May 12, 2008

I have a question for when I become a senior: Can you receive a scholarship in lacrosse? And if you can, how do you get recruiters to see if you are qualified to receive one?

Aaron Barragan, 16, Temecula, Calif.

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Dear Aaron,

One of the main growth factors for lacrosse is the amount of educational opportunities available through scholarships and aid. The number of scholarships varies depending on the division, conference and program. If you want to play any sport in college on a Division I or II level, you must satisfy a certain educational standard and get approved by the NCAA clearing house (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net).

In Division I, each team is allowed to offer a maximum of 12.69 full athletic scholarships. In Division II, it's 10.8. However, lacrosse is considered an "equivalency sport." Unlike football and basketball, one scholarship can be divided and shared amongst players. Not all programs are "fully funded" and pay out the max amount of scholarships. Division III schools and Ivy League schools are not permitted to grant any athletic scholarships.

The best way to get recognized by college coaches is to go to a summer recruiting camp. Many of these camps now have Web sites, and list the coaches who will be attending. If you can't make it out to a particular camp, send the coaches a letter, and let them know you're interested in playing for their school. If there is a school you would really like to attend and play for, go to that coach's camp. My last recommendation is to join or try out for a select tournament team. Many college coaches travel to tournament events to watch these elite teams play.

If you can't get in front a certain coach, it never hurts to write. Once contact with the coach is established, you might be asked to fill out a questionnaire (SAT? ACT? GPA?), and send in a highlight tape.

College recruiting is starting earlier and earlier as the talent pool continues to grow. I would confide in your high school or club lacrosse coach to give you some guidance and facilitate the process. By the time you're a senior (or even a junior), many Division I universities will have finalized their recruiting group for your graduating class.

Best,
Matt Zash

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"Straight Shooters" is a US Lacrosse-produced advice series that runs every Sunday in the Baltimore Sun and on baltimoresun.com. The series can also be found here on Lacrosse Magazine Online at www.laxmagazine.com.

Matt Zash was a two-time All-American midfielder at Duke, graduating in 2006. He plays professional lacrosse for the MLL's Philadelphia Barrage and the NLL's New York Titans. Zash was a member of the 2003 U.S. under-19 men's world championship team and played for Team USA in the 2007 Indoor World Lacrosse Championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He owns and operates the Lax Hut, a chain of lacrosse retail stores.

E-mail your questions to Zash at zash@laxmagazine.com.