It depends on your kid! If he wants to be challenged in practice and games, and has aspirations to be D1 player you should make the sacrifice (be it distance and / or expense) to play for an elite program. Not a necessity, but I think for the public school kids that are not challenged within their local club teams and HS programs they should play elite club lacrosse if they want to play D1 lacrosse. If your son is potentially an elite AAA player (was AA a few years ago) there is significant IQ and skill development gained within the competitive practices in addition to the games and tournaments. Ultimately it should be the kid's decision if the parents are willing and able. Conversely there is nothing wrong with playing locally with friends, future HS team mates, and having fun. What is the goal? MD parent that traveled 100 miles round trip to Baltimore for four years.
