Anonymous wrote:What should be the target schools for a kid who has great grades and test scores, great stick skills and field IQ, but not top-tier athleticism? (Or at least, not yet... still only a sophomore, still growing.)
Powerhouse D1 programs are probably out of reach, but I'd hate to see them at an academically "lesser" school than could be obtained on academic merit "just to play lacrosse".
Take a look at the NESCAC--Amherst, Williams, Wesleyan, etc--and some of the West Coast D3 options like Pomona-Pitzer and Occidental. Can get a great education and enjoy athletics. University of Chicago and it's conference plays D3 sports and there are good options there too academically. There are also some good options in the Carolinas.
Not sure if a girl or boy, but some of the top D3s are tough in terms of lacrosse standards. Middlebury for girls and Tufts for boys, for instance, are looking for athletes with pretty much D1 talent who are open to choosing a smaller, academically-strong, school and the chance to play for NCAA DIII titles every year.