HS coaches--at least at WM--do not know players until they get older. They are not watching 7th grade or 8th grade lax except for one game at the end of the year--middle school gelinas vs middle school murphy...

Further, the HS coaches have been very clear that players are responsible for all recruiting efforts. I know they will take calls and help in any way possible, but they aren't going to be proactive and don't know the younger kids at all--they are are two years removed from where college coaches are looking. There is no one talking about Jake Reed or Maverick, either the players and parents know or they don't ...

We love the WM program, but there is much to be said for the select team programs (91, LIE, ...).

For anyone just starting out, do not just sit there and wait to be discovered. No matter what all of the numbskulls on this board think, there are only a few levels of players. It is the same at every age group, the very best kids, all the others that are in the middle and then the bottom group.

there are changes to the structure from one year to the next based upon growth spurts, but ultimately the groups look pretty similar from 4th grade through 12th. The stud athletes tend to remain studs (unless there advantage was size)

Many of the kids in the middle of the pack, assuming they work hard and really want it (not all kids do) can play at D-1.

But it is up to you, the parent and the player to put yourself in the best possible position. If you are the best one on your HS team, I agree, someone will find you, but if you are in the top 5-10, the only way you will get recruited is if you send tapes and show up at events that your desired college attends...

It is like anything else in life, you need to put yourself in a position to succeed. early bird gets the worm...

As for topic, of course it is a conflict, but everything is relative. Depending on where you are on the coach's depth chart, you are either happy of sad. let's face it, lots of politics, for those with good connections the system works, for those without connections, you need to work the system....