What advice do you have for players interested in Division II schools?

We are actually an NAIA school. The NAIA is a different affiliation separate from the NCAA, that contains a "Champions of Character" initiative. Where the NAIA has its athletes take on tasks that also make them better people off the field and after college. The University of the Cumberland's core values align more with that of the NAIA rather then the NCAA. Players interested in the NAIA should look into it because of its countless opportunities.

What is the best way for players to get on your recruiting radar?

Being proactive. We love it when a kid seeks us out and takes control of his own recruiting. We also encourage kids to use all the awesome recruiting resources available today. Not just the expensive recruiting websites, but other resources as simple as youtube. We love being able to watch lacrosse all day.

What type of players do you look for and where?

We look for kids that are what we call "3 tool players" on offense and defense. These three tools are different for both sides of the field but they all generally circulate around 3 basic principals. Throwing, catching, and footwork. On offense we want kids that can dodge, pass, and shoot. While on defense we look for players with good footwork, that communicate and that can clear the ball. If a player of ours can do these three things well then we as coaches know he has put in the time and committed himself off the field and out of practice because these are three things that need to be constantly worked on

What areas of player development would you recommend players focus on to elevate their game?

Stick skills are the quickest way on and off the field. A player's stick skills are one of the only things that he can control. It doesn't matter how big, fast, strong he is, or even how much he plays in a game. A player's stick skills are something that can always be improved. They are the most personal aspect of his game and can really show his commitment to the sport. A player should take pride in his stick skills and really own them.

How has the accelerated recruiting landscape impacted your approach to recruiting?

We tend to not push early recruiting. We try to only recruit juniors, and seniors. However, if we are contacted by a younger player, who was being proactive in his recruiting process, we will listen to him and definitely put him into our database. We will not give offers to freshmen, sophomores, or juniors; only to seniors. We will also host a younger kid on a visit if they would like to see the campus. But generally we try to stay away from recruiting kids too young.

Are there any last pieces of advice for players and families you'd like to share?

Most importantly find the school you like the most, not the lacrosse team. Lacrosse can be gone in an instant, but if you find a school you're happy at and tragedy does strike and you can't play anymore, you'll still be confident in you're decision. A player can do this by doing two simple things. The first is to not big time anybody. Whether the school is DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, or club. Look into it because you never know what you'll find, or where a coach will be in two years. Secondly, and this goes well with the first point. Enjoy the recruiting process because it will never happen again. Fill out all the questionnaires, take all the visits you can and get the rockstar treatment at every school. Recruitment to collegiate athletics will never happen again and it is as much fun as you make it.

ConnectLAX is a third party recruiting service and not affiliated with or endorsed by Pete Campbell or University of the Cumberlands.