Study and play lacrosse in America – Receive an athletic scholarship as a lacrosse player.
Do you want to combine your lacrosse dream with a recognized bachelor’s or master’s degree in the United States? In America, college lacrosse is an incredibly popular and fast-growing sport. Games attract thousands of passionate fans, are broadcast live on national television, and the on-campus sports facilities are world-class. With a lacrosse scholarship in the US, you can make this unique experience a reality without having to bear the sky-high tuition costs entirely on your own.
Moreover, as a student-athlete you learn to thrive in a team environment and develop traits such as structure, time management, and team spirit, which will help you succeed both on and off the field later on.”
How does a lacrosse scholarship work in the US?
A lacrosse scholarship is a financial grant from an American university that allows you to cover (a portion of) your tuition, housing, and training. With over 500 universities offering lacrosse at various levels (think NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA), there are opportunities for everyone. The main requirement? That you are absolutely passionate about the game.
The foundation is the athletic scholarship, which is awarded based on your talent. A coach can offer you a scholarship up to a ‘full ride,’ which covers all your expenses. Additionally, you may also be eligible for:
- Academic Scholarships: For good grades (GPA) and test scores (SAT/ACT).
- International Student Aid: Special funds to attract non-US students.
The trick is to ‘stack’ these scholarships to create the best possible offer.
What costs does a lacrosse scholarship cover:
Tuition
Your scholarship can cover the full cost of tuition, which can range from $10,000 to over $70,000 per year.
Training gear
You will receive complete sets of team apparel, racquets, bags, shoes, and professional stringing services, all provided by the university.
Housing and meals
The costs for your room on campus (‘dorms’) and your daily ‘meal plan’ can be fully covered by your scholarship.
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance and some schools require international students to take a school’s policy.
Study books
A significant expense that is often included in your scholarship package, saving you between $400 and $1200 annually.
Personal Expenses
With a ‘full ride’ scholarship, you may even receive an extra monthly stipend for personal expenses.
Life as a college lacrosse player: field practice & competition
As a student-athlete in the US, you step into a fully professional sports environment designed to make you better every day. You are surrounded by a team of experts and have access to world-class facilities. These include:
- A complete coaching staff: Support from specialists such as a strength and conditioning coach, a nutritionist, and a mental coach.
- First-class facilities: From perfectly maintained lacrosse fields and extensive fitness centers to a dedicated locker room and ice baths for optimal recovery.
- Medical care: Daily access to your own athletic trainers (physical therapists) for injury prevention, massages, and treatments.
- Professional team gear: Before the season begins, you will receive an extensive package of apparel and lacrosse gear (such as team clothing, cleats, and protective equipment) from top brands, fully customized with your university’s logo.
Travel across America & compete for the championship
During the season, you play intense away games against rival universities within your Conference. If your team performs well, you will qualify for the national NCAA knockout tournaments. But the experience goes way beyond just the games on the field:
- Traveling as a team: For away games, you travel with the team by luxury charter bus or airplane across America. The university arranges and finances all hotel accommodations and meals during these trips. This means not only playing lacrosse, but also discovering the diversity of America.
- The dream of ‘The Nationals’: The ultimate goal of the season is qualifying for the conference tournament and then ‘The Nationals’: the nationwide knockout tournament. Here, the best teams from all over the US compete for the coveted National Championship. This is the ultimate stage where dreams come true.
Overview of an academic year
The fall semester (often referred to as the ‘off-season’) is used to intensively prepare for the upcoming spring season. In addition to daily practice, the schedule includes tournaments and friendly matches.
Showtime! – During the season, you practice daily and play 1 to 2 games per week. The season begins with a number of pre-season games, followed by conference and regional matchups. If your team has done well, it can qualify for the National Championships.
Summer break – There is a possibility to stay in The USA and take summer classes or work in camps. Most students decide to go back to their families to enjoy the 2.5 month break to rest and individual preparation for pre-season.
A day in the life of a college lacrosse student-athlete
Athletics and academics are 100% aligned, and the university does everything it can to help you perform at your best, both on the lacrosse field and in the classroom.
6:30
Weight/Conditioningget ready for the
weight/conditioning
training
7:45
Shower/BreakfastAfter showering, have breakfast with your teammates or friends at one of the dining facilities on campus.
8:30
Classes11:45
LunchLunch with your teammates and friends at one of the dining facilities on campus.
12:30
Classes14:30
PracticeGet ready for afternoon practice in the “training room.” Here, you can get taped or treated by the athletic trainer (physiotherapist).
17:30
Recover/Shower/Dinner19:00
Study/LeisureTime for studying or homework. It is also common to attend games of other sports teams on campus to show your support. The rest of the evening is yours to fill in.
4 unique facts about college lacrosse
- College lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports at American universities: This is creating more and more scholarship opportunities.
- Coaches recruit internationally: More and more American coaches are looking outside the United States for talented players. International athletes often bring a different playing style and experience, which makes them highly attractive to college teams.
- Games with thousands of fans: At many universities, big games attract thousands of supporters. Rivalry games in particular create an incredible atmosphere and a unique sports experience.
- Opportunity to play against future pros: Many players from the NCAA transition to professional leagues such as the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) or the National Lacrosse League (NLL). During your college career, you will regularly play against players who go on to become professionals.
Excited to get started?
Take the first step today to discuss your opportunities.