I took my 14 year old 2019 grad year son to a 2019 Top D1 prospect camp recently at the behest of his club coach. I would estimate there were 70-75 kids attending and I was truly amazed at the talent level. We had never attended a prospect camp and this is all new to me. My son's club coach also attended and had a relationship with one of the coaches who was running the camp. After the camp's conclusion, the club coach introduced me to the coach. In the course of our conversation the coach complimented my sons play and remarked he really played well especially considering "nearly 60% of the players are already 16 years old and four are 17". I was shocked but I guess I shouldn't be. The club coached explained how desperate parents/players are to attend a top D1 school and dropping a year or two improves their chances. So, a kid starts school a year late and then does a PG year? Or a kid is held back and then does a PG year? I think its lunacy and will harm the sport in the long run.
were you given direction that you could do the same and increase your chances.
I too attended a prospect camp with my son and was told similar figures. There were 17Yo sophomores, did some quick math which would make them 19yo seniors. I think my son gained some respect with some players since they found out he was 14 but it is not a healthy situation.
What the heck are we doing to this sport? I would have laughed (actually my father would have) at a coach if he suggested that I would be considered for a roster spot 1 or 2 years after my HS graduation. I grew up blue collar on LI and I'm sure there are still plenty of families in the same situation. Lacrosse helped me get into and pay for a college education that would have been unimaginable without it. To say its sad to see just doesn't express how I feel. So, if your family can't afford a PG year or your son wasn't held back...you are SOL?
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