If you think getting recruited for college lacrosse is just about scoring goals or making highlight reels, think again.
As a former Division I player and collegiate coach, I can tell you this: coaches aren’t just evaluating your stats; they’re evaluating you. Every movement, decision, and reaction on the field tells a story about the kind of player (and teammate) you’ll be at the next level.
At a lacrosse tournament or showcase, college coaches look at dozens of athletes in a single day. The ones who stand out aren’t just skilled—they’re complete players.
Strong Fundamentals Are Expected
At the college level, basic skills are expected. That means clean passes. Confident catches with either hand. Smart ball control under pressure. These are the baseline. If you’re still working on those during recruiting season, you’re already behind.
What catches a coach’s eye is what happens next.
Can you make quick decisions when the game speeds up? Do you see plays develop before they happen? Are you making an impact even when the ball isn’t in your stick?
That’s the difference between a good player and a recruit.
Lacrosse IQ Is Your Secret Weapon
Some athletes rely on speed. Others rely on strength. The players who get recruited consistently rely on awareness.
Coaches are seeking answers to these questions:
- Does she understand the system?
- Is she in the right position without being told?
- Can she anticipate what’s coming next?
You don’t need to be the fastest player on the field if you’re the smartest. In fact, players with high lacrosse IQ often control the game in ways that don’t always show up on a stat sheet. But they absolutely are part of a coach’s evaluation.
How You Carry Yourself Matters More Than You Think
Talent might get a coach to notice you. Your attitude determines whether they keep watching.
When I’m recruiting, I look for players who bring energy, composure, and the ability to respond well to adversity. Because here’s the reality: college lacrosse is demanding. Mistakes happen. Games get physical. Momentum shifts.
When that happens, do you shut down or step up?
Body language, effort between plays, how you respond to a bad call or turnover—these moments matter. They reflect your attitude and maturity, qualities that college coaches value.
Leadership Isn’t Always Loud
Not every leader is the one shouting on the field.
Some of the most valuable players I’ve coached lead through consistency, accountability, and presence. They show up prepared. They handle pressure without drama.
They support teammates and seek opportunities to include them in plays. (Nobody likes a ball hog.) That kind of leadership builds trust and a strong team.
Work Ethic Is the Ultimate Separator
Every recruit is talented. That’s not the differentiator.
The players who rise to the top are the ones doing more than what’s required. Extra reps. Full effort during practices, not just games. Off-season training. Attention to detail when no one is watching. And a can-do attitude.
Coaches don’t just recruit who you are today; they recruit who you’re becoming.They expect you to be coachable, ready to listen, grow, and apply what you learn.
If you show a pattern of discipline and improvement, you become a much better investment.
Yes, Your Academics Matter
This is the part many athletes underestimate.
Even if a coach loves your game, they can’t always recruit you if you don’t meet the school’s academic standards. Strong grades open doors. They give you more options and more leverage. They may even help you qualify for academic scholarships, which means a coach may not have to spend some of their limited athletic money to recruit you.
Be A Star
A star has multiple points. In recruiting terms, that means you can’t succeed if you’re one-dimensional. Good lacrosse skills are just one point. And that’s not enough. If you want to stand out in the recruiting process, you must bring additional qualities to the table.
Start focusing on being the complete package. Because when a coach evaluates you, they’re not just asking, “Can she play?” They’re asking, “Can she elevate our program?”
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