Youth Inc. Recommends: Five Resources to Help You Understand Whether High School Lacrosse Can Help You Get Recruited

In today’s recruiting world, club ball gets most of the attention — but high school lacrosse still plays a role. These five resources break down when it matters, how it helps (or doesn’t), and what else coaches are looking for when scouting potential recruits.

NCSA Lacrosse Recruiting Guidelines 

What it is: A position-by-position breakdown of the athletic benchmarks college coaches expect at each level — D1, D2, and D3. 

Why we like it: It shows how high school play fits into the overall recruiting profile — and helps players assess whether their current level (including school competition) is on track.

Does Playing a Sport Help You Get Into College? 

What it is: A college admissions expert’s view on how sports impact applications — and what it means to be a true recruit vs. a strong applicant who also plays. 

Why we like it: It’s a sobering reality check. High school sports alone aren’t a golden ticket — but for serious athletes, they’re part of the pitch.

Reddit: Club vs. High School in Recruiting 

What it is: A crowdsourced discussion of where college coaches actually scout players — with firsthand stories and some hard truths. 

Why we like it: It’s blunt and real. Most coaches focus on club, but your high school play can still open doors if your coach advocates and your performance backs it up.

Suggested College Recruiting Timeline 

What it is: A step-by-step timeline for when players should start emailing coaches, sending film, and preparing for showcases. 

Why we like it: This helps clarify when high school lacrosse fits into the recruiting process — especially as a source of in-season footage or leadership experience.

How Important is Travel vs. High School Lacrosse? (Women’s Edition)

What it is: A recruiting firm’s breakdown of what women’s college lacrosse coaches prioritize — and how travel vs. school play stacks up. 

Why we like it: It’s female-focused, but the lessons carry over: travel is often prioritized, but high school still matters for leadership, development, and context.