By Genevieve Grossmann
Of Lacrosse Evolution
Phillylacrosse.com, posted 4/23/08
For those scholastic girls’ lacrosse players interested in getting recruited to play college, there are many things you can do to help your chances. This is a guide for players in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 for what you should be doing and when you should do it!
Rising Seniors
-Take notes on all phone conversations you have with the coaches.
-Stay focused academically – do not slack off in school.
-Edit your profile sheet with new stats and achievements and re-send to colleges you are considering.
-Be proactive – if you are very interested in a particular school, make sure they know it.
-Begin narrowing your list of potential colleges. Some factors to consider: Academic profile, level of lacrosse, type of school, distance from home, and cost of attendance. Be realistic when focusing you list – include “sure things,” “reaches,” and a “long shot” on your list.
-Contact the coach at the top five to ten schools you are considering – let them know they are one of your top choices. Include your summer lacrosse schedule so they can see you play.
-Prepare videotapes to have available for coaches that request them. Videos should include at least 30 minutes of unedited game footage.
-Set up official visits.
Rising Juniors
-Create a player profile that you can send to colleges you are considering.
-Write a letter of interest you can send to the schools on your list. This letter can be sent via US Mail or e-mail, along with your profile. Include a copy of your team(s) schedule indicating the important games for them to watch.
-Play in the summer recruiting tournaments. Wear something that stands out (bow, neon shoelaces, colored cleats), so it is easy for coaches to see you easily.
-Return all questionnaires and requested info to the schools you might consider. If you know you are definitely not considering a particular school, let that coach know. Honesty is important.
-Remember that college coaches are restricted by NCAA rules regarding phone calls and contacts off their institution’s campus. E-mail is the most efficient way to correspond until you have finished your junior year.
-Attend college games. Get a feel for the coaching style/intensity/team camaraderie.
-Tentatively plan “unofficial visits” to your top schools during the late spring and summer.
Freshman/Sophomores
-Get Organized: Get a file tote/box and make a hanging folder for each college you get interested in. Include all mailing material you receive from the school/coach/lacrosse program/camps offered (you will get a lot!)
-Stay on top of your schoolwork. NCAA eligibility standards keep getting tougher. The grades you earn now will determine admission to college, initial NCAA eligibility, and your future success.
-Start researching colleges. Consider what each level of college lacrosse entails (Division I, II, and III). Begin thinking about academics – what are your career goals, and what types of things might you study to achieve them? Talk to your parents, guidance counselors, teachers, coaches, siblings, and older teammates to get information.
-Attend lacrosse camps at the colleges (Penn State/UPenn) or college types (ie D1, 2-3 hours away, large schools) that you are interested in. Take notes after camp on what you liked and didn’t like about each camp (dorms, food, distance). Keep this information in your file.
-Play club lacrosse and attend the recruiting tournaments All Star Express and National Draw.
-Request academic and admissions information from college admissions offices.
-Begin researching colleges that have women’s lacrosse. Make a list of all the schools that meet your criteria (for example: Division III private schools in New York that offer physical education teacher certification as a major). The list should include 10-25 schools.
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