By: Katie Murphy
When you picture yourself playing college lacrosse, you probably think of big-name programs – those that pack stadiums, play for titles, and often appear on TV.
But here’s a secret many high school players don’t know: smaller colleges can offer big opportunities. Factor them into your thinking, and explore ALL of your options.
Don’t Overlook Small, Private Colleges
Across the country, many small private colleges {insert link to the other small college article here} have added women’s lacrosse programs or are putting more energy into building competitive teams. That’s not random. Lacrosse can be a smart move for these schools.
Even better, it can create real opportunities for high school girls who want to continue playing the sport competitively in college.
So why are smaller colleges investing in women’s lacrosse? And what does that mean for you as a recruit?
Lacrosse Helps Schools Attract Students
Many small private colleges depend heavily on tuition revenue. Unlike large public universities, they don’t receive government funding. That means they need to attract students who are a good fit academically, socially, and financially.
Women’s lacrosse can help them do that.
A college lacrosse roster may include 25, 30, or even more student-athletes. For a small school, that can make a meaningful difference in their enrollment numbers. Even when a school offers some scholarship money or financial aid, the tuition revenue generated by a full roster can outweigh the cost of running the program.
What this means for you: Smaller colleges often need players. That doesn’t mean they’ll take anyone, but it does mean there may be more opportunities than you’ll find at big-name programs with hundreds of recruits chasing a handful of prestigious roster spots.
Lacrosse Players Are Often Strong Students
Lacrosse has traditionally been popular in academically competitive areas, especially in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Many players come from high schools where college preparation is a priority.
Those types of students appeal to smaller colleges, especially liberal arts schools that are looking for students who can succeed in the classroom as well as on the field.
What this means for you: Your grades matter. At many smaller colleges, strong academics can make you more attractive to coaches and admissions offices. You may also qualify for academic scholarships, which means lacrosse coaches can bring you into their program without using their limited athletic scholarship money. That gives coaches more flexibility as they build a full recruiting team.
Women’s Lacrosse Supports Title IX Goals
Title IX requires colleges to provide equitable athletic opportunities for men and women. Adding a women’s sport like lacrosse can help schools create more balance in their athletic departments.
For colleges that already have several men’s teams, women’s lacrosse can be an effective way to expand opportunities for female athletes.
What this means for you: The growth of women’s lacrosse means new teams are emerging each year. Those teams need to fill a full roster, which means more chances for you to find a college where you can play, contribute, and feel valued.
Lacrosse Fits the Division III Model
Many smaller private colleges compete at the Division III level. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they do offer competitive athletics within a strong academic environment.
For many student-athletes, that’s a great fit.
You can play serious lacrosse without the pressure of a Division I schedule. You can pursue a challenging major, join a sorority or extracurricular clubs, study abroad for a semester, build relationships with professors, and enjoy a more balanced college experience.
What this means for you: Don’t assume Division III means “less than.” For many players, it’s an opportunity to keep playing the sport they love while also getting an excellent, well-rounded education.
Student-Athletes Help Build Campus Life
Small colleges care about campus engagement. They want students who will be active, involved, and invested in the school community.
Student-athletes often check those boxes. They show up for practices and games. They support other teams. They become leaders in clubs, classrooms, and residence halls. And after graduation, they often stay connected as alumni.
What this means for you: Coaches at smaller schools may be looking for more than just stats. They want players who will be good teammates, positive campus citizens, and strong representatives of the college.
Lacrosse Gives Small Colleges Marketing Power
A women’s lacrosse program helps a college tell a stronger story.
It shows prospective students that the campus is active. It gives families another reason to visit and feel a connection to the school. And it helps attract students who want both strong academics and athletic opportunity.
For a smaller college trying to stand out, lacrosse can become an important part of its identity.
What this means for you: If a school is investing in lacrosse, it wants its program to grow. That can be a great situation for recruits who want to play for a well-supported team, especially one that gives them the chance to make an early impact.
So, Should You Consider Smaller Colleges?
Absolutely.
Smaller colleges may not always have the name recognition of large universities, but they can offer something incredibly valuable: opportunity.
You may find a…
- Coach who is genuinely interested in helping you develop as a player.
- Roster where you can get meaningful playing time.
- School that values your academic strengths.
- A campus community where you’re known by name.
- A college experience that supports your athletic, academic, and personal growth.
Keep an open mind about smaller schools.
As you build your recruiting list, don’t focus only on schools you’ve heard of or programs your teammates are talking about. Look at smaller private colleges, liberal arts schools and Division III programs. Research their academics. Watch their games. Email their coaches. Visit their campuses. See if you feel like you’d fit in.
You may discover that a smaller college offers exactly what you’re looking for: a chance to play college lacrosse, get a strong education that makes you highly employable and be part of a community where you can thrive.
Good Things Can Come in Small Packages
Smaller colleges aren’t adding women’s lacrosse by accident. They’re doing it because the sport brings value to their campuses and student body.
And for you, the recruit, that can mean more opportunities, a range of options and a better chance of finding the right college fit.
Want to know more about finding the right college for your lacrosse dreams? Check out our book, Committed: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Recruited for Women’s College Lacrosse.