Player Recruitment

Student-athletes should:

• Research/build a list of prospective schools and send introduction letters to those coaches starting Freshman year. NCAA recruiting rules prohibit coaches from responding to student-athletes before September 1 of their Junior year, BUT this is a great first step for a student-athlete to express interest and get on a coach’s radar.   
• Prepare for the official recruiting process by filming highlight tapes, scheduling unofficial college visits, playing for a club lacrosse team and getting coach shows, filling out questionnaires. and continuing to research schools/build relationships with coaches. 
• When the time comes for college coaches to begin reaching out, the student-athlete will have already built out their recruiting profile and can focus on relationship building and timely communication with coaches.

Student-athletes cannot solely rely on camps, tournaments and high school games to get discovered by college coaches. While these are great opportunities for exposure, in order to get discovered by a college coach, students should start by initiating the conversation with an introductory email. 

What should be in that first letter? 

• Attention-grabbing subject line that will stand out from other prospect emails. Consider adding numbers and/or stats, such as graduation year.
• Start email with a statement on why the student-athlete is interested in this particular program and/or something about the team that interests them. 
• Shift the focus to the student-athlete and what makes them a good fit for the program.
• General information: Name, graduation year, high school and club name
• Academics: GPA, test scores
• Athletics: sport specific stats and relevant measurables
• Contact information: phone number and email, as well as your club and high school coach contact info 

The goal of this letter is to kickstart the student-athlete and coach relationship, therefore end with clear next steps. Mention a specific time the student-athlete plans to call the coach or invite them to a tournament/game where coaches can evaluate the athlete’s skills.

College coaches seek well-rounded athletes, not one-dimensional players. A strong lacrosse highlight video should showcase versatility, lacrosse IQ, and athleticism in under four minutes.

To capture a coach’s attention, include 20-30 standout plays demonstrating a range of skills against high-level competition at tournaments, showcases, and prospect days. Game footage is key—when done right, skill drills aren't needed, as true ability shines in live action.

DI Dates

At any point in time prior to September 1 of Junior year:

• College coaches can send athletes non-recruiting materials, including questionnaires, camp brochures, nonathletic institutional publications, and official NCAA educational materials.
• Unofficial visits and official visits are not permitted 

Starting September 1 of Junior year: 

• Coaches can begin calling, text messaging, direct messages, and emailing athletes. At that time, student-athletes can begin receiving recruiting materials and verbal scholarship offers.
• Off-campus evaluations can begin. During the athlete’s Junior year, evaluations can only occur at the recruit’s school or home.

DII Dates

At any point in time prior to June 15 of Sophomore year: 

• College coaches can send athletes non-recruiting materials, including questionnaires, camp brochures, nonathletic institutional publications, and official NCAA educational materials.
• Unofficial visits are permitted at any time.

Starting June 15 after Sophomore year:

• Coaches can begin calling, text messaging, direct messages, and emailing athletes. At that time, student-athletes can begin receiving recruiting materials and verbal scholarship offers. 
• Off-campus communications between coaches and athletes and/or their parents may begin.
• Athletes can begin scheduling official visits.

DIII Dates

At any time: 

• Recruiting materials can be sent to athletes and players can be called and digitally contacted by coaches.
• There is no limit to the number of unofficial visits athletes can take.

Following Sophomore year:

• Off-campus communication between an athlete and coaches can begin.

Starting January 1 of Junior year:

• Official visits can be scheduled.

Talk to one of our coaches! Every coach at Madison Ducks have played some form of college lacrosse and can answer any additional questions you may have!