Originally Posted by Anonymous
As a parent of an 8th grader, when/how should I be looking into freshman showcase events?

Thanks in advance


Showcase events are not critical. Playing on a Club
Team that competes in the top tournaments is very important. If you know where your son/daughter would like to go to college be sure to attend that schools camp.

Reach out and find someone to give an honest evaluation of what caliber athlete your child is.

Rising 9th grade summer and the fall of 9th grade is when the "Top" prospects will be identified by college coaches. The players who are in that group will all be contacted, recruited and offered spots by multiple schools. If your kid is not in that group don't worry the recruiting process does not end when the top players are committed.

Never blow a coach off thinking that the school is below the student athletes academic or athletic abilities. There are many reasons why you do not want to do this but here are a few that are important.

1: Coaches change schools. If a coach expresses interest "likes the athlete" they may change schools and end up at a school that your child would love to go to.

2: It would be great to go to a Top 20 Lacrosse School considering most are great academic institutions as well. However, if Top 20 schools are not offering your child a spot they are most likely not that caliber athlete. Focus on the schools that are expressing interest.

3. If money is a major factor, be willing to consider schools that you think are a notch below the students athletic and academic abilities. The potential for $$$ is significantly greater.

Good luck to all.