New to this...what are college coaches looking for??

[cwa1104sab]

This is all new to me. My son is entering his junior year of HS lacrosse and I've gotten a call from 1 Div.III coach wanting to talk. My question is, what are coaches looking for?? I mean should I just send out tapes unsolicited or should I wait for a call?? He would like to play Div.II. I do not care where he plays he's going to school for an education. I would think coaches want the kids to want to be there because if they go for lax but hate the school wouldn't they leave? So many questions in my head. So.....anyone, coaches especially, any thoughts?? Also do the better college programs, Dowling, Cortland, Mercyhurst, etc. think that if the kids are good enough they will find them or do the colleges go find kids?? Any help would be great, thanks

Sab

[egrlax10]

first off, if your son wants to play at a certain school, regardless of which school it is, you need to initiate contact with them. they are most likely not going to find him unless he plays in the same city or area as them. as for sending tapes, you should first e-mail the coach and then send a tape. and make sure that its not a highlight tape or anything fancy, just send an unedited game tape. for anything else, just look around the different threads in the recruiting forum, there are tons of threads in here a lot like this and those could definitely help you. good luck to your son with his recruiting.

[chattlax2]

i have a question for you cwa.. do you know how the DIII coach got your number, do you think he contacted your kid's coach or what? thanks!

[mass_elite21]

and I've gotten a call from 1 Div.III coach wanting to talk.

Sab
Mistake number one. Let your son research schools and decide what coaches he wishes to contact. You can help him stay organized and check over his e-mails before he sends them, but don't be overbearing. As for contacting coaches, have your son write a letter or send an e-mail to every school he is listed in. Unless he is one of the top 50 or so players in the country, do not be expecting calls from many schools. The fact is, lacrosse is growing so much that coaches do not have to do to much initial contacting, because there are plenty of athletes dying to play for them. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

[cwa1104sab]

Thanks for the replys and ideas. I think the coach got my sons name etc. from where he used to coach. He is new to this college and when he left a message he said when he moved he misplaced it. My brothers that played in college have coached my son as well as been uncles. When my brothers played in college some of their friends now coach on the college level. Unfortunately for me my son doesn't think he wants to go to their schools. He's still in the mindset that he's picking a school for lacrosse-not education. Big mistake I know but he thinks he knows more than me. That is why the vagueness of my questions