The Ultimate Guide to Men's College Lacrosse Recruiting: Everything Parents Need to Know About Navigating the Process

College lacrosse is an exciting sport that offers young athletes the opportunity to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level. For parents of aspiring lacrosse players, understanding the recruiting process can be intimidating and overwhelming. This comprehensive guide aims to provide parents with all the essential information they need to navigate the intricate world of men's college lacrosse recruiting. From understanding the basics to tips for maximizing exposure, we've got you covered!

1. Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the recruiting process, it's essential to have a solid understanding of the basics. Men's college lacrosse is divided into three divisions: NCAA Division I, Division II, and Division III. Division I programs are typically the most competitive and offer athletic scholarships, whereas Division II and III programs offer different levels of athletic participation without scholarships.

1.1 NCAA Division I

NCAA Division I lacrosse programs are made up of top-tier athletes who have showcased exceptional skills and talent. These programs offer extensive resources and have the most stringent recruiting standards. This level of competition requires significant dedication and commitment from both players and parents.

The Complete Parents’ Guide To Men’s College Lacrosse Recruiting: Covering All Three NCAA Divisions, Youth, Club, and High School

by Ann Shoket (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2701 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	124 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	128 pages
Item Weight	:	13.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	7 x 0.5 x 9.8 inches

FREE

1.2 NCAA Division II

Division II lacrosse programs are also highly competitive, but they may have slightly different resources and recruiting standards compared to Division I. These programs still provide excellent opportunities for talented players to continue their lacrosse careers at the collegiate level.

1.3 NCAA Division III

Division III lacrosse programs are known for their strong emphasis on academic excellence. These programs do not offer athletic scholarships but provide a balanced experience for student-athletes who are committed to both their academics and lacrosse.

2. The Recruiting Timeline

The recruitment process for men's college lacrosse typically begins early in a high school player's career. It's important for parents to be aware of the overall timeline to ensure their child doesn't miss out on potential opportunities. Here's a breakdown of the typical recruiting timeline:

2.1 Freshman and Sophomore Years

During these years, players should focus on building a strong foundation of skills and getting exposure to college lacrosse programs. Attending lacrosse camps, showcases, and tournaments can help players gain visibility among college coaches.

2.2 Junior Year

This is a crucial year for players to take the necessary steps to actively engage with college coaches. Players should create a highlight video, update their lacrosse resume, and reach out to coaches expressing their interest. It's also essential to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT during this time.

2.3 Senior Year

During the senior year, players should finalize their list of potential colleges and continue communicating with coaches. Official visits, where players get a chance to tour the campus and meet the team, also play a significant role in the decision-making process.

3. Maximizing Exposure

Exposure plays a vital role in the recruiting process, and there are several strategies parents can employ to ensure their child gets noticed by college coaches. Here are some valuable tips:

3.1 Attend Lacrosse Camps, Showcases, and Tournaments

These events offer players the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college coaches. It's important to research and choose reputable events that attract a significant number of college recruiters.

3.2 Create a Highlight Video

A well-crafted highlight video is an essential tool for players aiming to catch the attention of college coaches. Highlight the most impressive plays and include vital statistics and contact information.

3.3 Communicate with College Coaches

Initiating contact with college coaches is crucial. Players should reach out to coaches via email, sharing their interest and providing relevant information about their playing experience, academics, and achievements.

3.4 Utilize Recruiting Services

Recruiting services can provide additional support to navigate the recruitment process. They have established relationships with college coaches and can offer valuable guidance on player profiles, showcases, and more.

4. Balancing Academics and Lacrosse

When pursuing a college lacrosse career, it's crucial to maintain a balance between academics and athletics. College coaches look for student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. Here are some tips for finding the right balance:

4.1 Prioritize Academics

Academics should always be a top priority. Encourage your child to take challenging courses and maintain good grades. A strong academic record can increase their chances of getting recruited by reputable programs.

4.2 Create a Manageable Schedule

Help your child create a schedule that allows them to dedicate time to both academics and lacrosse. Effective time management skills are crucial in maintaining a healthy balance.

4.3 Seek Academic Support

If your child is struggling with a particular subject, don't hesitate to seek academic support. Tutoring or extra help can ensure their academic performance doesn't suffer while pursuing their lacrosse aspirations.

5. Financial Considerations

It's essential for parents to understand the financial aspects of college lacrosse recruiting. While NCAA Division I programs can offer athletic scholarships, Division II and III programs do not provide athletic financial aid. Here are some financial considerations:

5.1 Athletic Scholarships

Division I lacrosse programs can offer athletic scholarships that may cover a portion or the entirety of a player's tuition and other expenses. It's important to remember that these scholarships are often partial, and the full cost of attendance may still need to be covered.

5.2 Financial Aid

Financial aid is available at all divisions, and it's crucial to understand the options that exist outside of athletic scholarships. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid.

5.3 Non-Athletic Scholarships

Encourage your child to explore academic scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and other non-athletic financial aid options. Their academic achievements can help secure additional funding for their college education.

Navigating the men's college lacrosse recruiting process as a parent may seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a rewarding journey for both you and your child. By understanding the basics, maximizing exposure, balancing academics and athletics, and considering the financial aspects, you can help set your child on the path to success in pursuing their college lacrosse dreams.

The Complete Parents’ Guide To Men’s College Lacrosse Recruiting: Covering All Three NCAA Divisions, Youth, Club, and High School

by Ann Shoket (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2701 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	124 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	128 pages
Item Weight	:	13.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	7 x 0.5 x 9.8 inches

FREE

Written by two parents of current men's Division 1 and Division 3 lacrosse players and edited by one of the top high school lacrosse coaches of all time, this book is a step-by-step guide to the complicated and competitive college recruiting process. The book includes insight on the recruiting rules and timeline, club and high school participation, what college coaches look for in their prospects, and what to expect as a college player. The book covers club, high school, and youth lacrosse, and explains the role of recruiting events such as prospect days and showcases.

Edited by Chuck Ruebling, former head boys’ lacrosse coach of the Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey and director of the club program, Patriot Lacrosse. At Delbarton, Ruebling had 523 wins and 114 losses. He won 16 New Jersey Non-Public A State Championships and six Tournament of Champions. Patriot consistently fields top teams at all grade levels. Many of Ruebling's former players are at Duke, Notre Dame, Villanova, West Point, and other top D1 programs.