Course of Action By Grade

Introduction:

One of the most stressful periods of a teenager’s life is deciding on a college that is appropriate for them. As a parent, you should have an understanding of the lacrosse programs available at various colleges, as well as knowledge of the recruiting process. Being informed will be helpful in assisting your student make a very important decision.

Academics and extra curricular activities are a vital part of the recruiting process. Student athletes must not only keep up their grades but they are also encouraged to participate in multiple in and out of school club organizations. College coaches seek out well-rounded student athletes.
When looking at college programs a student athlete has a choice between participating in a D1, D2, or D3 program. Every student-athlete must determine which division they are best suited to play in according to their skill and commitment level. (Visit our NCAA tab to learn the differences between each Division)
The recruiting process starts as soon as the student enters high school. Throughout the next four years, we recommend a structured course of action that will enable students to abide by NCAA regulations and maximize visibility to college coaches.

Freshman Year:

It’s never to early to start the recruiting process. Have a proactive approach to contacting and communicating with coaches. (This is essential for texas lacrosse players, because of your geographic location your visibility to college coaches is less than that of players in the northeast.)
• Join a travel team that plays in competitive leagues and tournaments.
• Create a lacrosse profile
o Include pertinent academic information-extracurriculars, PSAT scores, GPA and course load.
o Include lacrosse experience-position, school, school team and or select team information. (click here to see a sample resume)
o Coaches contact information
• Develop a list of realistic and obtainable schools and lacrosse programs
• Create professional email address and collect coaches contact information via school websites
• Compose professional introductory emails addressed to the coaches of your choice. NO MASS EMAILS. Make each email school and coach specific.
• Email coaches your spring and summer schedules as soon as possible.
• If you receive invitations or applications for recruiting camps, fill them out immediately and return.

(You can contact any coach via email or phone call, however coaches CANNOT return your phone calls or call you due to NCAA regulations.)

Sophomore Year:

• Update Player Resume with any additional information-any awards, new schedules etc.
• Take unofficial visits to schools that you have expressed interest to. Give coaches notice of when you will be on their campus. When visiting a campus, it is always a good idea to stop by the athletic offices and personally introduce yourself. (See NCAA PDF to learn more about the regulations for “unofficial visits”)
• Begin standardize test preparation (ACT and SAT Test Prep)
• Continue to be proactive in contacting coaches
• Email coaches your spring and summer schedules as soon as possible.
• If you receive invitations or applications for recruiting camps, fill them out immediately and return.

Junior Year:

Your Junior year is your most important year of recruiting. It is essentially your last chance to make a good impression on college coaches.
• Update Player Resume with any additional information-any awards, new schedules etc.
• Take SAT and ACT as many times as necessary to achieve your highest score.
• Email coaches your spring and summer schedules as soon as possible.
• As of September 1st coaches are able to email you and send you programs and school questionnaires. For the schools that you are interested in, fill out their questionnaires and send them back in a timely manner.
• Continue playing with your school and or select team in tournaments and camps throughout the northeast.

Senior Year:

It’s never too late to get recruited. But understand that by fall of your senior year most Division I rosters are close to full. However this is a key time for Division II and Division III recruiting.
• On July 1st college coaches can officially contact you via phone call.
• As of September 1st you are able to attend official visits (See NCAA link for rules, dates and regulations) You are only allowed to accept and attend 5 official visits.
• Verbal Commitments can be made at anytime during your high school career, however they are non-binding.
• If a verbal commitment has already been made you will receive a National Letter of Intent the 2nd week in November of your senior year.