Getting recruited to play lacrosse in college is an exciting goal, but achieving it takes focus and dedication. Here are some of the most important steps to getting noticed and recruited for lacrosse.
Make a skills video to showcase your abilities to coaches
Coaches want to see your speed, athleticism, stick skills, IQ, and more in action. Create a 3-5 minute highlight reel of your best plays from games and tournaments. Show off your strengths and capabilities at your position. Share the video with college coaches to give them an immediate understanding of the player you are.
Some key tips for an effective lacrosse recruiting video: Capture highlights from different camera angles to showcase all your skills. Include snippets that display athletic feats like sprinting down the field or quick changes in direction. Choose music that complements and energizes your highlights. Only use your best footage – better to have a shorter, high-impact reel than lower quality clips.
Having video evidence of your talents makes it easy for coaches to envision you contributing for their program. With so many athletes vying for roster spots, a skills film gives you a major advantage in getting a coach’s attention.
The rest of the steps will expand your lacrosse profile, but creating video highlights is one of the most vital actions to take in order to get recruited. Coaches want to see your speed, IQ, stick skills and overall game in motion. Your highlight reel brings your skills and potential to life better than any static profile or stats sheet ever could. Get footage of your talents on film to showcase yourself to college programs across the country.
Register with recruiting websites to get exposure
One of the most effective ways to get on college coaches’ radars is by creating profiles on lacrosse recruiting websites. These sites allow you to upload your stats, honors, video highlights, and other credentials for coaches to review. Here are some of the top lacrosse recruiting sites:
- BeRecruited – Create a free profile and get matched with programs that fit your skills and academic goals.
- NCSA – Widely used site where you can research colleges and contact coaches directly.
- LaxNumbers – Database focused on lacrosse stats and measurable data points.
- LaxRecords – View regional and national player rankings by graduation year.
When setting up your profile, put your best foot forward both athletically and academically. Highlight awards, accomplishments like all-conference selections, GPA, test scores, and community service. Upload high-quality headshots and action photos that capture your talents. Provide detailed information on your lacrosse experience, positions, style of play and more.
College coaches actively search these recruiting sites for prospects that fit their program’s needs and culture. By having a strong presence on these platforms, you expand your visibility substantially compared to just relying on your high school coach’s network and recommendations.
In addition to lacrosse-specific recruiting sites, gain more exposure by registering with sites like NCSA that help connect athletes and all types of college sports programs.
Cast a wide net by creating and optimizing your profiles on lacrosse recruiting platforms. It allows coaches across the country to discover and learn about you as an athlete and student.
Attend recruiting camps and showcases to be seen by college coaches
One of the most direct ways to get exposure with college lacrosse programs is to attend camps hosted by schools you’re interested in. Coaches use these events specifically to evaluate and discover talent. Here are some tips for making the most of recruiting camps:
- Register for camps at your top choice colleges first and work down from there.
- Display your speed, athleticism, skills and lacrosse IQ during drills and scrimmages.
- Introduce yourself to coaches, share your academic and athletic accomplishments.
- Ask coaches for honest feedback on what skills to develop.
- Send follow-up notes to reiterate your interest after camps.
In addition to college-run camps, attend premier regional and national lacrosse showcases like Maverik Showtime, National Lacrosse Classic, and Blue Chip camps. These events draw coaches from top D1 programs across the country looking for talent.
When attending showcases:
- Be prepared for a higher level of competition.
- Focus on playing your game, don’t try to overdo it.
- Stay confident even if matched against a top-ranked player.
- Let your skills shine through – don’t get caught up in reputation.
Getting seen in person competing allows you to make a strong impression on coaches through your work ethic, athleticism, and lacrosse abilities. Follow up with any interested coaches after events to continue building relationships.
Leverage recruiting camps and showcases to put yourself directly on coaches’ radars under live game conditions. Use these influential events to display your talents and take the next steps in your recruiting journey.
Contact coaches directly and introduce yourself
Don’t just rely on your profile on recruiting sites – take the initiative to directly engage with college coaches at programs you’re interested in. Emailing coaches shows your determination and interest in their program. Here are some tips when reaching out:
- Personalize each email, don’t just blast a generic template.
- Provide your academic and athletic credentials and accomplishments.
- Share video highlights or links to your profiles.
- Explain why you’re interested in that specific program.
- Ask thoughtful questions about their recruiting process and timeline.
- Use proper grammar, spelling and etiquette.
Follow up with calls and even handwritten notes to stand out and continue nurturing the relationship. Once a coach begins actively recruiting you, maintain steady communication through text, email, calls and campus visits.
An intro email opens the door – follow up consistently to demonstrate your sincere interest in their program. Establish personal connections and show the coach you have done your homework about their lacrosse program.
Here’s a sample intro email template:
Subject: John Smith Lacrosse Recruit Interested in State U Program
Dear Coach Johnson,
My name is John Smith and I’m a sophomore attackman at Springfield High School interested in playing lacrosse at State University. I’ve been following State’s program and believe I would excel there.
I’ve attached a link to my skills video and my LaxNumbers recruiting profile. As a freshman I was named All-Conference Honorable Mention. I hold a 3.8 unweighted GPA and scored 1350 on the SAT.
What advice can you provide on the recruiting process? I’m excited to learn more about your program and how I can contribute on the field and in the classroom. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
John Smith
Build relationships with college coaches on social media
Social platforms like Twitter and Instagram provide additional channels to engage with college lacrosse coaches beyond just email. Here are some tips for connecting on social:
- Follow accounts for programs and head coaches you’re interested in.
- Like and comment on their posts – respond when coaches post congratulating committed players.
- Share your own lacrosse-related updates, training progress, academics, volunteering.
- Tag coaches in relevant posts like tournament results or new highlight reels.
- Send coaches quick notes or updates if they follow you back.
Avoid passive stalking – actively participate, share insights, and post compelling lacrosse-related content. Commenting and engaging builds familiarity and gets your name on a coach’s radar.
Here are some ways to provide value on social media:
- Congratulate coaches on team accomplishments like conference titles.
- Share articles or content related to their program.
- Provide motivational quotes for players as big games approach.
- Wish coaches well before big matchups or tournaments.
Social platforms humanize you beyond just another recruiting profile. Coaches get a better sense of your personality, passions, and character. Steady, value-adding engagement helps nurture relationships vital in the recruiting process.
Just like in games, have a plan and work hard without getting frustrated. Develop social media relationships persistently and coaches will take notice of your interest.
Have your high school coach advocate for you to college coaches
Your high school and club coaches can be invaluable allies and references during the recruiting process. Their recommendations carry significant weight with college coaches. Here are some ways to leverage your coach’s network and advocacy:
- Ask coaches to email or call college coaches they know on your behalf.
- Have your coach mention you to college coaches when they talk.
- Request your coach nominate you for all-star games and regional teams.
- Get your coach’s feedback on contact with college programs.
- Have your coach write letters of recommendation highlighting your assets.
To encourage your coaches to advocate for you:
- Train and practice hard to showcase your dedication.
- Demonstrate leadership and maturity on and off the field.
- Show discipline in academics, conditioning, nutrition and recovery.
- Be a model teammate – hustle, support and cooperate.
Coaches want to recommend athletes that reflect highly on their program. Show your coach you’ll represent his program well at the next level. Provide updates on your recruiting progress so your coach knows how to best contribute.
Your high school coach’s personal recommendations carry weight due to their experience evaluating talent. Get them in your corner as an influential advocate during the recruiting process.
Get great grades to be eligible for athletic and academic scholarships
While lacrosse skills get coaches’ attention, a strong academic record is essential for college eligibility and scholarship opportunities. Here are some academic tips:
- Earn at least a 3.0 GPA throughout high school.
- Take honors or advanced placement classes to challenge yourself.
- Score well on the SAT or ACT standardized tests.
- Research the academic criteria for playing Division I, II or III.
- Stay organized and disciplined – study hard and manage your time.
Being a great player won’t matter if you don’t meet academic standards. Even elite Division I programs require academic minimums for admission and eligibility:
- Minimum GPA of 2.3 in 16 core courses.
- SAT score of 980 or ACT sum score of 75.
- Graduate high school.
Top academic performers can earn academic scholarships in additional to any athletic scholarship:
- 3.75+ GPA and 1300+ SAT may get a full academic ride.
- 3.5 GPA and 1200 SAT can lead to substantial academic aid.
Put in the work in the classroom as intensely as on the field. Strong grades provide financial benefits and prove you can handle college academics and lacrosse responsibilities.
Practice diligently and continue improving your skills
College lacrosse is faster, more complex, and more competitive than high school play. You need to demonstrate the work ethic and dedication to continually enhance your skills. Here are some tips:
- Train year-round – don’t just play in-season.
- Master fundamentals like stick handling, footwork, and conditioning.
- Take extra reps to keep refining technique.
- Analyze game film to study tendencies and weak spots.
- Set specific skills goals and track measurable progress.
To showcase growth, record your skills progression on film over time. Coaches want to see tangible development across many aspects:
- Increased shot speed and accuracy.
- Crisper passing and catching.
- Faster dodge moves and change of direction.
- Improved lacrosse IQ and field vision.
- Stronger defensive positioning and checking.
Seeking extra coaching and training outside team practices demonstrates your motivation. Attend prospect camps, clinics, showcases year-round to continually test yourself against top talent.
Your skills and knowledge of the game will never stop evolving. Outwork everyone on daily improvement to get coaches’ attention.
Stay organized and create a timeline for your recruiting process
15 Steps to Getting Recruited for Lacrosse in 2023: The Ultimate Guide
Getting recruited for lacrosse takes a multi-year effort and strategic approach. By starting early, developing elite skills, gaining exposure at the right events, building relationships with college coaches, and staying focused academically and athletically, any dedicated high school lacrosse player can make their college lacrosse dreams a reality. Follow these key recruiting steps year-by-year and you’ll be competing on the college fields in no time. Stay hungry, determined and proactive throughout the process to achieve your ultimate lacrosse goals.
Believe in yourself and your abilities so coaches see your confidence
15 Steps to Getting Recruited for Lacrosse in 2023: The Ultimate Guide
Getting recruited to play college lacrosse requires self-confidence, skill development, exposure to coaches, relationship building, and persistence over many years. By mastering fundamentals, competing in showcases, contacting coaches directly, gaining insider tips, and managing stress, you can achieve your lacrosse recruiting dreams. Believe in your abilities, shine when it matters most, and stay focused on your goals throughout the ups and downs. You have what it takes to play at the next level!