You are my “Number 1”—Why this can really hurt you in the long run Saying “you’re my #1” feels respectful, but in recruiting it can hurt trust, reduce leverage, and limit flexibility—all of which work against your son long term. 1. It damages credibility if coaches find out College lacrosse is a tight network. Coaches regularly: - Talk at tournaments - Share notes on recruits - Move between programs If your son tells more than one school they’re his top choice and that information circles back, it makes him look dishonest—even if he didn’t mean it that way. Once trust is gone, it’s very hard to rebuild. 2. It removes your negotiating power When a coach believes they are your clear #1: - They feel less pressure to move quickly - They may delay offers or stop competing for your son Recruiting is still a competitive process. Keeping interest strong—but not exclusive—encourages schools to stay engaged and proactive. 3. It locks your son into a decision before he has full information Things change frequently in recruiting: - Coaching staff turnover - Roster shifts at his position - New academic or athletic opportunities

The interest email means almost nothing at the DI level When a DI coach sends your kid a camp invite or a general interest email, most families treat it like an offer is coming. It's not. Those emails are often mass-generated by recruiting coordinators or graduate assistants told to cast a wide net. The real signal is whether the position coach makes direct contact, mentions a specific game they watched, or references a specific play. Generic interest from a head coach means less than a specific text from the position coach who actually coaches your kid's spot. Chasing phantom interest is one of the biggest time-wasters families fall into.

Groton - School Spotlight Nestled on 480 acres in rural Massachusetts, Groton School is one of New England's most selective prep schools, offering an intimate, world-class education to just 380 students. Small classes. Big impact. Groton's culture is built on three words: Character, Leadership, and Service. With a tight-knit boarding community and unmatched support systems, students don't just attend Groton, they belong to it. A common misconception: Groton is out of reach. The reality? 44% of students receive need-based aid, and Groton's beyond-need-blind admissions policy makes it one of the most accessible elite prep schools in the country. Don't let the prestige fool you, they're serious about access. Groton isn't looking for one-dimensional students. They want hard-working, well-rounded people who lift the spirits of those around them. Grades matter, but character matters more. Groton lacrosse is a full-program experience, from the spring Florida training trip to ISL competition, players at every level are developed with intention. Coaches are mostly full-time faculty, many with collegiate playing backgrounds. Groton lax isn't just a team, it's a pipeline.

Deerfield Academy School Spotlight One of New England's most storied prep schools, Deerfield Academy has been shaping young leaders since 1797. Tucked into a historic village in Western Massachusetts, it's the kind of place that feels timeless — and performs at the very top. Deerfield has quietly moved away from the AP arms race — instead building a curriculum where college-level thinking is the standard. The results speak for themselves: 30% of graduates are accepted to Ivy-level institutions, and 100% go on to four-year colleges. Deerfield is a full-immersion experience. With 85% of students on campus on weekends and a campus that feels like its own world, the connections students make here are the kind that last a lifetime. Citizenship isn't just a value — it's a daily practice. Don't let the price tag stop you from applying. Deerfield's $920 million endowment means they can back up their commitment to access in a real way — free tuition for qualifying families, and a cap on costs for many more. This is one of the most financially generous prep schools in the country. Deerfield lacrosse is the real deal — on both sides. The girls program has built a culture of quiet excellence, with nearly all winning seasons since 2015 under a coach who brings elite collegiate pedigree and a Team USA résumé. The boys program? 33 consecutive winning seasons and a national ranking says everything. This is where serious players come to grow.

🏆 COMMITMENT BOARD This thread is for you. If your athlete received an offer, verbally committed, was accepted to a prep school, or made a final decision this month — post it here. Use this format: Name: Grad Year: Position: Committed / Placed To: Division / Level: How Long Was Your Process: One Thing That Made the Difference: Every commitment gets celebrated here. Drop yours below 👇