1. College Recruiting Recruiting for West Coast Lacrosse players

2. Marketing and Early Identification Our Goal is to get college coaches to look at and recruit your son.

3. Sports Resume One page in length. Include players name, school, graduating year, height and wt. Include GPA if it is over 3.2 Include 40 yd dash time or mile time if it’s a selling point Include extra curricular activities, honors, awards, camps and tournaments Stats or Employment can be added if you are short on material. Picture is optional

4. Identify several Schools Make a list of 10-20 schools your son/daughter may have interest in. Be realistic. Include reaches, probable's, and sure things. Go to www.ncaa.org to find out which schools have lacrosse teams. For club programs, visit the schools website and look under activities.

5. Be Realistic There are 2430 high schools with Varsity, JV, and Freshman Teams There are 224 D1,D2, and D3 programs with 45 on the roster. Top 10% nationally will play NCAA lacrosse. Club lacrosse is on the rise and the level of play has increased dramatically.

6. Start writing letters Show the coach you have interest in their program. Personalize each letter. Include your Player resume with this first letter. Game film may be sent, but please have someone view the film before sending to a coach.

7. Off season camps and tournaments This is where a West Coast kid is most likely going to get the most exposure. Play Club lacrosse in the off season. Write to coaches and let them know where you will be playing. Go to a least one school sponsored camp where you are interested in applying. Follow up with the coach after camp.

8. Questions college coaches may ask your high school coach What are his test score? How are his grades? Would you want him on your team? Are there any character issues? How does he play in big games? What are his weaknesses?

9. Helpful websites www.ncaa.org. Information on eligibility, recruiting, leagues, and divisions.www.ncaa.org www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. For registering for eligibility.www.ncaaclearinghouse.net www.collegeboard.com. For general college information and SAT information.www.collegeboard.com

10. Becoming a Prospect and evaluation You may begin receiving “recruiting” materials beginning Sept 1 st of Junior Year. Military Academies can begin sending materials earlier. Official recruiting can not take place until July 1 st after your junior year. D3 has its own individual restrictions on recruiting. Each school may have different restrictions. There is a difference between being a prospect and being a recruit.

11. Evaluation Period. Athletics, Academics, and Character all count Questionnaire: Fill out all questionnaires and attach a personal letter to let the coach know of your interest. Also attach your personal profile. Transcripts: Have copies available to send coaches if asked. Contact: You can call coaches, but they may not return your call due to recruiting restrictions. Email may be the best route.

12. Player Evaluation: Let the coach know where he can see you play. Advise him of all camps and tournaments you will be in. Video tape as many games as possible Coaches will contact your High school and club coaches, find out your weaknesses so you can continue to improve. CHARACTER COUNTS!! Conduct yourself as if someone is always watching. Lacrosse is a small community.

13. Junior Year SAT and ACT Scores: make sure to take the SAT’s at some point during junior year. ACT’s are also an option. Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse: In order to play D1 or D2, you must be registered. www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Evaluation is a two way street: you should research the college, ask the coach questions, talk with current and former team members.

14. Getting Organized Keep a large notebook and label the dividers by school. Keep a copy of all letters you send and receive. Maintain a communication log. What did each coach tell you. Maintain two lists: One with info you received and what the next step should be. The other list should include school info- coaches name, school size, avg GPA and SAT’s, location, pros and cons.

16. Recruiting. When is it official? You can not be officially recruited until July 1 st after your junior year. A college coach will call you at least two times. You will be invited on an official visit. You will be contacted by college recruiter in person. To be an official recruit, these are the things that will be happening.

17. Scholarships Most D1 schools have 10-12.6 full scholarships. Some have less. A typical lacrosse team has 45 players. 12.6/45= a quarter or less per person. However, scholarships are not evenly distributed, with the better players getting more money. There are other financial assistance programs out there. IVY League schools do not offer scholarships. Military academies pay for school for a 4-5 year commitment after school. D2 can offer scholarships. D3 does not offer athletic scholarships, but can help find academic scholarships.

18. College Visits You are allowed as many unofficial visits as you would like. Meaning, its on your dime. If invited, you are allowed one “official” visit to 5 different colleges. This is on their dime. Use your official visit to get a vibe of the school as well as a feel for the kids on the team. Conduct yourself in a reasonable manner on the visits. Coaches are not looking for the “cool” kid.

19. Questions to ask the Coach How high of priority am I and how do I stack up against the other kids being recruited. What position will I play? What expectations do you have for training and conditioning? What times do you run practices, how often and how much time? Do they provide academic support for the lacrosse players? How many kids are you bringing in this year for my position? When do you see me getting on the field? As a freshman? A senior? How serious is the program about making the NCAA playoffs? What kind of offense and defense do you run? How would you describe your coaching style? What is a typical day like for a student athlete? What are the residence halls like?

20. The offer Consider all pros and cons for each school. Choose a school and not a coach. Prioritize your list of schools. Communicate honestly with coaches when they should expect your decision. Information on the National Letter of Intent: www.national-letter.org.www.national-letter.org

21. Other considerations How long does your scholarship last? What happens to your financial aid if you are injured? Exactly how much will the financial aid be and what will and will not be covered? Under what circumstances might my athletic scholarship be reduced or cancelled?