2023 and older girls parents - question about recruiting / 2nd tier list

[Anonymous]

This is where a good recruiting director can really help; presumably she (or he) will have had contact with schools about your DD and knows where she might rank or their list (or can find out). She/he can also help set expectations as to whom/how many on her target list she might hear from in the beginning of September. Other (obvious) advice is to let schools that are not of interest know that right away, politely, as there is a lot of coaching turnover and you never know when an assistant coach at one school might join the coaching staff at the school your DD selects. As previously stated, when you find a school that meets DD's criteria, let them know they're her top target. Schools don't want to extend offers, only to be turned down.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:For parents who have been through the recruiting process before, I was curious as to how often kids on the "second tier" list eventually get offers? I realize probably never for a UNC/BC/MD level school; but what about a #10-30 ranked program? Like many 2024 kids/parents we are pretty anxious right now but wanted to be prepared for what to expect on Thursday and beyond. Thanks in advance.

I would not associate the top 10-30 schools with “second tier”. Assuming schools take on average 8-10 players per class you are talking about the top 240-300 players in the 2024 recruiting class. My DD had several players from her team commit to top 30 programs late into the Fall and into Winter.

Apparently I am not phrasing my question clearly. I am not saying that #10-30 are 2nd tier. I'm saying if my kid is on a school's 2nd tier list how likely is it that she will get recruited by said school?

For parents of 2023 (or older) - did any of your girls get recruited by a top 30 program where your daughter was originally not on their top tier list?

My DD had interest from several top 30 schools that were not on her original list. While she appreciated their interest she was quick to thank the coaches for their interest and let them know she was pursuing other opportunities that align better with her overall interests. Coaches really do appreciate this. It’s flattering to know top 30 coaches are interested, but if the school(s) are not a good fit academics + location + lacrosse as a professional courtesy let them know early and move on. I hope for your DD gets the call she wants, but if not be prepared to pursue the options that align with her interests first. Don’t jump at a school just because they are a top 30 program.

Great post. One more piece of advice is to act quickly. If you get an offer from any school in your daughters top 5. Jump at it.

Often a scenario like this unfolds. A coach may be recruiting for 2 defenders. She make 4 offers and the first two to accept get them.

Remember offers can be pulled like that if a similarly talented girl commits.

Jump on it, you mean commit? How much pressure does the school put on you to commit after they offer? Isn't it reasonable to take official visits to 3-4 schools first?

2023 parent here. I know this does not make sense but official visits usually happen later after the class is already recruited but prior to signing day. They usually get all the recruits together for the official visit. You could do an unofficial visit after an offer but it better be quick because there are five players on the list for that slot that are all viewed almost or equal in talent to your DD. If you wait they will offer another players it moves fast.

So, basically, before Sept 1, you'll have a very good idea of the schools that will offer you, and its best to take unoffical trips before that so you know your top choices?

Example, i'll know if i'm a target of Notre Dame and Penn St before Sept 1, so i would have already gone, vs knowing im more a Towson, William and Mary type?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For parents who have been through the recruiting process before, I was curious as to how often kids on the "second tier" list eventually get offers? I realize probably never for a UNC/BC/MD level school; but what about a #10-30 ranked program? Like many 2024 kids/parents we are pretty anxious right now but wanted to be prepared for what to expect on Thursday and beyond. Thanks in advance.

I would not associate the top 10-30 schools with “second tier”. Assuming schools take on average 8-10 players per class you are talking about the top 240-300 players in the 2024 recruiting class. My DD had several players from her team commit to top 30 programs late into the Fall and into Winter.

Apparently I am not phrasing my question clearly. I am not saying that #10-30 are 2nd tier. I'm saying if my kid is on a school's 2nd tier list how likely is it that she will get recruited by said school?

For parents of 2023 (or older) - did any of your girls get recruited by a top 30 program where your daughter was originally not on their top tier list?

My DD had interest from several top 30 schools that were not on her original list. While she appreciated their interest she was quick to thank the coaches for their interest and let them know she was pursuing other opportunities that align better with her overall interests. Coaches really do appreciate this. It’s flattering to know top 30 coaches are interested, but if the school(s) are not a good fit academics + location + lacrosse as a professional courtesy let them know early and move on. I hope for your DD gets the call she wants, but if not be prepared to pursue the options that align with her interests first. Don’t jump at a school just because they are a top 30 program.

Great post. One more piece of advice is to act quickly. If you get an offer from any school in your daughters top 5. Jump at it.

Often a scenario like this unfolds. A coach may be recruiting for 2 defenders. She make 4 offers and the first two to accept get them.

Remember offers can be pulled like that if a similarly talented girl commits.

Jump on it, you mean commit? How much pressure does the school put on you to commit after they offer? Isn't it reasonable to take official visits to 3-4 schools first?

2023 parent here. I know this does not make sense but official visits usually happen later after the class is already recruited but prior to signing day. They usually get all the recruits together for the official visit. You could do an unofficial visit after an offer but it better be quick because there are five players on the list for that slot that are all viewed almost or equal in talent to your DD. If you wait they will offer another players it moves fast.

So, basically, before Sept 1, you'll have a very good idea of the schools that will offer you, and its best to take unoffical trips before that so you know your top choices?

Example, i'll know if i'm a target of Notre Dame and Penn St before Sept 1, so i would have already gone, vs knowing im more a Towson, William and Mary type?

I would say even after Sep. 1 you will have time to visit a school just not too much time. You should do your homework now and you may need to quickly make travel plans and be flexible. I think it is reasonable to ask for a visit before making the verbal commitment but not 3-4 schools. Remember they are also looking to offer 3-4 other players some told us it is whoever is ready to commit first. It is important to visit the campus as it is a huge decision. FYI: I am not sure I see much similarity with Towson and W&M maybe just using those as examples?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For parents who have been through the recruiting process before, I was curious as to how often kids on the "second tier" list eventually get offers? I realize probably never for a UNC/BC/MD level school; but what about a #10-30 ranked program? Like many 2024 kids/parents we are pretty anxious right now but wanted to be prepared for what to expect on Thursday and beyond. Thanks in advance.

I would not associate the top 10-30 schools with “second tier”. Assuming schools take on average 8-10 players per class you are talking about the top 240-300 players in the 2024 recruiting class. My DD had several players from her team commit to top 30 programs late into the Fall and into Winter.

Apparently I am not phrasing my question clearly. I am not saying that #10-30 are 2nd tier. I'm saying if my kid is on a school's 2nd tier list how likely is it that she will get recruited by said school?

For parents of 2023 (or older) - did any of your girls get recruited by a top 30 program where your daughter was originally not on their top tier list?

My DD had interest from several top 30 schools that were not on her original list. While she appreciated their interest she was quick to thank the coaches for their interest and let them know she was pursuing other opportunities that align better with her overall interests. Coaches really do appreciate this. It’s flattering to know top 30 coaches are interested, but if the school(s) are not a good fit academics + location + lacrosse as a professional courtesy let them know early and move on. I hope for your DD gets the call she wants, but if not be prepared to pursue the options that align with her interests first. Don’t jump at a school just because they are a top 30 program.

Great post. One more piece of advice is to act quickly. If you get an offer from any school in your daughters top 5. Jump at it.

Often a scenario like this unfolds. A coach may be recruiting for 2 defenders. She make 4 offers and the first two to accept get them.

Remember offers can be pulled like that if a similarly talented girl commits.

Jump on it, you mean commit? How much pressure does the school put on you to commit after they offer? Isn't it reasonable to take official visits to 3-4 schools first?

Yes. Committ. Many (though not all schools) won't offer anyone who has never been on their campus for a prospect day. The Top 25 schools and high academics will generally have the shortest timelines as will positions like goalie and D where the coach will only bring in a girl or two per class. You need to understand who your top schools are.

Many will have their offficial visits in Dec or January during their winter camps.


For instance, if your daughter's #3 school makes her an offer. I would recommend she calls her #1 and #2 that day and tell them that she will be committing to another school if they don't make her an offer within a day.

If they don't, then I would commit to the #3 school the next day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For parents who have been through the recruiting process before, I was curious as to how often kids on the "second tier" list eventually get offers? I realize probably never for a UNC/BC/MD level school; but what about a #10-30 ranked program? Like many 2024 kids/parents we are pretty anxious right now but wanted to be prepared for what to expect on Thursday and beyond. Thanks in advance.

I would not associate the top 10-30 schools with “second tier”. Assuming schools take on average 8-10 players per class you are talking about the top 240-300 players in the 2024 recruiting class. My DD had several players from her team commit to top 30 programs late into the Fall and into Winter.

Apparently I am not phrasing my question clearly. I am not saying that #10-30 are 2nd tier. I'm saying if my kid is on a school's 2nd tier list how likely is it that she will get recruited by said school?

For parents of 2023 (or older) - did any of your girls get recruited by a top 30 program where your daughter was originally not on their top tier list?

The fewer players they take at the position, the shorter time frame you will have. For instance, last year a top ACC school gave a goalie 24 hours to accept an offer and told her they would go to #2 if she doesn't accept.

My DD had interest from several top 30 schools that were not on her original list. While she appreciated their interest she was quick to thank the coaches for their interest and let them know she was pursuing other opportunities that align better with her overall interests. Coaches really do appreciate this. It’s flattering to know top 30 coaches are interested, but if the school(s) are not a good fit academics + location + lacrosse as a professional courtesy let them know early and move on. I hope for your DD gets the call she wants, but if not be prepared to pursue the options that align with her interests first. Don’t jump at a school just because they are a top 30 program.

Great post. One more piece of advice is to act quickly. If you get an offer from any school in your daughters top 5. Jump at it.

Often a scenario like this unfolds. A coach may be recruiting for 2 defenders. She make 4 offers and the first two to accept get them.

Remember offers can be pulled like that if a similarly talented girl commits.

Jump on it, you mean commit? How much pressure does the school put on you to commit after they offer? Isn't it reasonable to take official visits to 3-4 schools first?

2023 parent here. I know this does not make sense but official visits usually happen later after the class is already recruited but prior to signing day. They usually get all the recruits together for the official visit. You could do an unofficial visit after an offer but it better be quick because there are five players on the list for that slot that are all viewed almost or equal in talent to your DD. If you wait they will offer another players it moves fast.

So, basically, before Sept 1, you'll have a very good idea of the schools that will offer you, and its best to take unoffical trips before that so you know your top choices?

Example, i'll know if i'm a target of Notre Dame and Penn St before Sept 1, so i would have already gone, vs knowing im more a Towson, William and Mary type?

I would say even after Sep. 1 you will have time to visit a school just not too much time. You should do your homework now and you may need to quickly make travel plans and be flexible. I think it is reasonable to ask for a visit before making the verbal commitment but not 3-4 schools. Remember they are also looking to offer 3-4 other players some told us it is whoever is ready to commit first. It is important to visit the campus as it is a huge decision. FYI: I am not sure I see much similarity with Towson and W&M maybe just using those as examples?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone lay out a timeline for recruiting? Seems odd the girls get offers before they've played their Junior and Senior years in high school given lacrosse is a Spring sport. These are key years where girls could really improve? Are they expected to be unbelievable by the end of their sophomore year and ready to pick a college?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone lay out a timeline for recruiting? Seems odd the girls get offers before they've played their Junior and Senior years in high school given lacrosse is a Spring sport. These are key years where girls could really improve? Are they expected to be unbelievable by the end of their sophomore year and ready to pick a college?

Will depend on school. Top 15 will pretty much be set by early October. Most top 50 program will add least have all scholarship $$ out by New Years (though they will still look for preferred walkons). Bottom half schools will recruit through the summer targeting kids who fall through the cracks.

High school lax really doesn't matter. Even at the top maryland private schools, it is rare to even see a coach at a game.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone lay out a timeline for recruiting? Seems odd the girls get offers before they've played their Junior and Senior years in high school given lacrosse is a Spring sport. These are key years where girls could really improve? Are they expected to be unbelievable by the end of their sophomore year and ready to pick a college?

Will depend on school. Top 15 will pretty much be set by early October. Most top 50 program will add least have all scholarship $$ out by New Years (though they will still look for preferred walkons). Bottom half schools will recruit through the summer targeting kids who fall through the cracks.

High school lax really doesn't matter. Even at the top maryland private schools, it is rare to even see a coach at a game.

This. High school is not where the recruiting is done - coaches are coaching in the Spring. Summer after sophomore year is biggest time for evaluations. Coaches will build their lists for who to contact on September 1st. Top schools will start filling in commits in Sept/Oct. Evaluation at Fall tournaments in Oct/Nov are also big as players start to pick schools and schools expand lists for the ones that the don't get (this may be what the PP is getting at), combined with prospect camps those months basically lock up most top schools and players by the holidays. Your "junior" travel season is over by December 1st and coaches have seen what they need to. Yes, there are some that fall through the cracks and/or schools that swing and miss and have open slots still to fill that will come later, but the bulk of D1 is done by the holidays as coaches are coaching in the spring (lax season basically gets going in high gear after the holiday break). If you are on the recruiting circuit, you should plan to be flexible with your weekends from this weekend (yes Labor Day schools will have you to campus) through the weekend before Christmas. You never know what may happen, and if someone calls with interest, they may want you on campus in a matter of days for a visit or get you to their prospect camp this weekend.

[Anonymous]

Also, just because a college coach speaks with your recruiting director and contacts you on Sept 1 it doesn't mean you are going to get an offer. They have multiple players on the board for each position and they may be in your top 3 schools but you are not a top 3 player for them even though they are showing a lot of interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone lay out a timeline for recruiting? Seems odd the girls get offers before they've played their Junior and Senior years in high school given lacrosse is a Spring sport. These are key years where girls could really improve? Are they expected to be unbelievable by the end of their sophomore year and ready to pick a college?

They used to commit prior to 9th grade. Coaches don’t care about HS play the club and all star teams like American Select and UA is where they already know who the top players are

[Anonymous]

Make sure your DD has a long list of schools and fall back plans. When their top school doesn't call and doesn't give an offer, it's good to have other schools and plans. Most get too focused on that top school when they don't return the same level of interest. It helps to have a realistic view of where they can go and can't go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone lay out a timeline for recruiting? Seems odd the girls get offers before they've played their Junior and Senior years in high school given lacrosse is a Spring sport. These are key years where girls could really improve? Are they expected to be unbelievable by the end of their sophomore year and ready to pick a college?

They used to commit prior to 9th grade. Coaches don’t care about HS play the club and all star teams like American Select and UA is where they already know who the top players are

I thought the whole system is being upended by the transfer portal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone lay out a timeline for recruiting? Seems odd the girls get offers before they've played their Junior and Senior years in high school given lacrosse is a Spring sport. These are key years where girls could really improve? Are they expected to be unbelievable by the end of their sophomore year and ready to pick a college?

They used to commit prior to 9th grade. Coaches don’t care about HS play the club and all star teams like American Select and UA is where they already know who the top players are

I thought the whole system is being upended by the transfer portal.

Transfer portal has minimal effect. Grad transfer have had major effect last 3 years. However, after next year, this will go away since the extra year of covid eligibility will not have an impact

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone lay out a timeline for recruiting? Seems odd the girls get offers before they've played their Junior and Senior years in high school given lacrosse is a Spring sport. These are key years where girls could really improve? Are they expected to be unbelievable by the end of their sophomore year and ready to pick a college?

They used to commit prior to 9th grade. Coaches don’t care about HS play the club and all star teams like American Select and UA is where they already know who the top players are

I thought the whole system is being upended by the transfer portal.

Transfer portal has minimal effect. Grad transfer have had major effect last 3 years. However, after next year, this will go away since the extra year of covid eligibility will not have an impact

There are A LOT more than grad students going into the portal and it will continue to be something that athletes can use to their benefit.

There has been and continues to be some interesting movement to say the least.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone lay out a timeline for recruiting? Seems odd the girls get offers before they've played their Junior and Senior years in high school given lacrosse is a Spring sport. These are key years where girls could really improve? Are they expected to be unbelievable by the end of their sophomore year and ready to pick a college?

They used to commit prior to 9th grade. Coaches don’t care about HS play the club and all star teams like American Select and UA is where they already know who the top players are

I thought the whole system is being upended by the transfer portal.

Transfer portal has minimal effect. Grad transfer have had major effect last 3 years. However, after next year, this will go away since the extra year of covid eligibility will not have an impact

There are A LOT more than grad students going into the portal and it will continue to be something that athletes can use to their benefit.

There has been and continues to be some interesting movement to say the least.

Transfer portal impact some schools more than others. Most high academic schools (Duke, Stanford, ND, Vandies, Ivies,etc) won't take undergrad transfers for athletics.