Carter Abbott Athletic Director and Head Coach, Pingry School Chair, Women’s Game Committee and Board of Directors, US Lacrosse Melissa Anderson Co-Director of College Counseling and Head Coach, Greenwich Academy Women’s Game Committee and Coaches’ Subcommittee, US Lacrosse Unintended Consequences: How the Recruiting Landscape Influences Our Players, from Youth to College
The Players: One foot in the present, one foot in the future * Specialization * Systematic exclusion on the basis of wealth * Emotional pressure and fallout * Kids ill-equipped to lead the process Current Recruiting Landscape
The Colleges: Unpredictability * Pressure on admissions offices * Uncertainty for coaches * Legal exposure for colleges Current Recruiting Landscape
Youth Sports: A Pre-Professional Experience * Earlier specialization, funneling of players (participation vs. excellence) * Higher time commitment * Less instruction, more showcasing Current Recruiting Landscape
Eliminate all coach-player communication before a player’s junior year Reduce the prevalence of recruiting events during the school year Proposed IWLCA Changes
The Players: Restored to the Present * Ease the financial burden on families * More efficient pairing of supply and demand * More time for raw athletes to emerge * More time to mature into college search; more leadership on the part of the student Future Landscape?
The Colleges: Stabilization * Early scouting may still occur * More transparency between admissions and athletics * Increased role of financial aid offices * Possible uneven effects by league and school? * Less legal exposure Future Landscape?
Youth Sports: Age-Appropriate Participation * Persistence of multi-sport athletes * Persistence of participation among young players in *any* sport * Redirection of energy and resources to youth leagues, local and scholastic play, instruction Future Landscape?