by
posted 04/27/2020
SJS 2021s and 2022 players and parents,
SJS wants to continually provide you with updates during these uncertain times. The purpose of this email is to give you some insight into how college coaches are handling their recruiting during this “dead period” and what you can do to stay engaged with them prior to the lacrosse season opening back up.
Here are some thoughts after listening to a sampling of D1, D2 and D3 coaches and administrators during yesterday’s video conference. As well, the coaches I have spoken to over the last 6 weeks have provided some great advice.
Recruiting is very important but secondary to most coaches as they are still trying to adjust to this new normal. They are still tending to their team’s health and well-being. This is all new to them too. They may also have families that they are preoccupied with and they are attempting to navigate direction from their college administration.
All players in the 2021 and 2022 classes should actively reach out to the schools they are interested in and their respective women’s lacrosse coaching staffs. These coaches have more time now to watch plenty of film and to evaluate your ability. Send them videos of your play and if you do not have any, remember that all IWLCA sanctioned tournament (Champions and Presidents) games are filmed. Remember to list your number, name of team, position and time stamp the plays you may want them to see during games you specify. Include the Club coach and Director as well as your High School coach contact information.
Coaches want to learn about your off field personality. You may want to provide them with some creative video content of you physically working out or playing lacrosse, doing stick tricks, etc. Additionally, videos of you interacting with family during these times can be another creative way to express yourself.
Watch what you post on your social media! This can be a negative for coaches to hear foul language or see inappropriate behavior.
Watch film of college lax games and other sporting events to improve your lax IQ, decision making, spacial awareness, etc. Copying is the best form of flattery. See how the best players perform. Watch what makes them successful but know that repetition and hard work is the key.
September 1stis still the date for 2022s to be contacted. D2s can contact June 15thand D3s can contact anytime as they do not have the same rules. The only exceptions are the NESCAC Conference in New England and West Point and the Naval Academy may contact on July 1st.
Take virtual tours of colleges that you think you have interest in.
Decisions are being made later for everyone, coaches included. 2021s still have plenty of opportunities if you are willing to explore schools outside your initial list. There is less pressure to make an offer to a Prospective Student Athlete and less pressure and more time to commit. The timeline has widened for the better.
While it is true that current rostered players have been granted an additional year of eligibility, it is doubtful that any of the players will take advantage of this as most have employment or grad school and their current college or university cannot guarantee their scholarship.
Each school and conference is handling this time differently and it is based upon return to play protocol versus the budget and endowment of each school. Parents and players should ask a lot of questions.
No one has a handle on this situation and if they tell you they do, they are not being completely honest. Things are changing day by day. We will help you navigate this new recruiting cycle but rest assured, if you have the talent and want to play in college, you will.
Stay healthy,
Mr. Knobloch
