How did the school you chose separate itself from the others you considered?
The coaching staff is what set Marist apart. They are focused on relationships and push all the players to be their best, have a strong work ethic but also have a good time. All three coaches stayed with our family during the visit and went out of their way to introduce us to players during and outside of practice.
How would you describe your recruiting process overall?
The recruiting process was exciting, stressful and eye-opening. It made me aware of schools, programs and opportunities I did not know existed when I started originally.
What was your favorite part of the recruiting process?
The opportunity to go visit schools and see their facilities, meet active players and each program's coaching staff.
What opportunities and information assisted you during your recruiting process?
Before the process started Coach Flanagan helped my family and me understand what I was looking for in a school. He also helped us see what each school brought to the table. Doing research ahead of time helped me know what questions to ask and how I should look at each program when
visiting schools.
Did you feel like you had support from the Team 24/7 Staff during your process? If so, how?
Yes in many ways. Team 24/7 held one on one parent meeting, helped promote me on social media and made sure we attended challenging tournaments where plenty of colleges were represented.
The 24/7 coaching staff networked with NCAA coaches before, during and after games and held opportunities for specialized training at their offseason Elite Academies. Coach Flanagan's vetting of programs before them reaching out and recommendations for showcases all were extremely helpful.
What individual or showcase events, if any, did you find the most beneficial during your process?
Midnight Mania, Inside Lacrosse showcases and NXT showcases were very beneficial. Prospect days also gave me an idea of what coaches were specifically looking for when I was displaying my skillset in front of them.
What would you tell younger players or parents to help them prepare for the recruiting process?
Don't ever close a door on a coach, be open to schools you have never heard of, keep detailed notes and remember that you are a student first. It should be a school you would want to attend even if lacrosse wasn't involved.
And lastly, for you parents, my family recommends reading The Complete Parents' Guide to Men's College Lacrosse Recruiting by the lax dads.
