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

First you have to love and believe in the school. Second I always tell athletes to make sure that they are choosing a place that will help them first grow as young women, second as a student, and third as a lacrosse player. In Division III you are awarded the opportunity to be challenge, learn, and grow. Student athletes need to make sure to ask themselves if the school they are considering meets their needs to in helping them grow as a person, student, and athlete. It is also important for an athlete to ask does this school fit what my long term goals are as a person, as a student, and as an athlete.

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

I like when athletes call or email me. Its especially great when an athlete mentions specifics to why they like my school and team, as well as how it fits in to what they know they want. I always can tell when they have done their research on our school and program. It is also helpful when they send me footage and have their club or high school coach personally reach out to me.

What type of players do you look for and where?

I look for athletes who are going to work hard no matter what. I always tell my athletes that I do not care if they drop the ball, I just care if they work hard to get it back. I also look for those who are coachable and always looking to learn. If you arent you can never get better and improve your game. Your career in advancing is done. Lastly I look for good people. We spend so much time together on and off the field. Its important that even if my athletes arent best friends they are still there for one another as teammates with that kind of love and respect.

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

Stick skill is always key for development. I see so many athletes who are uncomfortable with using their non-dominate hand to being to stiff to change the level of their stick when protecting. If you spend a little time everyday on it, it certainly pays off. Also, always make a point to learn from someone who is in your position and can teach you more. If you are a middie and are working on draw control learn or watch someone who is a stud at it. You will learn the tricks of the trade and it will make you that much better. Lastly, take time in and out of practice to challenge yourself with what you arent good at or comfortable doing. For example those who are great attackers still need to know how to play defense even if its not a strength. The more you challenge yourself to be well-rounded the better your game gets.

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

I now will be talking to both sophomores and juniors even if I am still finishing up my seniors. In the past I wouldnt have bothered with recuiting rising sophomores and juniors. The major thing for me is I take the time with every recruit to ask when their recruiting deadline is. If someone is looking to commit ASAP or in the spring of their senior year I will work with them. Its important for me that they feel the most comfortable in the decision that they made and that I wasnt pressuring them.

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

There are so many fantastic programs, coaches, and schools out there. I think its important for an athlete to make sure they truly know what they want to get out of their college career and their overall experience. Ask yourself what your personal goals are. Is a goal is to be a starter and make 1st team All-Conference and 1st team All-Academic, as well as have an impact in your program? Or is your goal to play at the highest level and be on the best team that you can be even if that means sacrificing ever having to play? Its important to know these things about yourself and it will help you to find a school that will give you that. Be honest with yourself and the coaches you are talking to.

ConnectLAX is a third party recruiting service and not affiliated with or endorsed by Sarah Lamphier or Guilford College.