Which college athletic programs are part of MCLA. How do MCLA teams compare to other collegiate athletic associations. Where can fans find schedules, rosters, and statistics for MCLA teams.
Understanding MCLA: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Athletics
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is a public liberal arts college located in North Adams, Massachusetts. While the college is primarily known for its academic programs, it also boasts a robust athletic department that provides students with opportunities to participate in various sports at the collegiate level.
MCLA’s athletic teams compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, which emphasizes the importance of balancing academic achievement with athletic participation. This commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic pursuits aligns well with MCLA’s overall mission as a liberal arts institution.
MCLA’s Athletic Conference Affiliations
MCLA is a member of several athletic conferences, which helps organize competition and foster rivalries with other institutions. The primary conferences MCLA participates in include:
- Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC)
- New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) for select sports
- Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) for postseason tournaments
These conference affiliations provide MCLA athletes with structured schedules and opportunities to compete against other schools of similar size and athletic philosophy.
Diverse Range of Sports Offered at MCLA
MCLA offers a wide array of sports programs for both men and women, catering to various interests and skill levels. The college’s commitment to providing diverse athletic opportunities is evident in its sports offerings, which include:
Men’s Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
Women’s Sports
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Do MCLA athletes have access to state-of-the-art facilities? Yes, MCLA provides its student-athletes with modern athletic facilities to support their training and competition needs. These facilities include the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium, the Zavattaro Athletic Complex, and various practice fields and courts across campus.
MCLA’s Commitment to Student-Athlete Success
At MCLA, the focus extends beyond just athletic performance. The college is dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel both in their chosen sports and in their academic pursuits. To support this goal, MCLA provides various resources and programs for student-athletes, including:
- Academic advising tailored to the unique needs of student-athletes
- Time management workshops to help balance athletic and academic commitments
- Tutoring services to ensure academic success
- Leadership development programs to foster personal growth
- Career planning assistance to prepare for life after college athletics
These support systems help MCLA student-athletes maintain high academic standards while pursuing their athletic goals, reinforcing the Division III philosophy of prioritizing the overall college experience.
Notable Achievements and Alumni in MCLA Athletics
Throughout its history, MCLA has produced numerous successful athletes and teams that have left their mark on the college’s athletic legacy. While MCLA may not have the same level of national recognition as larger Division I programs, its athletes have achieved significant accomplishments within their respective conferences and at the regional level.
Are there any standout moments in MCLA’s athletic history? Indeed, MCLA teams have captured conference championships, qualified for NCAA tournaments, and produced All-American athletes across various sports. These achievements highlight the quality of MCLA’s athletic programs and the dedication of its student-athletes.
Many MCLA alumni have gone on to successful careers in sports-related fields, including coaching, athletic administration, sports medicine, and physical education. The skills and experiences gained through participation in MCLA athletics have proven valuable in various professional settings beyond the world of sports.
Recruiting and Admissions for MCLA Athletics
For prospective student-athletes considering MCLA, the recruiting process typically involves several steps:
- Researching MCLA’s athletic programs and academic offerings
- Contacting MCLA coaches to express interest
- Submitting athletic profiles and game footage
- Visiting the campus and meeting with coaches and current team members
- Applying for admission to MCLA
- Reviewing financial aid options, including athletic scholarships (if available)
Can athletes receive scholarships to play at MCLA? As a Division III institution, MCLA does not offer athletic scholarships. However, student-athletes may be eligible for academic scholarships, need-based financial aid, and other forms of financial assistance available to all MCLA students.
Community Engagement and Fan Support for MCLA Athletics
MCLA athletics play a significant role in fostering school spirit and community engagement. Home games and matches often draw crowds of students, faculty, staff, and local community members, creating a vibrant atmosphere of support for MCLA teams.
The college organizes various events and initiatives to promote fan engagement, including:
- Pep rallies and spirit weeks
- Meet-the-team events
- Youth clinics and camps run by MCLA athletes and coaches
- Community service projects involving student-athletes
- Alumni games and reunions
These activities help strengthen the bond between MCLA athletics and the broader community, creating a sense of pride and connection that extends beyond the playing field.
Future Outlook and Development of MCLA Athletics
As MCLA continues to evolve and grow, its athletic department remains committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience and building competitive programs. Some areas of focus for the future development of MCLA athletics include:
- Expanding and upgrading athletic facilities
- Increasing funding for team travel and equipment
- Enhancing recruitment efforts to attract top student-athletes
- Developing new sports programs based on student interest and demand
- Strengthening partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support athletic initiatives
How does MCLA plan to remain competitive in the ever-changing landscape of college athletics? The college is focusing on strategic planning and resource allocation to ensure that its athletic programs can continue to provide high-quality experiences for student-athletes while remaining competitive within their conferences and at the national level.
By investing in facilities, coaching staff, and support services, MCLA aims to create an environment where student-athletes can thrive both academically and athletically, setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.
Accessing Information on MCLA Teams and Events
For fans, parents, and prospective student-athletes interested in following MCLA sports, the college provides several resources to access team information, schedules, and statistics:
- Official MCLA Athletics website: Features up-to-date news, schedules, and results
- Social media channels: Regular updates on team performances and upcoming events
- Live streaming: Select home games are broadcast online for remote viewing
- Local media coverage: Partnerships with local news outlets for game recaps and features
Where can fans find detailed statistics and player profiles for MCLA teams? The official MCLA Athletics website maintains comprehensive statistics and roster information for all varsity sports, allowing fans to track individual and team performances throughout the season.
Additionally, the college’s sports information department works diligently to provide timely updates and engaging content to keep the MCLA community informed and connected to their favorite teams.
MCLA Athletics: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
As MCLA athletics continues to evolve, the program strives to maintain a balance between honoring its traditions and embracing innovation in collegiate sports. This approach is evident in several aspects of the athletic department:
- Preserving longstanding rivalries while establishing new competitive relationships
- Maintaining traditional sports while exploring opportunities for emerging athletic programs
- Upholding the values of Division III athletics while adapting to changing student needs and interests
- Celebrating the college’s athletic history while implementing modern training techniques and technologies
By striking this balance, MCLA athletics aims to provide a rich and rewarding experience for student-athletes that honors the past while preparing them for the future.
How does MCLA incorporate technology into its athletic programs? The college has invested in various technological tools to enhance athletic performance and the fan experience, including:
- Video analysis software for coaching and player development
- Advanced fitness tracking devices for strength and conditioning programs
- Digital scoreboard and statistics displays in athletic venues
- Mobile apps for fans to follow games and access team information
These technological advancements complement MCLA’s traditional approach to athletics, creating a modern program that still maintains its core values and commitment to the student-athlete experience.
The Role of MCLA Athletics in Campus Life and Student Development
Athletics play a crucial role in shaping the overall campus culture and student experience at MCLA. Beyond providing opportunities for competition and physical fitness, MCLA’s athletic programs contribute to the college community in numerous ways:
- Fostering a sense of school pride and identity
- Promoting diversity and inclusion through team participation
- Developing leadership skills and teamwork abilities
- Encouraging time management and discipline
- Providing opportunities for stress relief and mental health support
How do non-athlete students benefit from MCLA’s athletic programs? Even students who don’t participate in varsity sports can engage with athletics through intramural leagues, fitness classes, and attending sporting events. These activities contribute to a vibrant campus life and provide opportunities for social interaction and community building.
Furthermore, the lessons and skills developed through athletic participation often translate to academic and professional success, making MCLA athletes well-prepared for their future careers and personal lives.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility in MCLA Athletics
In line with MCLA’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the athletic department has implemented various initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce its ecological footprint. These efforts include:
- Installing energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems in athletic facilities
- Implementing water conservation measures in locker rooms and on playing fields
- Promoting recycling and waste reduction at sporting events
- Utilizing eco-friendly materials in uniforms and equipment when possible
- Incorporating sustainability education into athlete training and team activities
By prioritizing environmental responsibility, MCLA athletics sets an example for other collegiate programs and demonstrates the college’s holistic approach to education and community engagement.
How does MCLA’s commitment to sustainability impact its athletic programs? The focus on environmental responsibility has led to more efficient operations, cost savings, and increased awareness among student-athletes about the importance of sustainable practices. These initiatives also provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration between athletics and academic departments, such as environmental studies, further enriching the educational experience at MCLA.
Partnerships and Collaborations in MCLA Athletics
MCLA’s athletic department has forged various partnerships and collaborations to enhance its programs and provide additional opportunities for student-athletes. These relationships extend beyond the typical athletic conference affiliations and include:
- Local businesses sponsoring teams and events
- Community organizations partnering for outreach and service projects
- Alumni networks providing mentorship and career guidance
- Academic departments collaborating on research and experiential learning opportunities
- Healthcare providers offering specialized services for student-athlete well-being
These partnerships not only benefit MCLA athletics but also contribute to the broader community and help prepare student-athletes for success beyond their college years.
How do these collaborations enhance the student-athlete experience at MCLA? By leveraging partnerships, MCLA can provide its student-athletes with a more comprehensive and well-rounded experience. For example, internship opportunities with local businesses can help athletes gain valuable work experience, while collaborations with healthcare providers ensure they receive top-quality medical care and support.
Moreover, these partnerships often lead to innovative programs and initiatives that set MCLA athletics apart from other institutions, attracting talented student-athletes and enhancing the overall reputation of the college.
The Impact of MCLA Athletics on Alumni Relations and Institutional Advancement
Athletic programs play a significant role in maintaining strong connections with MCLA alumni and supporting the college’s advancement efforts. The emotional ties formed through sports participation often translate into long-lasting relationships between former student-athletes and the institution. This connection manifests in various ways:
- Alumni attendance at sporting events and reunions
- Financial support through donations to athletic programs
- Mentorship opportunities for current student-athletes
- Networking events connecting past and present MCLA athletes
- Volunteer involvement in athletic department initiatives
How does alumni engagement in athletics benefit MCLA as a whole? The strong bond between athletic alumni and the college often leads to increased overall support for MCLA. This can result in higher levels of alumni giving, improved recruitment efforts, and a stronger sense of community among the broader MCLA alumni network.
Additionally, successful alumni who attribute part of their achievement to their experiences in MCLA athletics can serve as powerful ambassadors for the college, helping to elevate its profile and attract future students and supporters.
Adapting to Challenges: MCLA Athletics in a Changing World
Like all collegiate athletic programs, MCLA faces various challenges in an ever-changing landscape. Some of the key issues and adaptations include:
- Navigating the impact of global events on sports schedules and participation
- Addressing evolving health and safety concerns in athletic competition
- Adapting to changes in NCAA regulations and compliance requirements
- Balancing athletic program costs with overall institutional budgets
- Responding to shifting student interests and demographic changes
MCLA’s athletic department has demonstrated resilience and flexibility in addressing these challenges, often finding innovative solutions that prioritize student-athlete well-being and program sustainability.
How has MCLA athletics adapted to recent global challenges? The department has implemented various measures to ensure the continuity of athletic programs while prioritizing health and safety. These include developing robust health protocols, exploring virtual training options, and leveraging technology for remote team building and communication.
By remaining adaptable and forward-thinking, MCLA athletics continues to provide valuable experiences for student-athletes while navigating the complexities of the modern collegiate sports landscape.
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
| Schedule | Roster | Stats |
For MCLA Students
CLARK TRAILBLAZERS
It pays to blaze the trail of great art! All Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students are issued a Clark Trailblazers card and can enjoy privileges such as free admission to the galleries and exclusive member gallery talks.
We are also proud to announce that we are partnering with MASS MoCA, who will be providing stamps for this program every time you visit MoCA! Admission to MoCA is free for MCLA students as well.
Visit the Clark with your Clark Trailblazers card and start taking advantage of these great benefits:
- First visit – get a free Trailblazers at the Clark sticker featuring one of the many beautiful mountain landscapes featured in the Clark’s collection. Collect a new sticker each time you visit!
- Third visit – one free coffee or tea
- Sixth visit – receive a complimentary Clark collectible
- Ninth visit – receive two complimentary Clark admission tickets for your friends or family
- Twelfth visit – visit the Clark and Mass MoCA a total of twelve times (at least six times at each museum), and earn a free Sustainer membership to the Clark, which gives you free admission to more than 1,000 art museums all over the country for one year.
Graduating this year? Let the Clark know and receive 50 percent off a Sustainer membership. Visit twelve times, either all twelve at the Clark, or six at the Clark and six at MASS MoCA during your time at MCLA and receive a free Sustainer membership when you graduate. Click here for more information about Clark membership levels.
MCLA students with Clark Trailblazers membership cards always receive 10 percent off in the Clark Museum Store.
Email [email protected] for more information or to get a Clark Trailblazers card today!
Your Clark Trailblazers membership card is valid with an MCLA student ID.
MCLA to Allow Membership for NCAA Varsity Schools
A surprisingly eventful week in lacrosse lead to some very interesting conversations about the MCLA allowing NCAA schools with varsity lacrosse programs to join, not to mention Hartford and … Ferris State football???
MCLA to Allow Membership for NCAA Varsity Schools
MCLA Widens Potential
The MCLA, the leading club lacrosse league nationally, has announced that it will drop a long-standing rule that disallowed team membership if there is a varsity team on campus. Simply put, before when a team like Michigan added a DI team, it was no longer allowed to field an MCLA team. This also opens the door to schools that have had long-standing varsity presences (Hopkins, Salisbury, Navy, basically any prominent DI/DIII school) to take their NCLL/GLLL club and join the MCLA, if they want.
The argument that club teams would benefit from a DI team on campus have long been exaggerated as we’ve seen multiple DI players over the years switch to the MCLA (after transferring of course). I think the way the MCLA has structured the rule is excellent and will keep an even playing field while also adding some much-needed new blood to the association.
Hartford Debacle
When Hartford announced it was transitioning athletics from DI to DIII, there was outrage, anger, and frustration among the alumni and current stakeholders.
This outrage has directly impacted the lacrosse program. The team is down to 15 players due to athletes transferring out for a new start and another chance at DI lacrosse. Additionally, the program has withdrawn from America East competition this year.
While I’m sure the decision to go DIII is best for the university long term and that the lacrosse program will be competitive at that level, I can’t help but feel that this whole situation could’ve been handled better. Perhaps the solution would have been to announce a longer term transition, a three-to-four-year plan to phase out of DI. But this all feels rushed, and the athletes are bearing the brunt of the decision making.
A tough situation for a lot of athletes at @HartfordMLAX. I heard there were about 15 guys left on the roster. Many found new homes via transfer, but for many others a dream to play lacrosse taken away https://t.co/jKy5QIuntS
— Matt Kinnear (@mattkinnear) September 2, 2021
Jared Bernhardt Dominates on the Gridiron
Jared Bernhardt had his debut under center for the Division II Ferris State Bulldogs, and he did not disappoint. Not only were his stats obscene, he looked physically dominant, and his years in a Big Ten strength and conditioning program were evident.
Bernhardt’s Stats:
Passing: 12/14 for 218 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
Rushing: 12 rushes for 120 yards and 4 touchdowns
He accounted for 7 TOUCHDOWNS. That’s crazy!
Update: MCLA Campus Police Arrest Student After Active Shooter Threat Alert Issued / iBerkshires.com
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MCLA Campus Police arrested an 18-year-old MCLA resident student believed to be connected to an early active shooter threat.
According to a notification sent out by the MCLA Campus Police Department, student Joseph Caso was arrested on a felony charge of Threats of Deadly Weapon and Disruption of School or Public Building and a misdemeanor charge of Disorderly Conduct Monday.
A message was sent to the campus community via the RAVE Alert system around 12:50 am Monday Morning. The message warned students and others on campus that there was an active shooter threat on campus and asked everyone to shelter in place.
“The alert was sent out of an abundance of caution due to threats made on social media targeting the MCLA residence halls,” MCLA Police Department stated in a social media post.
The Campus Police responded to where the call originated in Berkshire Towers and within a short period of time the Campus Police were interviewing a person of interest. Once it was determined that there were no actionable threats to our campus community, at approximately 1:25 A.M. the shelter in place alert was lifted.
Caso was released on bail and was due in Northern Berkshire District Court on Monday morning at 8:30 A.M.
As a result of these charges, the student has been placed on an interim suspension and is banned from campus until further notice. The campus CIRT (Critical Incident Response Team) has a debrief meeting scheduled for later this morning.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MCLA Campus Police issued an “Active Shooter Threat” message early Monday morning.
The message was sent to MCLA community members via text and stated that there was an “Active Shooter Threat.” Students were asked to shelter in place until further notice.
A few hours later the shelter in place notice was lifted. Campus police reported that there was no active threat on campus at the time.
The North Adams Police Department then reported on their Facebook page around 7 A.M. that there never was an actual active shooter on campus and the individual believed to be involved in the threat had been arrested.
The incident is under investigation by the MCLA Campus Police.
Tags: MCLA, MCLA police,
MCLA Continues to Climb U.S. News & World Report’s College Rankings
NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ continued commitment to an excellent, affordable education is reflected in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The college has risen to seventh on the list of Top Public Colleges, and to 21st as a Top Performer on Social Mobility and first among all Massachusetts schools. MCLA also continues to appear on the list of Top National Liberal Arts Colleges.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of Top Public Colleges for nine of the past 11 years. The college has also appeared on the publication’s list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility since the organization adopted this ranking in 2019. This list measures how well schools graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, typically awarded to students whose families make less than $50,000, though most Pell Grant money goes to families with income below $20,000.
More than 45% of MCLA undergraduate students receive Pell Grants, and more than 40% are the first in their families to go to college. Nearly 85% of students receive some kind of financial aid.
The 2022 rankings represent a march upward for the college. In 2021, MCLA was ranked ninth on the list of Top Public Colleges, and appeared in the top 50 National Liberal Arts Colleges for social mobility.
“I am proud to see MCLA recognized again as a Top Public College, but I am more proud of the work we’ve done to continue to climb these rankings for nine of the last 11 years,” MCLA President James Birge said. “We have an excellent faculty body with expertise and dedication to a liberal-arts education. We have staff dedicated to student outcomes at every level and in every department. We have incredible programs that contribute to social mobility, helping our under-resourced students achieve a college education, which will help them earn more in their lifetimes, find fulfilling careers, and live meaningful lives. Public colleges help contribute to furthering economic equity every day, and we are proud to make this part of our mission as an institution.”
In recent years, MCLA has added new programs that help bolster student support. The TRiO Program, founded in 2020 and supported by a $1.2 million federal grant, works toward increasing the retention, good academic standing, and graduation rates of low-income and first-generation students, as well as students with disabilities. This program serves up to 160 students each year.
In 2020, in response to economic uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, MCLA established the Resiliency Fund, which has to date distributed nearly $300,000 to 296 students in need. The college maintains a robust food pantry to combat student food insecurity, supported with student volunteer work and donations. The college also boasts more than 100 of its own private scholarships, including five new additions in 2020.
U.S. News ranks colleges based on indicators that reflect a school’s student body, its faculty, and its financial resources, along with outcome measures that signal how well the institution achieves its mission of educating students.
Post navigation
MCLA Ranked a 2021 Top Ten College by U.S. News & World Report
NORTH ADAMS — For the third consecutive year, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is ranked as a Top Ten College by U.S. News & World Report. MCLA ranks ninth on the organization’s list of top public colleges and also appears on U.S. News’ list of Top National Liberal Arts Colleges.
The college also is ranked among the top 50 public and private schools on U.S. News’ Top Performers on Social Mobility list, which measures how well schools graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, typically awarded to students whose families make less than $50,000. Only eight other public colleges are ranked higher than MCLA on this list.
The college has appeared on U.S. News’ list of top public colleges for eight of the last 10 years.
“I am especially proud that MCLA has continued to be ranked among the nation’s top public schools,” MCLA President James Birge said. “This year, during a pandemic, in addition to providing a high-quality education, we were able to distribute more than $257,000 to students who found themselves dire economic circumstances due to COVID-19 through the MCLA Resiliency Fund. MCLA was also awarded a federal TRIO grant, which will provide $1.3 million to enhance our support for under-resourced students for the next five years. These grant activities will enhance MCLA’s commitment to equity for our students by providing support services to help students achieve their academic goals. I am thankful to my colleagues for their ongoing commitment to providing our students an accessible, affordable education that elevates lives.”
U.S. News and World Report ranks colleges based on indicators that reflect a school’s student body, faculty, and financial resources, along with outcome measures that signal how well the institution achieves its mission of educating students. For more information, visit usnews.com/colleges.
“The Commonwealth is lucky to have an institution like MCLA, and we are proud of this achievement and the impact MCLA has on our community,” Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said. “As the Commonwealth’s public liberal-arts college, MCLA has demonstrated enormous commitment to access, equity, and academic excellence. MCLA is a key partner in driving the economy of the Berkshires and sustaining Massachusetts’ national leadership in higher education.”
Post navigation
Playing Lacrosse in the MCLA
The Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) has developed into an attractive alternative for scholastic players who don’t land in NCAA programs.
While there is little argument that the NCAA represents the elite level of lacrosse at the college ranks, there are plenty of MCLA programs fielding excellent teams with very dedicated student-athletes.
I played goalie in the MCLA and had an amazing experience. In this post I want to share some answers to common questions I’ve gotten about playing lacrosse in the MCLA.
All of these responses are based on my experience playing in the MCLA for Cal and I should caveat all my responses by saying that I graduated some years ago.
Things may have changed but based on my conversations with current players and coaches I do believe most of the info is accurate.
What is the MCLA?
The Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) is a confederacy of 10 non-varsity college lacrosse conferences featuring over 200 teams in two divisions across 43 states. There’s even a team in Canada (hello, Simon Fraser).
The MCLA provides a governing structure similar to the NCAA, consisting of eligibility rules, national polls, and a national tournament to decide national champions for both Divisions I and II.
On an individual scope, the MCLA’s rules and structure promote “virtual varsity” lacrosse. On a national scale, the MCLA’s infrastructure supports a level playing field through eligibility rules and enforcement, along with the use of NCAA rules of play.
The MCLA’s goal is to provide a quality college lacrosse experience where varsity lacrosse does not yet exist.
Programs use the “virtual varsity” name because the level of effort put in by the players does mimic that of a Division 1 NCAA varsity program. Of course it does of course vary by program.
MCLA teams receive very little (if any) financial support from their schools and are typically self-funded by the players through player dues, donations, fundraisers, and/or apparel sales.
The teams are run by elected members of the team – Team President, Team Treasurer, etc.
For those who want to continue their lacrosse goalie career but can’t compete at the NCAA level, an MCLA school is a tremendous option.
What’s the talent level of the MCLA?
The MCLA is extremely competitive.
On any given MCLA Division 1 team you’ll see players who have serious talent. Players who could easily make NCAA Division 1 teams.
I think the primary difference in talent in the MCLA vs. the NCAA is the depth.
Whereas the 3rd string goalie on Notre Dame’s lacrosse team was probably a star on his high school team, an MCLA team might not even have a 3rd string goalie. And the 2nd string goalie might have just started playing his freshman year of college.
Same goes for the lines of attack, middie, and defense.
The MCLA is competitive. Teams play to win. This isn’t a beer league where everyone gets equal playing time. During the season, coaches will stick with playing their top lines as much as possible and definitely will only play their #1 goalie.
The top 30 or 40 Div 1 MCLA and top 25 MCLA Div 2 teams tend to have tough schedules, travel nationally, and even scrimmage NCAA programs.
During my Cal days we played several NCAA teams like Whittier college (loss) and MIT (win).
So if you’re brand new to the sport of lacrosse I fully encourage you to go out for the team but tamper your expectations regarding playing time. At least for the 1st year or 2, you’d be surprised with hard work and passion, how quickly you can pickup the game.
Can you walk on to an MCLA team?
It’s possible.
Many MCLA teams, given their lack of depth, are in need of players who are 1.) athletes and 2.) have the right attitude.
There are some MCLA teams that are stacked. Chapman, Cal Poly, BYU have great teams as of this writing. Trying to walk onto those teams would be extremely difficult if you didn’t already have some lacrosse experience.
But an MCLA team outside the top 25 might be hurting for additional players to help fill out their roster. In that case, they’ll take walk-ons who are enthusiastic about learning the game, are willing to work hard to improve and possess some athletic ability.
In my years at Cal, we would get players who walked onto the team with no lacrosse experience. We only made cuts if the player didn’t have the right attitude or had absolutely zero athletic ability.
This year Cal has a recruiting class of 17 players (!) and only graduated 3 seniors last year so it might be difficult to walk on to the team this year without any high school lacrosse experience.
Even if you make the team, playing time is a different story. As a new lacrosse player or goalie you shouldn’t expect to see a lot of playing time while you’re learning the game.
How do you get recruited to play in the MCLA?
Most MCLA teams don’t have a big recruiting budget (if they even have one at all), so don’t expect to see a ton of MCLA coaches at summer tournaments, camps, and showcases that are not located in physical proximity.
Cal Poly’s head coach is not going to recruit at a tournament in New Jersey but he might make an appearance at a Southern California based event. The camps and showcases near the schools you want to attend are a good way to get your skills out there and meet coaches.
I would say your best bet is to produce a good highlight tape and send it to the coaches. Check out my lacrosse recruiting guide for additional tips.
The camps, tournaments, and showcases – while they may not be attended by MCLA coaches – are excellent opportunities to get some good film from which to make a highlight video.
Most MCLA teams will have a website with a “Recruiting” section. This is an excellent place to 1st get the head coaches’ or the team president’s attention.
Here is Cal’s Recruiting form. Here is Cal Poly’s recruiting form. Here is Chapman’s recruiting form. These are pretty easy to find just by searching for the team’s website.
Once you get in contact with the coach and there’s mutual interest you can organize a campus visit during which you can check out the campus, meet with the coach, watch some practices, and meet/hang out with the current players. We hosted recruits like this frequently.
I would say your sophomore year of high school is a good time to start contacting coaches. But if you’re reading this and you’re currently a junior or senior, don’t worry, still reach out.
Since the MCLA doesn’t have much pull with the university you’ll need to be accepted to the college on your own merit. Rarely can MCLA lacrosse teams influence a university’s acceptance decision. I’ve seen it happen before where the lacrosse team can “flag” a player to help with admissions but it’s so rare that I wouldn’t count on it. So hit the books!
What’s the schedule like on an MCLA team?
Here was my experience at Cal. Obviously this will defer depending on the team but I would say my experience is what the average MCLA team does.
For Fall Ball, we practiced 3 days a week along with team weight room workouts, runs, and wall ball sessions.
In January, the team came back from Winter break a week before the Spring semester officially started for a week long training camp with double days.
During the Spring we practiced every day during the week, Monday through Friday for 2 – 3 hours a session. Some weekends we had off, others we’d meet for a team jog, video session, or something like that.
As we got closer to games, we watched and analyzed more video too as a part of our practice sessions.
During my Cal days, our head coach was Joe Proud, an All-American defenseman from Duke University. So we ran physically intense, NCAA style practices.
Games started around the 1st week of February. We’d then have a game per week with bye weeks sprinkled in here and there.
Sometimes more games per week if we were on a road trip. For example, on a road trip to LA we’d play both UCLA and USC to take advantage. Same thing with an Arizona trip, we’d play both ASU and Arizona.
Again, we don’t have the travel budget of an NCAA team so you have to take advantage of the trips in to get in as many games as possible.
We would always take a lacrosse trip during Spring Break.
Lacrosse / School Balance While On an MCLA team
I studied engineering at Cal Berkeley which is a pretty rigorous curriculum.
However I found that when well organized I could easily balance my school workload with my lacrosse life and still have a social life on top of that. I was in a fraternity at Cal.
For me, I always knew in the Spring that I didn’t have time to mess around. I got into trouble in the Fall where I knew I had more time to goof off and would procrastinate. But in the Spring if I had free time I knew I had to use it to study.
Overall I would say that a focused student will have no problem balancing lacrosse with school work, even if you pick a more rigorous major like engineering, pre-med, etc. It will be challenging for sure, but the reward of getting to play lacrosse is totally worth it.
Playing lacrosse in the MCLA allows you to have a college lacrosse experience but also have a life off the field.
Can I play MCLA lacrosse if I’ve never played before?
Depends on the team.
There are 3 ways to be dominant at lacrosse. 1.) Be in better shape. 2.) Be a better athlete. 3.) Be a better lacrosse player
If you’re a new player, the last option will not be true.
But I don’t think there are many coaches in the MCLA that will turn away a player who is in better shape and is a better athlete than other players on the team.
So you if you want to increase your odds of making an MCLA team and having an impact, you will need to prepare with some serious training before you show up to the 1st day of fall ball or tryouts.
Simply put, if you can run faster and longer than the other players you are going to make the team and get playing time.
Why the MCLA might be a better choice for you
If you’re an experienced lacrosse player and have options to play at D2 or D3 schools (even D1), here’s why you might consider attending a college with an MCLA program.
Better Degree
At the end of the day, lacrosse is not going to pay your bills. Even players in the MLL have side jobs because they don’t earn enough money from professional lacrosse.
So if you’re faced with the decision of playing at a small no-name D3 college vs. a top academic university (Stanford/Cal/UCLA) in the MCLA, the better degree might be the way to go.
Of course there are plenty of D1 lacrosse programs at great academic universities too (hello Ivy League). Just something to consider as you decide where to attend college.
Better Weather
Most MCLA programs are out west. So if the idea of playing lacrosse in 65 degree weather in Arizona or California during the winter is appealing to you, then you might consider the MCLA.
Of course, not all MCLA programs have better weather but I’ve never played a home game in the snow. I have played on the beach. Just sayin’.
More Playing Time
The NCAA attracts the top lacrosse talent in the world. There’s no doubt about that. So if you’re good at lacrosse but not the top talent in the world you could spend the majority of your NCAA college lacrosse experience on the bench.
As a goalie who’s been on the bench and been the starter, I can say without a doubt that being the starter is more fun.
On an MCLA team you’ll have a better chance at seeing the field for games, a better chance to make an impact on the team, and a better chance to be a star of the team.
Podcasts with MCLA Goalies
On my podcast I’ve had the chance to chat with a few goalies who play / played in the MCLA. Listen to their experience:
Conclusion
Playing goalie in the MCLA was the best decision I made in college.
I’m so grateful to the game of lacrosse for giving me so much. If you’re contemplating playing lacrosse at college, I offer you this simple advice – do it.
The MCLA is extremely competitive and will give you a quality college lacrosse experience.
Until next time! Coach Damon
Anyone have a different experience on an MCLA lacrosse team? Let me know about it in the comments below.
MCLA: Complete
Games on Demand supports English, French, Italian, German and Spanish. THE BEST WAY TO SEE LOS ANGELES AT 245 MPH. Take part in crazy races on the streets of modern Los Angeles. Get behind the wheel of the coolest muscle cars, tuning, luxury and exotic cars, as well as sports bikes. Improve your car with the best parts and modification kits. Street racing with no track, no loading screens, no rules.Welcome to Midnight Club! Service Disconnection: The Rate My Ride service and the Midnight Club Los Angeles Driving Test bonuses on Xbox 360 will be unavailable from 5/31/14. © 2006-2009 Rockstar Games. The Rockstar Games, R * and Midnight Club logos are property of Take-Two Interactive Software. All other logos are the property of their respective owners. For details, see the user manual. All rights reserved. Use of this software product is governed by the license agreement found in the user manual and on the rockstargames web page.com / eula. Non-transferable rights to access special content, such as exclusive, unlockable, downloadable or web content, services or features, may require a one-time serial code entry, additional fees, internet connection and / or online registration (for users 13 and older ). Special content may not be available to all users and may be removed from the game, changed or offered on different terms upon notification of the user 30 days before the change is made. This video game is completely fictional. Any resemblance to actual events, people, organizations or products is unintentional. We do not approve of the behavior demonstrated in the game and do not encourage users to do so. Unauthorized copying, engineering analysis, transmission, public display, renting or circumvention of the copy protection system is strictly prohibited.
MC – Translation into Russian
Auto-detectAfrikaansArabskiyBolgarskiyBengalskiyBosniyskiyKatalanskiyCheshskiyValliyskiyDatskiyNemetskiyGrecheskiyAngliyskiyIspanskiyEstonskiyPersidskiyFinskiyfilippinskiyfidzhiFrantsuzskiyIrlandskiyGudzharatiIvritHindiHorvatskiyGaityansky kreolskiyVengerskiyIndoneziyskiyIslandskiyItalyanskiyYaponskiyKazahskiyKannadaKoreyskiyLitovskiyLatyshskiymalagasiyskiyMaoriMalayalamMarathiMalayskiyMaltiyskiyHmong dauNorvezhskiyGollandskiyKeretarsky otomiPandzhabiPolskiyPortugalsky (Brazil) Portuguese (Portugal) RumynskiyRusskiySlovatskiySlovenskiysamoaSerbsky (Cyrillic) Serbian (Latin) ShvedskiySuahiliTamilskiyTeluguTayskiyKlingon (Latin) Klingon (pIqaD) tongaTuretskiytaitiUkrainskiyUrduVetnamskiyYukateksky mayyaKantonsky (Traditional) Chinese traditional uproschennyyKitaysky
swap_horiz
AfrikaansArabskiyBolgarskiyBengalskiyBosniyskiyKatalanskiyCheshskiyValliyskiyDatskiyNemetskiyGrecheskiyAngliyskiyIspanskiyEstonskiyPersidskiyFinskiyfilippinskiyfidzhiFrantsuzskiyIrlandskiyGudzharatiIvritHindiHorvatskiyGaityansky kreolskiyVengerskiyIndoneziyskiyIslandskiyItalyanskiyYaponskiyKazahskiyKannadaKoreyskiyLitovskiyLatyshskiymalagasiyskiyMaoriMalayalamMarathiMalayskiyMaltiyskiyHmong dauNorvezhskiyGollandskiyKeretarsky otomiPandzhabiPolskiyPortugalsky (Brazil) Portuguese (Portugal) RumynskiyRusskiySlovatskiySlovenskiysamoaSerbsky (Cyrillic) Serbian (Latin) ShvedskiySuahiliTamilskiyTeluguTayskiyKlingon (Latin) Klingon (pIqaD) tongaTuretskiytaitiUkrainskiyUrduVetnamskiyYukateksky mayyaKantonsky (Traditional) Chinese traditional uproschennyyKitaysky
keyboard
volume_up
2/1000
Translatearrow_forward
Try our translator for free automatically, you only need to click on the “Translate button” to have your answer
SOLAAR MC – La Cinqui? Me Saison –
lyrics
J’ai froid dans ma chambre. Ca ressemble? d? cembre.
Doisneau me parle d’amour tendre
Une idylle scolaire c’est des yeux qui brillent
Je vrille et deviens Claude la simple brindille
V? Tements d? Mod? S, tendresse et innocence
Sur les photos, de mon flirt d ‘enfance
L’amour est aveugle quand les yeux p? tillent
J’ai les pupilles qui grillent
On est? l ‘? cole. Je sais que je suis pas beau
Claudio, quasi Quasimodo
Si elle aime l’esprit, j’atteindrai le bonheur
Petite Candi, je serai Grandchester
Sister je ne suis plus un Sniper
T’as le viseur, la balle est dans ton c? ur
Sister je ne suis plus un Sniper
L’as de tr? fle une carte parmi d’autres
Perdue dans le jeu.Anonyme ap? Tre
Avec du sel et de l’eau je lui offrais la mer
En Alchimiste, pour une croisi? Re
Quitter le building, direction la paille
Simuler La Pampa. Elever du b? Tail
Des HLM? l’ULM.
Dans la jungle urbaine je draine le Nouvel Eden
Mais le r? Ve s’arr? Te l? Solaar Mc – La Cinqui? Me Saison – http://ru. motolyrics.com/solaar-mc/la-cinqui-me-saison-lyrics.html
Quand Miss kiss un kid de la terminale 3
Je repense? l ‘? cole les jours de canicule,
-13 dans ma chambre, mentale est le calcul
Sister je ne suis plus un Sniper
T’as le viseur, la balle est dans ton c? ur
Sister je ne suis plus un Sniper
Aujourd’hui c’est la 5? saison
Voil? pourquoi je fais du son
Une fleur et je pleure sous la pluie? Cherbourg
Comme immol ?, par les feux de l’amour
J ‘? Tais jeune, elle plut? T vanille
Notre amour scolaire plus clean qu’? Manille
Et m? Me si dans mon art j’ai la ceinture noire
J’ai en moi plus de Claude que de Solaar
Sister je ne suis plus un Sniper
T’as le viseur, la balle est dans ton c? ur
Je t’offre l’extase, j’ai la solution
La palme du calme.Pour la 5? saison
C’est la 5? saison
Loin du froid
C’est la 5? saison
Un nouvel Eden, un espoir
Noize MC – Face a la Mer lyrics songmeanings
The premiere of the song “Noize MC – Face a la Mer” took place on December 16, 2016.
………………..
Face a la Mer!
Verse 1:
Lyon, Marseille and Paris applauded him.
His eyes looked into the faces of millions from posters.
Madame and Monsieur’s bellies were tearing over his sharp witticisms,
Actresses, models, Bordeaux and Courvoisier!
He ate the dog on how to present himself favorably.
Success with women was such that the bed was smoking!
And he himself burned, burning mucous membrane and brains,
Pouring alcohol into the flame, adding powders.
There are bags under the eyes, deep wrinkles on the forehead –
A tired elderly man sits at a table in the corner,
A French house rumbled with chaos
In a gray head without pauses.
Young bodies twitch on the dance floor;
He finished his cognac, rises from the table
And slowly walks to where the lasers and strobes;
Where is the fast beat, where the bass breathe events.
Where there are smoke puffs, where the screams of the crowd are not heard from the music.
An old, drunken, lustful ghoul is barely walking –
He once danced like an eternally young ancient Greek God;
Now he looks as if evil spirits have moved into him!
With all their motley crowd – devils, vampires,
Ghouls – all under the skin, as if under the roof of one!
And now, suddenly, our main character – right in the center of the Dance Floor
falls, having lost control of his body!
In the ears instead of the hooting of a barrel – the surf.
Before your eyes – the blue of the endless surface of the sea.
And it seems to him that it is not concrete, but sand under his back,
And he himself seems to be young again!
Chorus:
Face à la mer, J’aurais du grandir!
Face contre terre, J’aurais pu mourir!
Je me relève,
Je prends mon dernier rêve.
Verse 2:
She just graduated.
The whole future life is a continuous huge chance.
Her devil is undoubtedly not to be found now
Even in the Tapestry Museum in Aix-en-Provence!
Ahead – thousands of possible amazing paths,
Amazing people, mind-blowing undertakings,
Dizzying ideas,
But none of us knows how many days are allocated to him.
There is smoke and loud laughter in the cabin.
Someone is dropping smoldering ash onto thin fur.
Her coat is ruined, she does not notice this moment,
Kissing passionately with her boyfriend.
Crawling under the highway wheels with a shiny tape.
Radio remix of Champs-Élysées, with
Joe Dassin tossing and turning in a coffin, driven by her drunken cousin.
A series of sharp maneuvers – and he parks his Citroen.
Face control, dress code, wardrobe, alcohol,
Dancing, sweat, bright strobe, and suddenly – silence, fright,
Someone’s screaming, people around in horror – an old man on the floor!
Right next to her! Yeah, fierce tough!
“Sophie, you know what to do! Hurry, you are the future doctor!”
Ok, no problem! She bends over him –
He smells like god knows what, she smells like a fresh sea breeze.
Artificial respiration, she becomes ill –
She, losing consciousness, cannot take a breath.
He, smiling, opens his eyes and rises from the floor –
Self-confident, handsome and young!
Chorus:
Face à la mer, J’aurais du grandir!
Face contre terre, J’aurais pu mourir!
Je me relève,
Je prends mon dernier rêve.
He drank the sea and smashed his glass to smithereens!
Today’s desert is yesterday’s ocean!
Face à la mer, J’aurais du grandir!
Face contre terre, J’aurais pu mourir!
Je me relève,
Je prends mon dernier rêve.
Verse 3:
An ambulance brought a patient in the morning:
An elderly woman with a stroke on the verge of death.
Sunken cheeks, all bones visible under pale skin,
Twenty-one full years according to documents.
Resuscitation, tubes, rhythmic noise of working devices
Sophie Marin lies in a coma.
I can’t hear the TV from behind the glass of the chamber,
And there the famous stand-up comedian gives an interview:
“Open the secret to the people, well, really, Jacques!
How do you manage to look youthful like that in your years?
No, do not laugh! Our viewers are worried to tears.