September 1 has arrived. Your phone is nearby. You’re checking your email. You’re probably wondering who is going to call—and when.
First: don’t panic.
September 1 is an exciting milestone in Division I women’s lacrosse recruiting, but it is the beginning of this next stage of your recruiting journey—not the end.
Whether your phone starts ringing immediately or September 1 is quieter than you hoped, here’s what we want every athlete to remember.
Don’t Panic If You Don’t Get a Call Right Away
This is a big one.
Not receiving a call on September 1 does NOT mean your recruiting process is over.
Programs have different recruiting needs and timelines. A coach may still be gathering information, evaluating athletes, working through their list or waiting to see more from you.
September 1 is one day in a much bigger process.
Continue communicating, competing and advocating for yourself.
Stop Comparing Your Recruiting Journey
Your teammate gets three calls. Someone on Instagram posts that she talked to her “dream school.” Another athlete doesn’t hear anything.
It’s incredibly easy to start comparing.
Try not to.
Recruiting timelines can look completely different from athlete to athlete. Someone else’s activity on September 1 tells you very little about what your eventual recruiting outcome will be.
Focus on your process.
Stay Reachable
Keep your phone and email nearby and check them regularly.
If a coach contacts you, aim to respond within 24 hours whenever possible.
You don’t have to abandon school, practice or your life to stare at your phone all day. Just make sure you’re checking your messages and responding professionally.
Be Flexible With Your Schedule
Let your parents, coaches and even your boss know that you may need some flexibility to take recruiting calls.
You may also receive calls you weren’t expecting.
Whenever possible, have an idea of when you’re available so you can easily give a coach a few options.
Set Up Your Voicemail!
It sounds small, but it matters.
Make sure your voicemail is professional and that your inbox isn’t full.
If you miss a coach’s call, don’t panic. Listen to the voicemail and respond promptly with a few times you’re available to talk.
Always Respond to Coaches
What happens if a coach reaches out from a school you’re not interested in?
Respond anyway.
Be polite. Thank them for reaching out.
You never know how your recruiting process will evolve, and there’s no reason to close a door unnecessarily.
Prepare Before Every Call
Before speaking with a coach, take a few minutes to refresh yourself on the program.
Know:
- Why you’re interested
- A little about the team and school
- What you’re looking for in a college experience
- At least two thoughtful questions you’d like to ask
And remember: some calls may be unexpected. That’s okay! You don’t need to know everything to have a good conversation.
Keep Your Options Open
At the beginning of junior year, we recommend having a broad list of approximately 10–30 schools you’re considering.
Your list can—and probably will—change dramatically as you go through the recruiting process.
And don’t overlook Division II and Division III programs. There are incredible academic and athletic opportunities across all three divisions.
September 1 Is a Starting Line
There can be so much anticipation surrounding September 1 that it’s easy to feel like everything needs to happen that day.
It doesn’t.
Some athletes will have busy Septembers. Others will gain momentum later. Your list will change. Coaches’ lists will change. You’ll learn more about what you actually want.
Stay engaged. Keep communicating. Keep playing. Keep your options open.
And most importantly, don’t let one day define your recruiting journey.
Happy recruiting!
– Tori & The LineUP Team
