When most people think about college lacrosse, they picture ESPN highlights from the Final Four or powerhouse Division 1 schools like Duke, Maryland, or Syracuse. And while that’s awesome, here’s the reality: the vast majority of college lacrosse players aren’t playing Division 1.
There are hundreds of programs across Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and MCLA (club lacrosse) that offer great opportunities to keep playing while getting a quality education. If you’re serious about continuing your lacrosse career, here’s how to get recruited—no matter your level.
1. Be Honest About Your Goals
Not everyone is built for Division 1 lacrosse, and that’s okay. In fact, Division 2 and 3 programs are filled with players who chose balance over burnout.
Ask yourself:
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Do I want lacrosse to be the centerpiece of my college experience, or just part of it?
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How much time am I realistically willing to commit to practices, weightlifting, travel, and film study?
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Do I want the flexibility to study abroad, join clubs, or even pursue internships during season?
Division 3 schools tend to emphasize academics while still offering strong competition. Division 2 can provide athletic scholarships while balancing competitive play. And NAIA or MCLA (club) teams give players the chance to keep competing without the same demands of varsity schedules. The key is figuring out what’s most important to you—not just chasing a label.
2. Make a Highlight Reel
Coaches don’t have time to watch full game film. They want short, sharp highlights that show your lacrosse IQ, athleticism, and ability to make plays. Here’s what makes a great reel:
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Length: Keep it under 4 minutes (2–3 minutes is even better).
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Order: Put your best plays first—don’t make a coach wait until minute 3 to see your talent.
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Clarity: Use an arrow, circle, or spotlight so coaches can identify you instantly.
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Variety: Show different skills—dodging, passing, shooting, defense, ground balls, rides, clears. Coaches want to see a complete player, not just one highlight repeated.
If you don’t know how to edit film, there are services that can help, but even basic editing software or apps can get the job done. Check out our post about making a highlight reel that get's a coach's attention.
3. Reach Out to Coaches (Don’t Wait for Them)
Unless you’re a top recruit, coaches won’t magically appear in your inbox. You need to take initiative.
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Email directly: Introduce yourself with your highlight reel, position, GPA, test scores (if required), and upcoming tournament schedule.
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Be personal: Reference something specific about their program (recent success, coaching style, academic major offered). Coaches get hundreds of generic emails—make yours stand out.
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Stay professional: Use proper grammar, write a clear subject line like (“2026 Attackman – Highlight Reel – Interested in [School Name]”), and follow up politely a few weeks later if you don’t hear back.
Remember, coaches recruit players who not only have skills but also maturity and responsibility. The way you communicate is part of your “resume.” Keep it professional.
4. Go to the Right Showcases and Camps
You don't have to play in an expensive national showcase. Instead:
- Pick events where your target schools will be: Look at the college coach lists for each camp or showcase before you sign up. Or reach out to your target college coaches and ask what showcases and tournaments they plan to attend.
- Consider prospect days: These are one-day events run by a specific college program. If you’re really interested in that school, it’s one of the best ways to get seen directly by their staff.
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Be realistic: If you’re aiming for Division 3 schools, you don’t need to spend every weekend flying across the country to national tournaments. Sometimes, regional events are the best place to connect with the right fit.
Tip: Keep a calendar and be strategic. Two well-chosen showcases are often better than five random ones.
5. Keep Your Grades Up
Coaches care about what you can do on the field, but admissions departments care about what you do in the classroom.
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A strong GPA makes you a safer bet for coaches—they don’t have to worry about whether you’ll get admitted.
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For Division 3 schools (which don’t give athletic scholarships), academic scholarships can often stack up to make a big difference in affordability.
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Good grades also show discipline and responsibility, qualities coaches look for in their athletes.
Think of it this way: lacrosse may get you noticed, but your academics might be what gets you accepted.
6. Remember the Bigger Picture
Lacrosse is amazing, but it’s not forever. When choosing a college:
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Make sure it’s a place you’d be happy even if lacrosse wasn’t in the picture.
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Ask current players about team culture, academic balance, and post-grad opportunities.
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Think long-term: Will the school set you up for life after lacrosse—whether that’s grad school, a career, or networking opportunities?
The best college fit is one that challenges you on the field and prepares you for the next stage of life.
Final Thought
Getting recruited isn’t about chasing the biggest name. It’s about finding the right fit—on the field, in the classroom, and in life. If you’re willing to put in the work, stay realistic, and advocate for yourself, there’s a college lacrosse opportunity out there for you.
Also check out:
Making a lacrosse highlight reel that gets a coach's attention