How to Get Your Lacrosse Player Recruited Without Living in a Lacrosse Hotbed
Living in South Carolina or other areas outside traditional lacrosse hotbeds doesn't mean your player can't get recruited. It just means you need a smarter, more aggressive approach.
College coaches are looking for talent everywhere. But when you're not in Maryland, Long Island, or Massachusetts, you have to work harder to get noticed.
Here's your step-by-step game plan.
Cast a Much Wider Net
Don't limit yourself to big-name programs.
Most families focus only on Division I powerhouses. That's a mistake. When you're outside a lacrosse hotbed, you need to consider:
Small Division I schools actively recruiting in your region
Strong Division II programs with full scholarships
Division III schools with excellent academics and competitive lacrosse
NAIA programs looking for talent
Create a target list of 50+ schools across all divisions. This gives you options and backup plans.
Research schools recruiting in the Southeast.
Many programs specifically recruit in underrepresented areas. They know the competition is less intense, and they can find hidden gems.
Build a Standout Digital Presence
Your recruiting video is everything.
When coaches can't easily see you play live, your highlight reel becomes your calling card. Make it count:
Keep it 3-4 minutes maximum
Show game footage, not just practice
Include stats, GPA, and test scores in the video
Update it regularly with your best recent plays
Use quality editing software or hire a professional
Create comprehensive online profiles.
Set up detailed profiles on recruiting platforms like NCSA, which partners with USA Lacrosse. Include:
Academic information
Athletic statistics
Contact information
Updated game schedule
References from coaches
College coaches use these platforms daily to identify recruits who meet their criteria.
Master the Camp Circuit
Choose camps strategically.
When you're traveling from Myrtle Beach, make every trip count:
Attend camps at schools you're genuinely interested in
Plan multi-camp trips to maximize travel investment
Target smaller school camps where you'll get more attention
Consider multi-day showcase events with multiple college coaches
Communicate before you attend.
Send your highlight video to camp coaches 2-3 weeks before attending. Email them:
Your planned attendance
Your position and jersey number
Key stats and achievements
Why are you interested in their program
This ensures they're watching for you specifically.
Use Academics as Your Secret Weapon
High grades open doors everywhere.
Strong academics give you a massive advantage, especially when competing against players from traditional lacrosse areas:
Maintain a GPA above 3.5
Take challenging courses (AP, IB, honors)
Prepare seriously for SAT/ACT tests
Consider retaking standardized tests to improve scores
When coaches are deciding between similar players, the one with better grades wins the scholarship offer.
Target academically focused programs.
Many excellent lacrosse programs prioritize academics. These schools actively recruit smart athletes from all regions.
Execute a Professional Outreach Strategy
Build your database.
Create a spreadsheet tracking:
School names and coach contact information
Email correspondence dates
Phone call logs
Camp attendance records
Application deadlines
Send personalized emails consistently.
Start reaching out during optimal recruiting periods:
Late April/early May for summer recruiting
September through November for fall recruiting
Each email should include:
Personal introduction and interest in the program
Athletic and academic resume
Upcoming game schedule
Link to highlight video
Follow up professionally.
After games or tournaments, send brief updates to coaches on your target list. Keep them informed about:
Strong performances
Academic achievements
Schedule changes
New highlight footage
Leverage Social Media Strategically
Make every post count.
Your social media becomes a recruiting tool:
Post training videos and game highlights
Share academic achievements
Follow and interact with target schools
Keep all content positive and professional
Use relevant hashtags (#lacrosse #recruiting #class2027)
Stay active but appropriate.
College coaches check social media profiles. Make sure yours showcases you as a student-athlete they'd want representing their program.
Understand the Recruiting Timeline
Know how the process works.
College recruiting operates like a funnel:
Coaches identify large pools of potential recruits
They send questionnaires to gauge interest
In-depth evaluation begins (camps, videos, grades)
Scholarship offers extend to top candidates
National signing day commitments
Be patient but persistent.
Recruiting unfolds in waves. Coaches are looking for:
Talent and skill development
Academic capability
Character and work ethic
Coachability and team fit
Stay in regular contact, but don't become annoying. Quality communication beats quantity.
Consider Alternative Pathways
Prep school options.
Post-graduate years at prep schools can provide:
Additional development time
Exposure to college coaches
Academic preparation
Stronger recruiting positioning
Transfer opportunities.
Junior college or Division II programs can serve as stepping stones to your target schools.
Work with Local Resources
Connect with regional programs.
Programs like Myrtle Beach Lightning Lacrosse Club understand the unique challenges of recruiting from non-traditional areas.
Take advantage of:
Player evaluations to get honest assessments
Training clinics to improve skills
Tournament exposure opportunities
Recruiting guidance from experienced coaches
Build relationships with high school coaches.
Your high school coach can be your biggest advocate. Keep them informed about your college goals and ask them to reach out to their contacts.
Stay Realistic But Ambitious
Set appropriate expectations.
Being realistic doesn't mean limiting yourself. It means:
Having backup options at multiple division levels
Understanding that the process takes time
Being prepared to work harder than competitors in hotbeds
Focusing on finding the right fit, not just the biggest name
Trust the process.
Many successful college lacrosse players come from non-traditional areas. With talent, dedication, and smart recruiting strategy, you can find your place in college lacrosse.
The key is starting early, staying organized, and never giving up. Your geographic location is just one factor in your recruiting journey.
Ready to take your recruiting to the next level? Contact Brian DiStefano to discuss how our agency can help position your player for college success.