Directors Workshop: RECRUITING "What should I be doing now?....Time to have that talk!"

11 Feb by Brandon Husak

(For 2025-2026 Boys and Girls athletes/parents)
Additional recruiting content/advice can be found here.
https://www.mnloons.org/loons-recruiting-guide/

First off…. Connect with us! That is the very first thing I’d like to mention and if anything, else here does not stick, please remember that! Recruiting is unique to every individual in every situation. Do you have an updated highlight reel? Are your grades up to par? Are you responding to any emails, or are you sending emails? These questions all dictate a different direction on where to start or where to head next. Message me on IMLCA/IWLCA Recruits platform. Only if you are having struggles connect through email bhusak@mnloons.org but let’s get you used to that Recruits platform! I expect to hear from you all!

General Direction: Ok here we go. At this point we would like to give some advice on spring prep (not Spring yet, that’s a different message!) We have reached the meat of the college season. Coaches are in it, balancing out there first feel games and getting into a daily balance. They also are not able to keep up with emails. They will be very busy and even seem absent during the playoffs in May. Keep an eye on that. Schools you are interested look at their schedule, and when you email a coach maybe even wish them luck on their next game/vs. opponent. Be aware of the daily life of the people you are trying to communicate with! Current Juniors and Sophomores alike should be engaged in recruitment thoughts now.

IMLCA/IWLCA Account Activity—-
-You should have a completed IMLCA/IWLCA account along with current transcripts uploaded for factual accurate academic recognition.

-Highlight reel or at the very least a few clips need to be up on the account so coach can WATCH you play.

-Use the platform to search for schools that may interest you. Cast a large net. Here is where you can ask for help. I can give you an accurate assessment on where you can search regarding skill placement and projected development.

-Connect with me (Coach Husak). Email me a list of those schools through IMLCA/IWLCA Recruits platform. I can share insight on those schools/programs and even others that may be a good fit.

-Roll out emails/connections with coaches. For those who have an organized, full profile, and have proper schools selected I will in turn reach out to the coach with a personal connection. (I will not reach out if we have not had a discussion. I don’t believe in blind recruitment…all I ask for is to share intent and interest from you as a student athlete who would like to apply themselves!

PRIOR TO ALL OF THIS. IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING, MESSAGE ME AND I CAN HELP MOTIVATE A KICK START!

SPRING AWARENESS—-
FILM ALL OF YOUR SPRING GAMES. Probably the most regrettable thing that could happen going into summer if you do not have full spring film for highlights. Try to stay away from JV skill level opponents or a highlight reel full or weak opponent film. If you are an offensive player scoring against a team of defenders that do not move or always slam their stick on the ground after your goal THAT almost stands out more than your goal! Poor opposition is easier to recognize than you may think, and yes, you can’t change that. Just make sure you have CHALLENGED plays, plays with CONFLICT, ATHLETICISM, and ENERGY!

THINGS TO AVOID—-

-Do NOT EXPECT lacrosse recruiting to come to you. There is a good chance you will be disappointed in the end if you have high expectations but aren’t making every effort.

-DO NOT go it alone! Every athlete should be in contact with me (Coach Husak). Message Coach Husak through IMLCA Recruits account to keep recruiting content consolidated within this platform. Respectfully put: Mistakes I have seen student athletes/parents make in the past have come from assumptions or miss information made in this area. Lacrosse recruitment is constantly evolving beyond aspects we could all anticipate. There are a ton of examples and can be unique to your situation. PLEASE COMMUNICATE. We are here to share insight.

The “Wrap Up”—-

“What should I be doing now?”…well the answer to that should be, how driven are you and where are you ready to take this. How motivated are you to ask for questions, ask for help and guidance. Are you training, are you applying yourself in school? YOUR JOY AND LOVE OF LACROSSE need to show in these topics as well. If you LOVE THE GAME and apply yourself in Training/Development/Performance, recruiting and academics you WILL see the proper outcome leading to your success. Your EXPECTATIONS towards your future are REFLECTION OF THESE THREE CATEGORIES!

-Coach Brandon Husak