Recently I had a conversation with a college coach at a lacrosse recruiting showcase.
A great guy and I asked him a simple, important question:
“What exactly are YOU looking for? What’s most important to you in recruiting lacrosse players?”
His answer surprised me.
It wasn’t what most players would expect.
Here’s what he said:
- For Attackers: How Hard Do You Ride?
It’s not just about how many goals you score.
Coaches want to see effort when you don’t have the ball.
- Do you put pressure on the clear? Do you sprint to double? Are you disruptive on the field?
- Do you have a relentless ride no matter what?
- Do you move out of “your area” because it’s the right thing to do for the team?
The ride reveals your competitive level and commitment to win.
- For Defenders: Do You Hit the 2nd Slide?
Being a lockdown 1v1 defender is great – but that’s not enough.
Coaches are watching your lacrosse IQ.
- Are you reading the play?
- Rotating?
- Anticipating?
The 2nd slide is about awareness and trust.
If you move late, the defense breaks.
If you move early, you may save the day.
- For Everyone: What’s Your Body Language When Things Go Wrong?
Turnover? Bad call? Missed shot?
The eyes are still on you.
Coaches notice how you respond, not just how you play.
- Head up or head down?
- Do you compete or complain?
- Do you point fingers and blame or do you take accountability?
Your reaction is a window into your mindset — and your future.
Interesting feedback, right?
Well, here’s more.
HERE’S MORE INSIGHTS FROM TOP 9 OTHER COACHES
(Feedback from top women’s lacrosse coaches at a premier showcase event.)
When asked the question:
“How can players stand out at a showcase?”
COACH #1
This is how to stand out at the showcase.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was to be the player who gives the most: the one who has the most heart and hustle – every minute on the field.
Whether it’s being gritty fighting for extra ground balls, making all the hustle plays is one of those little things that really stand out to all the coaches and other players.
COACH #2
I would say to stand out, you need to have a great attitude.
You need to have a lot of fun, be yourself, work hard, and hustle.
Just have fun, you have to be a great teammate, and be unselfish.
COACH #3
To stand out at a showcase, I think it’s really important to do the little things, to get the hustle plays and make the simple pass or shot.
COACH #4
A couple ways to stand out of the showcase: key things you have to be able to communicate.
You have to be able to communicate all over the field and lead a defense.
You can’t just get angry.
Your body language shows a lot – after you been have scored on.
How do you react?
Do you throw your stick on the ground – or do you react by bringing your defense together and talking it out?
The next thing is, you have to be able to change the momentum of the game.
Whether that’s making a save, or making a clear opportunity, being smart with the ball but changing the momentum of the game – it can really make the crowd go crazy and it can make you really stand out.
COACH #5
I would say that standing out at a showcase, the most important thing is hard work.
The hustle plays, being gritty, and also being a really good teammate.
And just enjoying the process and having fun.
COACH #6
A couple pointers to stand out at a recruiting showcase: play your game, play your style, play aggressive, take risks, most importantly, be coachable and have fun.
COACH #7
I would say something that I would think sets you apart is coachability.
If I can give you a coaching tip or critique and I see you apply it right away, that is a “Coach‘s dream.”
I think it just shows that you’re a great student of the game and really taking advice and applying it.
COACH #8
I think one way to stand out at a showcase is making connections with new people and being able to implement those connections into gameplay.
COACH #9
One way to stand out at a showcase is to make your teammates look better – and then you’ll make yourself look better.
Coaches love players who are team players and work well with their teammates – so that’s a great way to make yourself look better.
COMMON THEMES TO STAND OUT AT A SHOWCASE:
- Hustle!!!
- Be Coachable (always)
- Make your teammates look great! (Love this one and I’ve heard it before from others)
- Communicate
- Build connections
- Have fun (make your experience great)
- Be a great teammate
- Be unselfish
- Be gritty
- Work hard!
WHY THIS MATTERS.
Coaches aren’t just scouting your highlight moments.
They’re watching the little things that separate players from prospects.
This is showcase season.
Showcase your effort.
Showcase your awareness.
Showcase your resilience.
Do the things that make you stand out.
Now you know what coaches are looking for.
The rest is up to you.
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