There is a place to play for everyone. The bottom of D1 is like playing glorified HS ball. The top team in D2 and D3 treat their programs like a D1 team does. The bottom of all the divisions always have a place for athletes and walk ons so travel lacrosse isn't needed but don't fool yourself it is very very very hard to crack a decent program by not going the traditional travel route. All depends on what your kid wants.