Use these opportunities to meet coaches, players, and recruiters. Building relationships can lead to opportunities. Talk to as many coaches as you can!
8. Prepare for the NCAA Eligibility Center
If you aspire to play at the NCAA Division I or II levels, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center:
Maintain Academic Standards: Ensure you meet the academic requirements for NCAA eligibility.
Submit Transcripts: Keep track of your grades and submit your transcripts on time.
Standardized Tests: Take the SAT or ACT and aim for scores that meet NCAA requirements.
9. Stay Positive and Persistent
The recruitment process can be challenging, and rejection is a part of it. Stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude:
Keep Improving: Use setbacks as motivation to work harder.
Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask for constructive criticism from coaches or mentors.
Be Patient: Opportunities may come later than expected; don’t rush the process.
Conclusion
Getting recruited to play men’s lacrosse in college requires dedication, strategy, and resilience. By following these steps and maintaining a commitment to your development, you can enhance your chances of being noticed by college coaches. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so enjoy every moment on the field!
MARK STAPOR
Mark is the CEO of DEFY Lacrosse. He loves this sport and the people in it. If you want to get educated he is your man!.
Thanks Coach! Just the information we were looking for!