There’s a lot that goes into getting recruited to play college lacrosse, and one of the million-dollar question is are prospect camps worth it?
The short answer to this big question is yes, prospect camps are worth it. However, there are some specific guidelines that will make some more valuable than others for you, and it’s very important to understand what to look for in a prospect camp.
Are Lacrosse Prospect Camps Worth It?
Choose Wisely
This is not a situation where you should throw anything you can at the wall and see what sticks. You must be very meticulous in the lacrosse prospect camps you choose.
Prospect camps are a great way to be seen in front of a college lacrosse coaching staff, and that experience is invaluable. But, you can find yourself at the wrong camps at the wrong times and end up wasting something that’s very valuable when you’re trying to get recruited: time.
Take It Seriously
It can be a daunting reality to understand, especially at the age of a college recruit, but this is an investment in your future, so view it that way.
The moment you step foot onto any campus, you will be immediately evaluated. It is very important to make sure that as a potential student-athlete, you understand what is expected of you. Treat the situation professionally and with respect.
Know Your Schools
Identify a list of schools that interest you. Look at their academic profiles, majors, locations, student life, fit, and lacrosse programs. With that list of schools in mind, you can then do your homework and look at potential dates for lacrosse prospect camps.
Again, you want to avoid using valuable resources – time and money – on prospect camps that won’t help you achieve your goals. Put in the work ahead of time to know what will best help you get where you want to be.
Reach Out Beforehand
Before the prospect camp, reach out to the coaching staff. It’s always great to let them know you’re attending. A lot of times, they may have already seen you play.
This is also helpful to gauge if the interest is mutual. If there isn’t mutual interest, then maybe that’s a prospect camp you should avoid. Again, time and money aren’t limitless. Better to know this ahead of time than after going through the process of attending.
Live and Learn
Yes, time and money should be valued when considering lacrosse prospect camps, but it’s also important to be okay with not liking what you saw. Maybe by attending a prospect camp, you learn that a school isn’t for you for any number of reasons. That’s okay – these camps aren’t just for coaches to get to know you, they’re also an opportunity for you to get to know the coaches, the program, the school, and everything that that goes along with playing college lacrosse.
This is your decision. You decide what the best fit you for and your future is. If what you gain from a prospect camp is a better of understanding of what you don’t want, then there’s nothing wrong with that – you’re now one step closer to finding what you do what.
Ultimately, Yes, Prospect Camps Are Worth It
Michael Jordan was seen by North Carolina at a basketball prospect camp, so getting on campus and being seen and coached by the coaching staff can really give both sides an in-depth look at what the other has to offer. It’s an excellent way to help determine if there is a good fit to be had there.
