Navigating your High School tryouts-
By: Coach Brandon Husak

That time of the year! High school tryouts! Annually our high school tryouts take place right around the first week in April. We have a short period of time, precious time for “in season” high school lacrosse in MN. Our regular season consists of a maximum of 13 games that that have to fit in just over a month and a half season. Reminder that Sundays are no contact days, so that presents a required quick start, focused in season practices, weather cancellations/makeups, and limited contests to define your teams identity. A lot of effort, emotion, and sacrifice is packed into this short period of time.

There is no “standard” for tryouts amongst high school lacrosse tryouts. Some coaches choose their structure, and ones athletic department may suggest/require certain protocol. Some programs may allow middle school players to tryout and/or field a B squad team. I will say that every program has their own way, their own protocol and agenda on how they want to run their high school program.

Prior to Tryouts-
If you want to make an impact, dont expect it to happen on day 1. Show who you are, and how you can help, yes! This is something that you “should” be working on prior to tryouts! Prepare, train, show up to captains practices. I will tell you as a high school coach that no matter what you do prior to April, if you are not running on a regular basis you risk in season limitations like shin splints and other injuries. We run a lot within our drills, a lot of time working very very hard. Mobility workouts/stretching also aid in injury prevention. Make this a daily habit in your pre season prep. Here is my perspective on “in season development”. I am hyper focused on what my TEAM needs and where our TEAM will best succeed. The great players out there don’t essentially become great “in season” they become great in the offseason and prove it in season. They gain experience in season. We sharpen players tools in season, we may not have the time to focus on individual development for every player in our limited season, certainly not at the capacity that they could develop those personal tools in the other 9+ months of the year outside of MSHSL lacrosse!

Tryouts Days-
Bring positive attitude, especially as an upperclassman. Show up on time or early. Show enthusiasm and a welcoming environment to inspire and encourage others around you. Younger players, try not to let a new environment intimidate you. Tryout days can be hectic! Tryout jerseys are passed around, coaches may not know your name, new faces, seasoned upperclassmen….this can be a lot! Coaches have their hands full working through deep and important logistics that are stressful and exciting. "When will track be done using the turf? Does everyone have proper registration? Is our equipment all ready? Do the tryout eval forms look good?….none of that has to do with the judgement of a player! Its ok, and it is a lot to manage as a staff, but we are used to it! Control what you can control. You can’t control a coaches philosophy, judgment or agenda. Focus on the basics and dont give up until the whistle blows. Listen, be coachable and respond. Don’t just make eye contact but interact with your coaches. Use team termanology right away. You’re not (hopefully) going to be judged on the the first ball you drop, but what you do after that!

Tryout results and emotional impact/guidance-
I will start by stating that every program/coaching staff may have a different outlook/agenda on tryout selections. Our HS program has a very liquid varsity/JV roster positions. Players can move day to day, even within the same day as a game. We have an agenda and that agenda is to give adequate playing time but that could be reflected on a varsity or JV roster. We analyze what is best for our varsity program and where our players will best contribute, and where they will develop. I want to make sure a players is getting PT somewhere. It may be on JV because we need something different on varsity, or it may be a challenge or reward with PT on varsity. It can be very liquid and for different reasoning. In the end, in season “placement” is not a priority. Our priority to to create the best 24 person varsity roster for June. That simple. That is us. Other programs may have other standards. Don’t let the first first week dictate your season long attitude, unless it’s the dedication to improve!

Talk to your coach, try not to complain, and certainly do not judge others. Focus on your own bobber! Ask what you can do better and where you can make the best impact for your team. Bottom line, that’s what I look for, what can help make the best team “where” we need it and by “what time” of the year. If you feel like you have not had “your chance” or opportunity to move up, talk to your coach or your captain’s about what your strengths and weaknesses are.

For parents, please respect the space:
I once had a parent question their sons varsity placement compared to another player. The referenced that their child played above “the other player” in football, so when is my son now playing under “the other player” in lacrosse. A number of issues here, and in the end it all worked itself out! Please try to encourage your student athlete to own this entire process. The good times and the bad. Let THEM develop and try not to include yourself. Let THEM handle the rough times (when nothing has “crossed a line”) and have them navigate issues. If there are any issues about playing time, placement and so on, let them talk to the coach, try not to approach the staff. There is a unique relationship between a coach and a player (hopefully positive) but please respect that a player needs to confide in a coach. When this takes place, and its pure, theses two parties are able to get the most out of each other, the experience, and create the impressions that last a lifetime.

Words from a high school captains:
“I am a little more helpful with an underclassmen. An upperclassmen should already know. Some underclassmen may be afraid to make mistakes, but it doesn’t matter, go make the effort and be focused on that as an outcome. Focus on the basics, let that show your identity.”

Location

1633 Terrace Dr, Roseville, MN 55113, USA