Getting recruited to play NCAA lacrosse comes down to combining strong stick skills and athleticism with good grades and proactive communication. Start by researching schools that fit you academically, athletically, socially and financially. Build a short highlight video with your best clips first, create a simple player profile, and email college coaches directly with your film, tournament schedule, grades and contact information. Attend camps, clinics and showcase tournaments where coaches can see you play, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you plan to play at Division I or II, and learn the current NCAA rules on when coaches may contact you. Consider every level, from Division I to Division III, NAIA and club programs, to find the best fit.
How college lacrosse recruiting works
College coaches evaluate players through film, tournaments, camps, high school games and recommendations from club and high school coaches. The NCAA sets rules on when coaches can contact recruits, make offers and host visits, and these rules differ by division and change over time. In recent years, the NCAA has restricted early recruiting contact in Division I lacrosse, so coaches generally cannot begin recruiting conversations with athletes until a set point in their high school career, typically in the junior year. Players and families can still email coaches, attend camps and share information before then. Always check the NCAA’s current recruiting calendar and rules for your sport and division.
What college coaches look for
| Area | What they look for |
|---|---|
| Stick skills | Clean catching and throwing with both hands at speed |
| Athleticism | Speed, agility, strength and conditioning |
| Lacrosse IQ | Off-ball movement, decision-making, understanding of systems |
| Position skills | Dodging and shooting, defending, face-offs or goaltending |
| Character | Coachability, work ethic, leadership and sportsmanship |
| Academics | Strong grades, core courses and test scores where required |
Researching programs
Start with a list of schools that interest you for reasons beyond lacrosse, such as academic programs, location, size, campus culture and cost. Then look at each lacrosse program’s level, recent results, roster and coaching staff. Ask yourself where you might realistically contribute. Consider Division I, Division II, Division III and NAIA schools, as well as club lacrosse at colleges without varsity teams. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships but may offer academic or need-based aid, and many provide excellent academic and athletic experiences. Building a balanced list increases your chances of finding the right fit.
Creating a highlight video
A highlight video is one of the most important recruiting tools. Keep it short, often a few minutes, and put your best clips first, since coaches may only watch the beginning. Identify yourself in each clip with an arrow or circle so coaches know which player to watch. Show plays that highlight your position skills, such as dodges and goals for attackers, ground balls and transition for midfielders, takeaways and clears for defenders, or saves and outlets for goalies. Include your name, graduation year, position, club and high school teams and contact information at the start. Update your video as you improve.
Contacting coaches
Email college coaches directly rather than waiting to be discovered. Send a short, personalized message that explains why you are interested in their school, includes your highlight video link, upcoming tournament schedule, grades and contact information, and mentions your club and high school coaches. Avoid mass emails that look generic. Follow up with updates, such as new film or tournament schedules. Remember that NCAA rules may limit when and how coaches can respond, especially before your junior year in Division I, so a lack of reply does not always mean a lack of interest.
Recruiting steps
- Research schools that fit academically, athletically, socially and financially.
- Keep your grades strong and take required core courses.
- Create a highlight video with your best clips first.
- Build a player profile with key information and references.
- Email coaches with film, schedule, grades and contact details.
- Attend camps, clinics and showcase tournaments where coaches recruit.
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you plan to play Division I or II.
- Learn current NCAA rules on contact, visits and offers.
- Visit campuses when possible to see the environment.
- Compare offers carefully, including academics and cost.
The role of academics
Academics matter a great deal in lacrosse recruiting. Strong grades open doors to more schools, make you eligible to compete and can lead to academic aid. The NCAA has academic eligibility requirements for Division I and II, including completing core courses. Coaches also value players who manage academics well, since it suggests they will handle the demands of college athletics. Keep your grades up throughout high school, not just during recruiting years.
Club lacrosse and showcases
Club teams and showcase tournaments are a major part of lacrosse recruiting, since they bring many college coaches to one place. Choose events carefully, focusing on those where coaches from your target schools are likely to attend. Club and high school coaches can also advocate for you by contacting college coaches. Be wary of expensive services that promise scholarships; research carefully and rely on trusted sources.
Understanding scholarships and financial aid
Many families assume lacrosse leads to full athletic scholarships, but the reality is more complex. Scholarship availability depends on the division, the school’s funding and NCAA rules, which have changed significantly in recent years, including changes to how rosters and athletic aid are structured at the Division I level. Many lacrosse players receive partial athletic aid, academic scholarships, need-based aid or a combination. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they often provide strong academic and financial aid packages. When comparing offers, look at the total cost of attendance after all aid, not just the athletic portion, and ask coaches and financial aid offices clear questions.
Making the final decision
Choosing a college is a big decision that goes beyond lacrosse. Consider whether you would be happy at the school if you could no longer play, due to injury or other reasons. Look at academic programs, campus life, location, team culture, coaching staff, playing time opportunities and cost. Talk with current players about their experience. Visit campuses when possible and trust your instincts about where you feel at home. The best fit is a school where you can grow as a student, athlete and person.
Timeline tips by grade
In the early high school years, focus on developing skills, keeping grades strong and playing at a competitive level. Begin researching schools and attending camps that interest you. By the middle of high school, create a highlight video, build your profile and start emailing coaches. As NCAA contact rules allow, respond to coaches, schedule visits and have conversations about fit and opportunities. Throughout the process, stay organized with a simple spreadsheet tracking schools, contacts and next steps.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to be discovered instead of reaching out.
- Long highlight videos with weak clips first.
- Generic mass emails to coaches.
- Ignoring academics.
- Only targeting top Division I programs.
- Not learning NCAA rules and deadlines.
- Choosing a school only for lacrosse.
Frequently asked questions
When does lacrosse recruiting start?
Many players begin preparing early in high school, but NCAA rules restrict when Division I coaches can begin recruiting contact, typically in the junior year. Check current rules for your division.
Do I need a highlight video for lacrosse recruiting?
Yes. A short video with your best clips first is one of the most effective ways to get a coach’s attention.
Do Division III schools offer lacrosse scholarships?
Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but many offer academic and need-based financial aid.
