College Lacrosse Recruiting: A Suggested Timeline and Tips

Are you a high school lacrosse player with hopes of playing at the college level? It’s an exciting conclusion to come to, but it also brings plenty of uncertainty thanks to everything that goes into the lacrosse recruiting process.

The best way to equip yourself is to be armed with as much knowledge as possible. Know the important dates, rules, and regulations regarding your sport, and what college lacrosse coaches can and can’t do during certain times of the year. Most importantly, be in control of what you can control — with the biggest one being how you progress within lacrosse throughout your high school career.

The Lacrosse Recruiting Timeline

Freshman Year

Playing lax in the fall is a good idea, but if you play another sport, don’t drop it for lacrosse unless you really want to. Once winter rolls around, look for any winter leagues or clinics available to you. This is also a good time to visit a couple of local schools to start getting a feel for what you like, while being honest with yourself about which division of college lacrosse is the best fit — athletically, academically, financially, and socially. The spring should be focused on having a good season with your school team, while also planning on attending a summer camp to help you continue progressing.

Sophomore Year

As you continue honing in on the types of schools and college lacrosse programs you’d like to play for, start to make a college list so they’re all in one spot. Along with playing in a winter league or camp, start reaching out to coaches via email or filling out prospective student-athlete questionnaires at the colleges you like most. Check out a few college lax games at schools you really like while continuing to modify and finalize your college list. The summer after sophomore year is a great time to start making trips to a few of these schools.

Junior Year

This is finally the time when the NCAA allows college coaches to initiate contact with you. For anyone who does, respond quickly and keep the tone conversational but professional. It’s important to keep coaches of your top schools — which should be closer to a list of 10 by now — in the loop on what you’re doing, including any ACT or SAT tests, fall tournaments, or anything else relevant to your upcoming spring season.

Once July hits, you need to be registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse, send your updated transcript and test scores to coaches, get a lacrosse highlight video together, and play in tournaments and camps where college coaches will be in attendance.

Senior Year

College coaches will reach out about official visits if they’d like you to come to campus. Whether you do official or unofficial visits, this is a great opportunity to compare and contrast schools while submitting applications. If you don’t commit earlier in the fall, continue to stay in touch with coaches at programs where you think you’d be a great fit. Don’t forget to keep your grades up and prepare for the spring season. Once you officially commit by May 1st, it’ll be time to get ready for college!

What College Coaches Look For by Position

A well-rounded lacrosse player should have some experience playing multiple positions, but coaches at the college level look for specific skills when recruiting.

Goalie: College coaches look for goalies with on-field communication and leadership skills who also make big saves and possess an accurate clearing game. Most recruiters want to see that you participated in high school lacrosse for three or more years as a starter or major contributor.

Attacker: For attackers, coaches look for confidence, leadership, an understanding of the game, direction changeability, and field vision. If you show room for improvement, high school and club experience, and a passion for the sport, you’ll improve your chances of finding a place at the college level.

Midfielder: If you’re an expert at face-offs, transitions, and two-way play, tier 1 recruiters will come looking for you. You need to have good ball control and scoring potential, and have honed your defense and face-off skills. Coaches will often overlook physical guidelines when a potential player shows skill and confidence.

Defense: Competing for a spot at a tier 1 school requires excellent on-ball and technical skills and a threat in the clearing game. You’ll need to be a reliable ground-ball player with effective 1-on-1 moves and the ability to actively communicate with your teammates during play.

Tips to Help Get You Recruited

Play in Summer Leagues

Playing on club lacrosse teams in summer tournaments outside of your high school schedule is a great way to get on the radars of college coaches. It’s common to see college coaches attend these tournaments, which also gives you a chance to meet and chat with them after a game. If things fall right, it could end up being a coach from a school you’ve had your eye on — or one you hadn’t considered yet.

Make a Highlight Video

Think of this as a visual resume. Coaches need to see proof of your skill level — just like no employer would hire based on an interview alone. Start with your most impressive plays, keep it to 3–5 minutes, include your name, position, graduation year, and contact info, and showcase a range of skills relevant to your position. Get feedback from a coach or trusted advisor before finalizing it.

Consider All Aspects of a College Search

While playing lacrosse may be the main driver in the college process, don’t forget about all the other aspects of a school that matter — location, price, social scene, and whether they have the major you’re interested in. Playing lacrosse in college at any level is an incredible achievement, but it shouldn’t ever become a burden on top of your education.

Ready to take your lax game to the next level this summer? Find a GameBreaker Lacrosse Camp near you and register today!