The Yale University men's lacrosse team has a long history of excellence, with 12 Ivy League championships and a reputation for attracting top talent from around the country. But how do the Yale lacrosse coaches recruit the best players to join their team? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the recruiting process and provide insider advice from coaches and players who have been through the system.
Understanding the Recruiting Process
The recruiting process for Yale lacrosse begins early, with coaches identifying top prospects as young as freshman and sophomore year of high school. Coach Andy Shay, the head coach of the Yale men’s lacrosse team, emphasizes the importance of building relationships with potential recruits and their families. “We try to get to know the players and their families, understand their interests and goals, and see if they would be a good fit for our program,” he explains. The coaching staff attends lacrosse camps and showcases, watches game footage, and reviews player profiles to identify top talent.
Evaluating Player Talent
When evaluating player talent, the Yale coaching staff looks for a combination of skills, including speed, agility, and stickhandling ability. They also consider a player’s lacrosse IQ, including their understanding of the game and ability to make smart decisions on the field. “We want players who are not only talented but also passionate about the game and willing to put in the work to improve,” says Coach Shay. The coaching staff also reviews a player’s academic record and ensures that they meet the academic standards of Yale University.
| Recruiting Criteria | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Lacrosse skills and talent | 40% |
| Athletic ability and speed | 30% |
| Lacrosse IQ and game sense | 20% |
| Academic record and potential | 10% |
Building Relationships with Recruits
Once the coaching staff has identified top prospects, they begin building relationships with the players and their families. This involves regular communication, including phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings. Coach Shay emphasizes the importance of being genuine and transparent in these interactions. “We want players to understand our program and what we have to offer, and we want to get to know them as individuals,” he says. The coaching staff also invites top recruits to visit campus and meet with current players, which helps to build a sense of community and camaraderie.
Official Visits and Campus Tours
Official visits and campus tours are a critical part of the recruiting process. During these visits, recruits have the opportunity to meet with coaches, players, and professors, and to get a sense of life on campus. Coach Shay notes that these visits are often a deciding factor for top recruits. “We want players to feel like they are part of our community, and that they can see themselves playing and thriving at Yale,” he explains. The coaching staff also provides recruits with information about the university’s academic programs, athletic facilities, and support services.
- Meet with coaches and players
- Tour athletic facilities and campus
- Meet with professors and academic advisors
- Attend a lacrosse practice or game
Compliance and Eligibility
Recruiting at the Division I level is heavily regulated by the NCAA, and coaches must ensure that they are in compliance with all rules and regulations. This includes adhering to recruiting calendars, avoiding contact with recruits during certain periods, and ensuring that recruits meet eligibility requirements. Coach Shay emphasizes the importance of compliance and notes that the coaching staff works closely with the university’s athletic department to ensure that all rules are followed. “We want to make sure that we are doing things the right way and that our recruits are eligible to play,” he says.
NCAA Recruiting Rules
The NCAA has established a set of rules and regulations governing the recruiting process. These rules include restrictions on contact with recruits, limitations on the number of official visits, and requirements for eligibility. Coaches must be familiar with these rules and ensure that they are in compliance at all times. The following table outlines some key NCAA recruiting rules:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Recruiting calendar | Restrictions on contact with recruits during certain periods |
| Official visits | Limitations on the number of official visits a recruit can take |
| Eligibility requirements | Requirements for recruits to be eligible to play at the Division I level |
What are the most important factors in Yale's recruiting process?
+The most important factors in Yale's recruiting process are lacrosse skills and talent, athletic ability and speed, lacrosse IQ and game sense, and academic record and potential.
How do Yale coaches build relationships with recruits?
+Yale coaches build relationships with recruits through regular communication, including phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings. They also invite top recruits to visit campus and meet with current players.
What are the key NCAA recruiting rules that coaches must follow?
+The key NCAA recruiting rules that coaches must follow include the recruiting calendar, official visits, and eligibility requirements. Coaches must be familiar with these rules and ensure that they are in compliance at all times.
In conclusion, the Yale lacrosse coaching staff’s recruiting process is built on a combination of identifying top talent, building relationships with recruits, and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations. By taking a personalized and attentive approach to recruiting, the coaching staff is able to attract and develop top players who are not only talented but also passionate about the game and committed to excellence. As Coach Shay notes, “We want players who are going to thrive on and off the field, and who will make a positive impact on our program and our community.”
