Do you want to play college lacrosse? If your answer is YES, then you need to know how the college recruiting process works and start preparing now.
With an early start on everything from upskilling training to developing relationships with current players in college programs, your efforts can pay off come 2023 when men's college lacrosse recruiters are looking at prospective athletes for their teams.
In this blog post, we will provide helpful advice on how to get recruited for college lacrosse in 2023!
We will discuss what kind of prep work should be done early on and how involved many college coaches like to see student-athletes before deciding who will join their rosters.
Read on for more details about tips that could help you seize the opportunity of being a student-athlete playing at the collegiate level.
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Take Away Key Points:
What is a college lacrosse recruiting process?
The college recruiting process is essential for all high school lacrosse players with aspirations to continue their lacrosse career on a collegiate level.
Prospective student-athletes need to understand the key components and know what to expect when beginning the process. Every school has different requirements and regulations, so recruits need to do sufficient research ahead of time. You must talk to your high school coach or guidance counselor before you recruit for a college. This way, you can determine which level to focus on in your first year.
Above all else, recruits need to prioritize academics and ensure that they meet NCAA requirements regarding their GPA. In addition, lacrosse score measurements comprise a significant portion of your eligibility for potential college.
It is beneficial to contact college coaches as early as possible – typically during sophomore or junior year – as they will be more likely to consider you if they can watch your athletic ability over time.
Finally, balancing academics and athletics through college search and recruitment will be essential to set yourself up for success throughout the entire talent hunt process.
Recruiting process in a few simple steps
1. Create contact with the college lacrosse coaches
Contacting a college coach is an essential step in the college recruiting process.
Establishing a relationship before any official recruitment process begins gives the athlete a significant advantage as a student-athlete. Coaches can learn more about the athlete and their capabilities and determine if they fit into their team's style of play.
This contact allows for a two-way conversation where both parties can learn more about each other, allowing for a better understanding of both sides and leading to more informed decisions. Additionally, coaches can provide valuable advice on navigating the recruitment process, such as getting recruited to the right school or learning what it takes to impact their program.
Ultimately, creating contact with a college coach is crucial to ensure that both parties have access to the necessary information before deciding whether an athlete will be part of their team.
2. Create a highlight tape
A highlight tape (or reel/recruiting video) is a compilation of an athlete's best plays and performances in lacrosse.
This can include goals, assists, saves, passes, blocks, stick handling, and more. It is an efficient way for college coaches to view the athlete's skillset from their game experience without watching full games or practice drills.
Highlight tapes are typically created by combining video clips with audio and visual effects that demonstrate the player's best moments on the field. Coaches usually focus on the quality of play, but some may also be looking for athleticism, leadership qualities, and other characteristics that impact their team's performance.
Creating a well-crafted highlight video is vital to stand out amongst the competition and showcase one's talents to college lacrosse programs.
Tips on creating a quality highlight tape
3. Keep your grades high
When recruiting for college lacrosse, it is essential to maintain high grades and a clean record, as coaches will consider this.
College coaches look for reliable and dedicated players in their sport and their studies. Good grades demonstrate that an athlete is capable of time management, goal setting, and academic achievement.
In addition, having a positive attitude and good behavior on and off the field will help in the eyes of college recruiters. It shows that an athlete is responsible and mature enough to handle the rigors of collegiate lacrosse.
Keeping your grades high and your record clean can help you stand out from other potential recruits, making you more attractive to potential college teams and a possibility of jobing the best club lacrosse team.
4. Consistency is key!
When recruiting for college lacrosse, being consistent and prepared is essential for success. It is crucial to demonstrate that you can handle the challenges of competing at a collegiate level.
Coaches look for multiple players who can practice effectively, compete in games with drive and determination, and perform consistently in all aspects of play. Therefore, players should always be prepared when coaches contact them by having all documentation, such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, academic records, and similar materials, already on hand.
This shows that a player is organized and ready to go when needed. Being consistent in your performance and having your paperwork ready will make you stand out from other potential recruits and show college coaches that you are serious about making it to the next level.
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Summer lacrosse recruiting tips for athletes
For lacrosse student-athletes looking to be recruited for college, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success.
How to get discovered by college coaches?
College coaches are always looking to discover talented athletes, and there are a few key steps you can take to get discovered.
FAQs
What GPA do you need to play college lacrosse?
To play club lacrosse at the college level, It is recommended that student-athletes maintain a minimum of a 2.3 GPA and a 980 SAT to be eligible for admission into most NCAA Division I and II programs.
Additionally, some prospective schools have higher standards and may require a GPA of 3.5 or higher to qualify for admission.
Is it hard to make college lacrosse?
Making a collegiate lacrosse team is not easy and requires dedication and hard work.
Achieving success on the college level means mastering technical skills, exhibiting mental toughness, and staying committed to the game.
How hard is it to play D1 lacrosse?
Playing Division I lacrosse is a demanding and competitive sport. Therefore, you will need superior athletic ability, technical skills, and a strong Lacrosse IQ to succeed in D1 lacrosse.
How much are lacrosse scholarships?
Many Division level I programs offer full-ride scholarships, while others may only provide partial or a combination of both.
NCAA rules state that each student-athlete can receive up to ten thousand dollars per year in financial aid from their school.
What do college lacrosse coaches look for in recruits?
College lacrosse coaches look for various qualities in recruits, including athleticism, speed and agility, technical skills and game IQ, dedication to the team, strong leadership abilities, and academic excellence.
Coaches also look for players who can adapt quickly to different systems and strategies and are committed to continuing their development on and off the field.
What college has the most lacrosse championships?
Syracuse University holds the record for most college lacrosse championships, winning 13 National Championships. The Orange have appeared in 19 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship games, the most of any school.
Additionally, Syracuse had won the national championship in Division I men's lacrosse more times than any other school since 1985, when the tournament was first established.
Which colleges offer lacrosse scholarships?
Numerous college programs offer lacrosse scholarships, including Syracuse University, Duke University academic institution, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Virginia, Cornell University, and the University of Maryland.
Additionally, several other NCAA Division I and III schools also provide athletic scholarships for lacrosse players.
Finally, certain smaller colleges and universities may also be able to offer limited financial aid for student-athletes who demonstrate talent in the sport of lacrosse.
Conclusion
As a high school lacrosse player, if you work hard and put in the effort, you can get recruited for college lacrosse.
Reach out to coaches at the colleges to learn how to get recruited for college lacrosse, do your research on each program, and stay focused on improving and developing your skills so that you can make an impact on the field.
Then, with dedication, determination, and hard work, you can reach your goal of playing college lacrosse.