What are my options for women's lacrosse scholarships?

I'm passionate about lacrosse and I've been playing throughout high school. I'm looking at making it part of my college experience. Can anyone share advice on how to find scholarships specifically for women's lacrosse? Are these scholarships typically offered by the colleges themselves, or should I also be looking at other organizations or associations that might provide financial aid opportunities for athletes?

While the specific opportunities can vary, there are typically two main sources of scholarships for student-athletes like yourself in women's lacrosse: the schools themselves and outside organizations.

In the first case, it's common for colleges with lacrosse programs to offer athletic scholarships. These are typically awarded based on a combination of athletic talent and academic record. It's crucial to have a solid highlight reel and game stats that you can showcase to college scouts. You can get in touch with the athletic departments of the colleges you're interested in to understand their specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

You can also apply for an athletic scholarship with organizations outside of colleges. For example, U.S. Lacrosse offers scholarship opportunities for high school sportspeople. Similarly, other private or community-based organizations may also provide scholarship opportunities for deserving athletes.

In both instances, remember that fulfilling academic standards is equally important. Even when focusing on sports, maintaining solid grades can make you a stronger candidate. Often, you'll need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Centre, which enforces academic standards for student-athletes.

Finally, don't forget about non-athletic financial aid as well. Many colleges offer merit-based and need-based financial aid that can be stacked with athletic scholarships. Make sure to complete the FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid and use the college's net price calculator to estimate your likely financial aid packages.

In summary, start with the colleges you're interested in, contact their athletics departments, browse their websites, and also look for additional scholarships through U.S. Lacrosse and any local lacrosse associations. Good luck!