Understanding the Lacrosse Recruiting Process

Understanding the Lacrosse Recruiting Process with Sacred Heart’s Coach Jon Basti

In a recent interview on the Inside Lacrosse Podcast, Sacred Heart’s head coach Jon Basti shared his in-depth knowledge of the college lacrosse recruiting process. Hosted by Terry Foy, the discussion provided valuable insights into how college coaches identify, evaluate, and ultimately recruit players to build a strong and cohesive team. For aspiring players and parents looking to navigate this journey, Basti’s perspective serves as a helpful guide.

The “Waves” of Recruiting

Coach Basti describes recruiting as a process that unfolds in waves. Each wave represents a different phase of evaluation and engagement with prospective student-athletes. This approach allows coaches to manage the complexity of recruiting while keeping a close eye on emerging talent.

• Initial Evaluation
  The first wave starts with scouting. Coaches attend various high school games, club tournaments, and showcases to observe players. At this stage, they’re looking at a broad pool of athletes, evaluating basic skills, athleticism, and lacrosse IQ. The goal here is to identify potential fits for the program’s style of play.
• Narrowing the Pool
  Once coaches have seen a broad range of players, they move into the next wave—narrowing down the list to those who meet specific criteria. This step involves looking beyond just athletic abilities. Coaches start factoring in other aspects like character, coachability, academic performance, and how well they fit into the culture of the program.
• Getting Personal
  After identifying a shortlist of prospects, the next wave focuses on building relationships. Basti emphasized the importance of not just knowing the player but also understanding their family dynamic. He frequently talks with parents to gauge their level of involvement and support for their child’s athletic journey. This step is crucial because a strong support system often correlates with a player’s ability to handle the rigors of college sports.

Importance of Relationships

Building relationships is a cornerstone of Basti’s recruiting philosophy. For him, recruiting is more than just filling roster spots—it’s about finding individuals who will thrive in the program’s environment. He invests time in understanding not just the player’s capabilities on the field but also their personality and work ethic off it. This relationship-building often starts with casual conversations at games or during campus visits.

Basti shared that he looks for players who are passionate, resilient, and willing to put in the extra work. He also values honesty in these interactions, as it sets the foundation for trust and transparency throughout the recruiting process. Prospective athletes and their families should be prepared for these deeper conversations, as they provide a window into the player’s mindset and motivations.

Evaluating Fit Beyond Skills

One of the most valuable insights from Coach Basti’s interview is that recruiting isn’t just about finding the most talented athletes—it’s about finding the right fit. Basti noted that a player’s technical skill is only part of the equation. He’s equally interested in how a recruit’s values align with the team’s culture and how well they can adapt to the demands of college lacrosse.

For example, a highly skilled player may not be the best fit if they’re not open to feedback or if they struggle to mesh with teammates. Conversely, a player with a great attitude, strong academic background, and a team-first mentality can sometimes outweigh pure skill when it comes to receiving an offer.

Advice for Recruits and Parents

For families new to the recruiting process, Basti advises being patient and open-minded. The process can be long and sometimes stressful, but he encourages parents and players to enjoy it and take each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow.

He also suggests being proactive and honest with coaches. If a player is genuinely interested in a school, they should express that interest clearly. Similarly, if a program doesn’t seem like the right fit, it’s okay to communicate that early on. This level of transparency helps both parties make informed decisions.

Final Thoughts

Recruiting is a complex and multifaceted process that involves much more than just evaluating talent. As Coach Basti’s insights reveal, it’s about relationships, understanding fit, and building a team that can succeed on and off the field. For players and families looking to navigate this journey, focusing on these aspects can make all the difference in finding the right collegiate home.