How does lacrosse recruiting work at the Coast Guard Academy?

I'm a junior in high school and play lacrosse. I'm interested in the Coast Guard Academy and would love to know more about their lacrosse recruiting process. What are they looking for in players? Any tips on standing out?

The Coast Guard Academy, like other military academies, has a slightly different process compared to civilian colleges when it comes to sports recruiting due to the unique nature of their programs.

First, it's important to understand that the Coast Guard Academy competes in Division III, which means that unlike D1 schools, they do not offer athletic scholarships. However, attending a service academy is tuition-free, so essentially, it’s like every student receives a ‘scholarship’ covering tuition, room, and board.

In terms of what they're looking for in a player, this will depend largely on the specific needs of the team in any given year. However, in general, they'll be looking for athletes who demonstrate strong skills in lacrosse, a team-oriented mentality, and dedication to their sport.

To stand out, I would suggest the following:

1. Show Leadership: Beyond your lacrosse skills, it is highly beneficial to demonstrate leadership abilities, as service academies prioritize this quality in their cadets. This could be within your team or in other aspects of your life such as school clubs or community service.

2. Academics: Keep your grades up. The Coast Guard Academy, like other service academies, has rigorous academic standards. While athletic skills matter, they’ll also look at your GPA and rigor of your course load.

3. Fitness: Remember, this is a military academy, so physical fitness is key. While lacrosse plays a part in this, doing additional fitness training can both improve your lacrosse game and demonstrate your readiness for the demands of life at a military academy.

4. Direct Contact: Establish contact with the coaching staff. You can send an email introducing yourself, explaining your interest in the academy and the lacrosse program. Include details about your athletic and academic achievements.

5. Online Recruiting Profile: Consider creating an online recruiting profile with a highlight reel and game footage. This can provide the coaching staff with an easy way to assess your skills.

6. Be Proactive: Attend summer camps, showcase events or club tournaments where the Coast Guard Academy coaches are known to scout. This gives you a chance to not only develop your abilities but also be noticed by their coaching staff.

Remember, being recruited for a service academy, including Coast Guard Academy, also means you're committing to serve after graduation. It's crucial to ensure that it's the right fit for both your athletic and career ambitions.