7.   Small Colleges Have Weak Teams.

Most athletes believe the misconception that NCAA D-I is the only way to go and that all other college divisions are inferior. Don’t fall into this trap! If you do, you will eliminate hundreds of great schools that need a student-athlete just like you. Keep your options open.

LESSON LEARNED: Surprisingly, many D-II, D-III, and Junior College teams stack up well against D-I schools. If you are set on attending a large University, many have competitive club teams that compete on the national level.  Don’t neglect them simply because of their affiliation.

8.   I’m Only Considering Schools Where I Can Earn A Full Ride.

Full-ride scholarships are not as readily available as most athletes and parents think. Most scholarship money is divided into partial scholarships. The number of “Full Rides” received by lacrosse players is very small. A UVA men’s lacrosse coaching staff member recently noted they have given out 3 “full rides” in their school’s history.

LESSON LEARNED: Don’t expect that an athletic scholarship will allow you to attend school for free. Even if you are one of the fortunate few to receive an athletic scholarship of any kind, you will probably still have to pay for other college expenses through parental support, a student loan or financial aid. 

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