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Recruiting |
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The recruiting process is just that…..a process. There are several important steps
to being recruited by college coaches. The most common questions asked by prospects
and parents usually involve “when” certain steps should occur. Listed below are
descriptions of several key steps in the recruiting process and the time frame in
which they should occur. |
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Research School |
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Prospects should research schools and their lacrosse programs prior to their junior
season. Develop a list of schools that you may be interested in attending. Some
valuable resources for quick information and links to all Division I, II, and III
lacrosse programs include www.lax.com and www.laxpower.com. For more extensive research,
visit www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/cohome.htm, click on advanced search, then
varsity sports. Extensive information on schools, lacrosse programs, academic requirements,
and scholarship can be found by using this tool. (February/March) |
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Letter of Introduction |
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Early in a prospect’s junior season, prospects should compose a personal letter
to introduce themselves to the coaching staffs at the schools they may be interested
in. In addition to the letter, take time to develop an athletic resume. Athletic
resumes should include vital athletic information, including all sports, honors
and statistics. Lastly, include a copy of your spring lacrosse schedule. Keep in
mind, college coaching staffs are in the midst of their own seasons, so response
may not be immediate. However, the letter of introduction will allow coaching staffs
the opportunity to start a file on the prospect. Personalize your letters to the
specific schools you are sending a letter to and do not be afraid to e-mail these
items. Ask coaches what summer camps they will be attending so that you can try
to attend a camp that will allow them to see you play. As a junior, coaches can
correspond with you via mail and e-mail or can watch you play. However, coaches
are unable to place recruiting calls or talk with you face to face. (Late March/April) |
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Camp Schedule |
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When you have settled your own schedule for summer leagues and summer camps, send
a follow-up letter and camp schedule to coaches. Your follow-up letter can update
coaching staffs on how you are doing or how you did in your junior season and the
camp schedule will let them know where and when they can see you over the summer.
In addition, a schedule of Possum events will be sent to college coaches this spring.
(Late spring) |
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Game Film |
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At some point during your junior season have your coaching staff or parents develop
a game film. For best results, tape several or all of your games. Since many coaches
may not be able to travel to see you play in person, quality game film becomes a
vital tool in the recruiting process. It is suggested that you send film of you
at your best against the best competition. Coaches may not be able to accurately
evaluate you if they perceive the level of competition as being very weak. Do not
send a highlight film. Coaches prefer a full game or extended portions of games
because they realize a highlight film does not allow accurate evaluations. You can
add a highlight section to a full game film for added exposure. Be prepared, most
coaches prefer to keep game film to view and review, so make copies as needed. Coaches
will probably not be looking for game film before August or September, so game film
from Team Carolina or other camps will be a viable option. (Spring/summer)
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NCAA Clearinghouse |
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As a prospective student-athlete at a Division I or II institution, you have certain
responsibilities to attend to before you may participate in athletics. The NCAA
Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse, located in Iowa City, Iowa, is the organization
that handles ALL inquiries regarding an individual's initial eligibility status.
The Clearinghouse operates a separate Web site at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net which
maintains and processes all of the initial-eligibility certifications. To register
for the NCAA Clearinghouse, fill out the online form at the Initial-Eligibility
Clearinghouse Web Site or call the NCAA publications hotline at 800/638-3731 and
ask for a free copy of the "Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete" which contains
the registration forms and a Clearinghouse brochure. This guide can also be viewed
online in our Student-Athlete Eligibility and Recruiting Section. (End of junior
year).
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Contact Period |
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A college coach may contact you in person off the college campus only on or after
July 1 after completion of your junior year.
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Unofficial Visits |
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An unofficial visit is when a prospect or prospects family visits a college campus
at their own expense. Prospects can take tours, undergo admissions interviews, and
even meet with the lacrosse coaching staff or team members. Unlimited unofficial
visits are permitted by the NCAA. (Spring of junior year, summer/fall of senior
year)
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Official Visits |
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An official campus visit can be arranged through coaching staffs. Prospects are
permitted five official visits total at DI and DII schools. An official visit occurs
when any or all of the following occur: A prospect’s transportation, meals, lodging
or entertainment is paid for by the coaching staff within the permitted limits.
Note that different programs handle an official visit differently. Not all programs
have the resources to pay for all of the items listed above, but that does not mean
a coach is not interested. Individual prospects may have to absorb some of the cost
of an official visit. For more detailed information on contacts, unofficial, and
official visits, visit www.ncaa.org. (Fall/winter of senior year)
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Application and Admission |
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Applying and gaining acceptance to schools are up to the individual prospects. Always
inform the coaching staff that you are applying or have applied to their school.
This allows coaches to identify you as a lacrosse prospect to their admissions department.
In addition, some lacrosse programs are allotted application fee waivers by their
admissions department. This waives the cost of applying for top recruits or desired
prospects that may be undecided on applying. Do not hesitate to inquire with a coach
about the availability of fee waivers. If a coach does not oblige, it may be that
his admissions department does not offer them or they restrict them. (Dates vary
from school to school)
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