D2 Lacrosse Showcase: Unlocking Opportunities for NCAA Division II Men’s Lacrosse

What are the benefits of attending a D2 Lacrosse Showcase. How can high school lacrosse players maximize their exposure to NCAA Division II coaches. What makes Division II lacrosse a compelling option for student-athletes.

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The D2 Lacrosse Showcase: A Gateway to College Opportunities

The D2 Lacrosse Showcase stands as a pivotal event for high school lacrosse players aspiring to compete at the collegiate level. This exclusive platform offers a unique opportunity for talented athletes to showcase their skills directly to NCAA Division II coaches, potentially opening doors to scholarships and future athletic careers.

Key Features of the D2 Showcase:

Limited to 85+ athletes, ensuring maximum playing time and visibility
Live training sessions led by NCAA DII coaches
Opportunity to participate in individual and small group positional drills
Three competitive games with the chance for All-Star nominations
Custom branded two-piece uniform provided to all participants
Q&A sessions with DII coaches, offering insights into the Division II experience
Optional game video available for purchase

Why is the D2 Showcase considered a must-attend event for serious lacrosse prospects? The showcase’s format is specifically designed to give players maximum exposure to college coaches while providing a comprehensive experience of what NCAA Division II lacrosse entails.

NCAA Division II Men’s Lacrosse: The Land of Opportunity

Division II lacrosse programs offer a compelling package for student-athletes, often rivaling their Division I counterparts in terms of scholarships and overall experience. But what exactly makes Division II an attractive option?

Scholarship Opportunities in Division II:

NCAA Division II men’s lacrosse programs can offer up to 10.8 scholarships per team. This level of financial support is comparable to many Division I athletic packages, making it an enticing option for players seeking to combine high-level competition with academic pursuits.

How does the Division II experience differ from other NCAA divisions? According to Marty Ward of Florida Southern College, “Division II is the land of opportunity. It checks so many boxes that young men need to consider…academics, athletics, diversity and opportunity to compete at the highest level.”

Chris Barrett from Belmont Abbey adds, “At the heart of Division II colleges is a balance between academic achievements, athletic participations and campus engagement.” This balance is a key differentiator for many student-athletes who seek a well-rounded college experience.

The D2 Showcase Experience: A Closer Look

What can participants expect during a D2 Showcase event? The day is structured to provide a comprehensive lacrosse experience, blending skill development with competitive play and recruiting opportunities.

Typical D2 Showcase Schedule:

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Player Check-In
9:00 AM: Introductions & Expectations
9:15 AM: Dynamic Warm-up
9:30 AM: Individual & Small Group Positional Drills
10:45 AM: Break for Lunch (not included)
11:30 AM: Games
4:30 PM: Concluding Remarks, Q&A

This structured schedule ensures that players have ample time to demonstrate their skills in various settings, from focused drills to full-game situations. The inclusion of a Q&A session also provides valuable insights into the recruiting process and life as a Division II student-athlete.

Maximizing Recruiting Visibility at the D2 Showcase

How can players make the most of their D2 Showcase experience? The event’s format is designed to optimize recruiting visibility, but there are several steps participants can take to stand out:

Arrive prepared and warmed up for the early morning start
Engage fully in all drills and training sessions
Demonstrate teamwork and leadership during games
Take advantage of the Q&A session to ask thoughtful questions
Consider purchasing game footage for future use in recruiting

By approaching the showcase with focus and enthusiasm, players increase their chances of catching the eye of attending coaches and potentially securing future opportunities.

The Network of D2 Lacrosse Programs: A Diverse Landscape

The D2 Showcase attracts a wide array of college programs, reflecting the diverse landscape of Division II lacrosse. Which schools typically attend these events?

A partial list of attending colleges and universities includes:

Anderson University
Barton College
Belmont Abbey College
Catawba College
Chestnut Hill College
Colorado Mesa University
Florida Southern College
LeMoyne College
Limestone University
Lindenwood University
Queens University of Charlotte
Saint Leo University
Wingate University

This diverse representation allows players to explore options across different regions and academic focuses, increasing the likelihood of finding the right fit for their athletic and academic goals.

Success Stories: The Impact of D2 Showcases

What do participants and parents say about their D2 Showcase experiences? Testimonials from past attendees highlight the event’s effectiveness in connecting players with college opportunities:

Troy K., a parent, shares: “It was well run and had a great number of coaches. I’m happy to say that our son made a verbal commitment to one of the schools attending the showcase.”

Karen A., another parent, notes: “The D2 Showcase is a must-attend event for athletes seriously interested in playing lacrosse in college. I enjoyed speaking with a few coaches, who were very pleasant and informative about the college admissions and recruiting process. My son enjoyed the pace and instruction that was offered and the talent on the field was incredible to watch.”

These testimonials underscore the showcase’s value not only as a recruiting tool but also as an educational experience for both players and parents navigating the college lacrosse landscape.

Preparing for the D2 Showcase: Tips for Success

How can prospective participants prepare to make the most of their D2 Showcase experience? Consider the following tips:

Train consistently in the weeks leading up to the event to ensure peak physical condition
Research attending schools to identify programs that align with your academic and athletic goals
Prepare questions for coaches about their programs and the Division II experience
Practice your individual skills to shine during positional drills
Work on your teamwork and communication skills for game situations
Ensure all your equipment is in good condition and compliant with regulations
Get a good night’s sleep before the event and arrive well-rested

By approaching the showcase with preparation and professionalism, players increase their chances of making a lasting impression on attending coaches.

The Future of D2 Lacrosse: Growth and Opportunities

What does the future hold for Division II lacrosse? The sport continues to grow at the Division II level, with new programs emerging and existing ones strengthening their offerings. This growth translates to increased opportunities for aspiring college lacrosse players.

The D2 Showcase plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, serving as a bridge between high school talent and college programs. Since 2018, more than 1,200 top college lacrosse prospects have attended D2 Showcases, many going on to successful collegiate careers.

As the sport evolves, events like the D2 Showcase are likely to become even more integral to the recruiting process, offering a streamlined way for players and coaches to connect in a competitive landscape.

Emerging Trends in D2 Lacrosse:

Increased focus on academic-athletic balance
Growing emphasis on player development and well-rounded college experience
Expansion of programs to new regions and institutions
Enhanced use of technology in recruiting and player evaluation

These trends suggest a bright future for Division II lacrosse, with continued growth in both the quantity and quality of opportunities for student-athletes.

For high school lacrosse players considering their college options, the D2 Showcase represents a valuable opportunity to explore the world of NCAA Division II lacrosse. By participating in these events, players can gain exposure to college coaches, refine their skills under expert guidance, and potentially uncover the perfect fit for their athletic and academic aspirations.

As the landscape of college lacrosse continues to evolve, platforms like the D2 Showcase will play an increasingly vital role in connecting talented athletes with the diverse array of opportunities available at the Division II level. Whether seeking athletic scholarships, academic excellence, or a balanced college experience, aspiring lacrosse players would do well to consider the D2 Showcase as a stepping stone towards their collegiate goals.

D2 Showcase – NCAA DII coaches watching you

LACROSSE

SHOWCASE

NCAA COACHES WATCHING YOU PLAY

FIND YOUR EVENT

Recruiting

Limited to only 85+ athletes, the D2 Showcases are built to ensure maximum playing time + recruiting visibility.

Live Training

Athletes are instructed by NCAA DII coaches during individual and small group positional drills + games.

Opportunities

NCAA Division II lacrosse programs offer up to 10.8 scholarships similar to Division I athletic packages.

Register Soon

Registration for the 2023 National D2 Showcase is now open.

NATIONAL D2 SHOWCASE LOCATIONS

Pennsylvania

June 30, 2023

The Proving Grounds
725 Conshohocken Road
Conshohocken, PA 19428

Illinois

July 10, 2023

SeatGeek Stadium
7000 S. Harlem Avenue
Bridgeview, IL 60455

North Carolina

July 13, 2023

OrthoCarolina Sportsplex
13333 Dorman Road
Pineville, NC 28134

DAILY SCHEDULE

8:00 AM-8:45, Player Check-In
9:00 AM, Introductions & Expectations
9:15 AM, Dynamic Warm-up
9:30 AM, Individual & Small Group Positional Drills
10:45 AM, Break for Lunch (not included)
11:30 AM, Games
4:30 PM, Concluding Remarks, Q&A

PRE-ORDER VIDEO

PRE-ORDER HERE

Experience the D2 Showcase

Anderson, Barton, Belmont Abbey College, Catawba College, Chestnut Hill College, Chowan University, Coker University, Colorado Mesa, Dominican College, Felician University, Florida Southern College, Franklin Pierce, Georgian Court University, Lander University, Lewis University, Lenoir-Rhyne, Lees-McRae, LeMoyne College, Limestone, Lincoln Memorial University, Lindenwood University, Lynn University, Mars Hill University, Maryville University, Montevallo, Newberry College, North Greenville University, Pace University, Post University, Queens University of Charlotte, Quincy University, Saint Leo University, Seton Hill University, The College of Saint Rose, Tusculum University, University of Mount Olive, Walsh University, William Jewell, Wingate…

Sunday of Championship Weekend always gives us phenomenal lacrosse, and this year will be no different as we have the “Kings of the North,” the Mercyhurst Lakers, taking on the “Kings of the South,” Lenoir-Rhyne Bears. Lenoir-Rhyne had to become the true champions of Florida to get to Championship Weekend by first beating defending champions Tampa and then the No.1 seeded Rollins Tars. What is their reward for conquering the trap that is playing in Florida? A date with the Limestone Saints, who beat them in the SAC Tournament Championship. The first No.5 seed in NCAA D2 Men’s Lacrosse history to get to the title game cruised past Limestone 18-11 to get themselves a date with the surging Mercyhurst Lakers.

The Lakers took down No.1, heavily favored and undefeated Le Moyne for the first time in 11 tries. Both Lenoir-Rhyne and Mercyhurst were lower-seeded teams winning on the road, continuing a trend in this year’s NCAA D2 Men’s Lacrosse Tournament. How they got here is essential, but we can throw records out the window at this point. Both staffs have been to the championship game, and Lenoir-Rhyne has been there most recently. Chris Ryan and his staff know what it takes to win the big game. They last won in 2011, but their most recent trip to the championship game in 2013 was not so victorious.

This game is going to come down to defense. Lenoir-Rhyne’s solid defense will be tested against the Lakers, averaging over 16 goals per game and led by the two-headed monster at attack in Myles Hamm (53 goals) and Ethan Landymore (50 goals). The train runs through those guys, and Lenoir-Rhyne will have their hands full down low. If Mercyhurst can continue to get production at the midfield and attack from multiple areas, that will put pressure on the stingy defense of the Bears and their phenomenal goalie Robert Pensabene. Colin Tardiff has put together an outstanding freshman season and could be the X-factor for the Lakers to put themselves ahead of the Bears. The Bears are also a very similar team in their ability to look to multiple weapons on offense. They are led on the attack end by Toron Eccleston and Myles Moffat. Both have proven they can dodge or feed, forcing the Lakers to be on high alert on the defensive end. The Bears are also averaging just north of 16 goals a game and have shown they can sling the rock around. This game will be a high-scoring game that will be won in the middle of the field and in transition.

These games are traditionally close; this one will come down to who has the ball more. The faceoff men for both squads will be crucial to their team’s success. Mercyhurst is facing off at 71% behind the exceptional play of USILA D2 Men’s Lacrosse Northern Player of the Year Shawn Doran, who is also an offensive threat as he’s put up 22 points and 176 groundballs this season. On the other side, Lenoir-Rhyne will rely on the two-headed monster of John Paulus and Matthew Mancini. As we have seen, teams with depth in the faceoff position can give teams trouble relying on one singular player. Expect it to be an epic battle, as Lenoir-Rhyne needs to control the faceoff battle to put themselves in a position to win the title.