How to Get Recruited
The recruitment process is a unique journey that every player who pursues a college sport must go through. Lacrosse is a sport that has many opportunities for players looking to play at the collegiate level. However, be sure to do your research before making any major decisions.
If you are interested in pursuing a collegiate career in lacrosse, continue reading to gain insider knowledge from experienced coaches and players. Take your game to the next level with the Lacrosse Center!
What is Recruiting?
Recruiting involves coaches identifying and attracting athletes to join a college lacrosse team. It is a crucial aspect of building a successful lacrosse team, as it allows teams to find players who can contribute to their overall success.
The recruiting process typically begins in high school, where coaches and scouts attend games and tournaments to identify potential recruits. They look for players who possess strong technical skills, physical abilities, and good sportsmanship. They also consider an athlete’s academic performance and character when evaluating them as potential recruits.
Once identified, coaches will then make contact with the recruit and their family to discuss the opportunity of joining their team. Coaches may also offer scholarships or other forms of financial assistance to entice recruits to join their team.
Recruiting for lacrosse involves not only finding talented players but also ensuring that they are a good fit for the team’s culture and values. Coaches may invite recruits for campus visits or interviews to get a better understanding of their personality and character. This helps them determine if the recruit will be able to contribute positively both on and off the field.
How Do I Get Recruited?
1. Make a List of Colleges You Are Interested In
The first step in recruiting is identifying what colleges you are interested in. Although you may only have a couple of colleges in mind, expand your list to give yourself more options. Limiting yourself to only a couple of schools could prevent you from finding the best overall fit. When making your list, consider factors such as academics, campus life, and cost on top of lacrosse.
2. Create a Resume
The best way to stand out during the recruiting process is to create a resume. Your resume should include your academic performance, work/service experience, and any accolades you may have received. This helps coaches get a better understanding of you before they reach out. Your resume can even be shown at the beginning of your highlight tape.
For coaches, academics and character are just as important as skills when it comes to recruiting. Coaches want to bring in players who will help the team succeed on and off the field. This includes maintaining high character in the locker room, the classroom, and the community. Find ways you can stand out and make an impact on your future team.
3. Make a Highlight Tape
Making a highlight tape should showcase your unique talents and skills you have to offer. This is how coaches will evaluate your playing ability if they do not watch you in person. When making your highlight tape, include things such as
- Goals
- Assists
- Saves
- Checks
- Groundballs
- Caused Turnovers
- Clears
- Hustle Plays
One of the most important things about making a highlight reel is keeping it concise. Coaches sift through many highlight tapes, so keep yours short and to the point. Place your best highlights first so they are the first things coaches see. It is recommended to keep your highlight tape between 1-4 minutes long.
4. Reach Out to Your List of Colleges
It is now time to start sending out messages! Once you have reached September 1st of your junior year in high school, college coaches can recruit you. When you email a coach of a college lacrosse program, make sure to be professional. Briefly introduce yourself and include information about why you are interested in the school. At the end, include a link to your resume/highlight tape.
5. Visit the Schools on Your List
Before making any final decisions, visit the schools on your list. Recruits can go on official or unofficial visits depending on where you are in the recruiting process. An unofficial visit typically includes a meeting with the coaches and a tour of the school/athletic facilities. Official visits allow recruits to spend a weekend with designated players on the team to get a feel for what it’s like to be a college student-athlete. You can do as many visits as you’d like, so start this process early!
6. Weigh Your Options
After researching each school you are interested in, it is time to start narrowing down your interest. Consider the pros and cons of each school and come up with a short list of your top picks. The schools on your list should best fit you based on your unique skills and interests. Consult with friends and family during this process, but remember this decision is for you.
7. Make an Informed Decision
Now is the time to commit to a school! Many people will encourage you to commit early in the recruiting process but take your time. After following all steps of the recruiting process, you can be confident in your decision. Contact your future coach and let them know your final decision.
Get Recruited With the Help of the Lacrosse Center
The Lacrosse Center is dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information about lacrosse. We use collective knowledge from former and current collegiate lacrosse players to give you the most informative content possible. If you want to learn how to get recruited and more, contact us today!