How to Get Recruited for College Lacrosse
You eat, sleep, and breathe lacrosse. Now, it's time to tackle the college recruiting process with the same intensity. The opportunities have never been bigger, but securing a scholarship or even a spot on a roster requires strategic planning and focus.
The Scholarship Landscape
For some top programs, there's more money available than ever before, with some schools taking what used to be partial scholarships and turning them into full rides, or something close.
Division & Examples of Schools to consider | Athletic Scholarship Max & Reality | Strategy for Aid |
NCAA D1: UNC, University of Virginia, Duke, University of Florida, University of California, College of William & Mary, Vanderbilt, Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland | Full scholarships for up to 48 (Men) and 38 (Women) - widely vary by program. | Larger aid packages are found at big public schools, "Power-5s", and strong private programs |
NCAA D2: Bentley, Rollins, Grand Valley State, Regis, Le Moyne, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Assumption, Florida Southern, Molloy, Lewis | A maximum of 10.8 (Men) and 9.9 (Women), usually split into partial aid. | School budget, athlete skill level, and recruitment timing all impact scholarship availability/amount |
NAIA: Keiser, Benedictine, SCAD Savannah, Reinhardt, Cumberlands, Lawrence Tech, Missouri Baptist, Indiana Tech, Marian, Ave Maria, Georgetown | 12 (Men) and 12 (Women), with the total scholarship budget divided however the coach chooses | Focus on competitive Combined Athletic+Academic Packages |
NCAA D3: Amherst, Middlebury, Tufts, Williams, MIT, Washington & Lee, Wesleyan, Colby, University of Chicago, Bowdoin | No athletic aid offered | No athletic aid, but these schools often have robust financial aid and academic merit programs that can be highly competitive. |
1. The Draw: D1 Contact and Communication Rules
The official NCAA/NAIA contact rules establish the timeline for when a coach can initiate communication with you, but they vary by division, so make sure you know the rules for the schools you're interested in.
Action Type | Official NCAA Contact Start Date | Your Action |
D1 Men's & Women's Calls/Offers | September 1st of Junior Year (verbal offers, emails, calls, texts, and recruiting letters) | Your professional profile, film, and academic history must be sharp and ready before this date |
D2 Men's & Women's Calls/Offers | June 15 after an athlete's sophomore year (off-campus contact, official visits); Anytime (phone calls, unofficial visits) | Start building your highlight reel of game and skills footage early |
NAIA Men's & Women's Calls/Offers | Any time during high school | Ensure you are a good athletic, academic, and social fit for the target schools |
D3 Men's & Women's Calls/Offers | January 1st of Junior Year (official visits); After an athlete's sophomore year (Off-campus contact); Anytime (phone calls, unofficial visits) | Ensure you are a good athletic, academic, and social fit for the target schools |
Coach's Corner ⚡: There are quiet periods during which D1 college coaches may only speak with prospective student-athletes in person on campus, and dead periods when in-person contact with recruits and/or their parents is prohibited. The dates vary, so ask your prospective school about this.
Your 4-Part Email Communication Plan
No matter what level of play you're targeting, you can begin communicating with coaches and programs at any time. Sending an email to a coach with a link to your NCSA profile gives them the information they need and puts your online profile and highlight film directly in front of them. To ensure your outreach strategy is as relentless and specific as a full-field press, follow this four-part plan:
The Custom Hook: Start with a specific note about the program that shows your interest and that you’ve done your research—highlight a tactical element of their play or a recent win. Explain your why—why that school specifically?
The Proof (Must-Haves): Include your position, height/weight, key stats, a direct link to your highlight reel (uploaded to your NCSA profile), and your latest academic profile (GPA/scores).
The Schedule: List your next three major tournaments, showcase dates, or school matches (School/Club Name, Location, Field Number, Game Times) where they can see you play in person.
The Follow-Up Cadence: Send a professional note every two weeks (Junior/Senior year) or 4–6 weeks (Freshman/Sophomore) with new film or game updates. Never ghost a coach.
Coach's Corner ⚡: Every email must prove you've done your homework, so if you're using a template to get started, ensure it is personalized and tells your story.
2. Game Plan: The Year-by-Year Recruiting Timeline
Year | Primary Focus & Goal | Actionable Checklist |
Freshman | Foundation & Research | Commit to a high GPA. Research the roster, stats, and coach of 25-50 target schools. Start filming in-game content, and create your online recruiting profile. |
Sophomore | Showcase & Profile Building | Attend elite showcases. Send intro emails to coaches to start the buzz and make unofficial visits. |
Junior | Evaluation & Commitment | September 1st: Be ready to answer calls and receive offers. Narrow your list to 5-10 top targets. Finalize your film reel with contextual clips. |
Senior | Final Decision | Complete official visits, compare all financial and athletic offers, determine if the school will be a good fit, and sign official offers of financial aid. |
Pro Tip: Social Handles Matter
Use your real name, list your position and graduation year prominently in your bio, and pin your best highlight video front and center. Be careful about who you follow, what you like and what you post.
3. The Clearing Pass: Next-Level Film Strategy
Your highlight reel must show your Lacrosse IQ under pressure, not just isolated shooting drills.
Game Context is King: The film must show transitions and full-game scenarios.
Film Quality: Steer clear of slow-motion clips or wild transitions. Use clean, clear game footage, spot-shadowing your jersey when possible for clarity.
The Position Lens:
Attackers: Show off-ball movement, quick hands in traffic, and finishing ability.
Midfielders: Display speed in the transition game and your ability to execute a clearing pass under pressure.
Defense/Goalies: Emphasize communication, successful stick checks, and smart, quick decisions with the ball after a save or turnover. Coaches scout for versatile athletes who bring energy to the field.
4. The Face-Off: Camps & Showcases Strategy
Lacrosse camps are critical to the recruiting process and an essential investment for serious athletes looking to compete at the next level. While film gets you noticed, live play is where you prove you can win the face-off against top competition.
Know Your Camp Types
Instructional: Focus on skill development and drills. Ideal for refining fundamentals with college-level instruction.
Recruiting & Showcases: Designed for exposure. These often "roll the balls out," allowing evaluators to watch you compete against top peers in game situations.
Prospect: Hosted by specific colleges. These offer direct exposure to the staff and help determine if a program is the right fit.
Selection by Timeline
Freshmen: Focus on Instructional Camps like those at IMG Academy to build a strong foundation without recruiting pressure.
Sophomores & Juniors: Prioritize Recruiting Camps and Showcases. Coaches are actively evaluating talent and building relationships during this window.
Seniors: Attend Prospect Camps to connect with coaches looking to fill final roster spots.
Coach's Corner ⚡: Don't overlook tournaments. They are a high-value option for players serious about the next level because college coaches can scout more athletes in a single location than at isolated events.
5. Parent & Coach Corner (The Support Strategy)
Parents and coaches are essential in helping student-athletes manage the logistics and emotional landscape of recruiting.
Coach's Corner ⚡: Hustle and attitude matter as much as stats, so respond fast, and never ghost a coach. Show up, hustle, and stand out on the field and off with winning character.
Parent Assist: Let the athlete take the lead when contacting coaches to demonstrate accountability and maturity. Encourage a focus on academics and provide guidance and support to help the athlete determine a school's "fit".
The Five Pillars of College Fit
Helping your student-athlete find the right college involves balancing dreams on the field with needs in the classroom and beyond. Focusing on these pillars helps narrow down the best options for their future:
Academics: Ensure the school has their major and a supportive learning environment.
Athletics: Match their skill level (D1, D2, D3, NAIA) with the right coaching style and team fit.
Finances: Look past the sticker price; combine athletic, academic, and merit aid.
Social & Culture: Assess the location and student body to ensure a sense of belonging.
Career & Future: Prioritize graduation rates and job placement in their chosen field.
How NCSA Can Help
NCSA College Recruiting provides tools and experts to simplify the process for families:
Data Matching: NCSA's Match Tool suggests schools based on athletic and academic profiles.
Coach Exposure: A network of over 40,000 coaches allows direct communication and profile sharing.
Expert Guidance: Former college coaches and athletes offer personalized assessments, clarify rules, help with responding to coaches and next steps, and set realistic expectations.
Win Your Recruitment: Take the Next Step
Securing a college lacrosse scholarship requires strategic planning and focus, just like playing the game itself. By understanding the scholarship landscape, adhering to the communication timelines, and building a professional online profile, your student-athlete can navigate the process effectively.
Don't wait for coaches to find you—take control of your future today.
Create Your Free NCSA Recruiting Profile to gain exposure to college coaches
Share this guide with your teammates and parents to help them navigate the trail.
Explore more lacrosse recruiting and development resources on the NCSA website to stay ahead of the competition.
Questions Every Recruit Asks
How many lacrosse scholarships are available?
NCAA D1 men's and women's lacrosse programs can offer full-ride scholarships to every player on their rosters (48 for men, 38 players for women). Still, not every school is fully funded, meaning not all D1 programs will offer full scholarships to every player. NCAA D2 and NAIA schools' scholarships vary in size and number, depending on each school's budget. NCAA D3 schools do not offer athletic aid, but can help athletes with competitive financial-aid packages that reduce tuition costs.
When can lacrosse coaches contact recruits?
For NCAA D1, coaches can initiate contact on September 1st of your Junior year. D2 begins June 15th after Sophomore year, while D3 and NAIA have more flexible timelines. Regardless of rules, you can send coaches your film and profile at any time to begin building a relationship.
What should I include in my lacrosse highlight reel?
Focus on 3–5 minutes of game context that proves your Lacrosse IQ. Coaches want to see off-ball movement, transition play, and decision-making under pressure. Put your best clips in the first 30 seconds, and use a spot shadow to make yourself clearly identifiable.
Will a high GPA help with athletic recruiting?
Yes. A strong GPA makes you a "safe bet" for admissions and opens the door for academic merit aid. Combining academic and athletic money is the most effective way to reduce your total cost of attendance.
How do I determine the right "college fit"?
Evaluate five pillars: Academics (majors), Athletics (level of play), Finances (net price), Social (campus vibe), and Career (job placement). Use the NCSA Match Tool to filter schools based on these specific needs.
