1. Why did you decide to sign with Adrian College?

I chose Adrian, because it had everything I wanted in a school. A great lacrosse program, but also a great program for what I want to major in. They take their sports and academics seriously, which is something I value. They also helped a lot financially, because it is not cheap to attend school here and they do their best to get you as much aid as possible.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

It’s great to know that I’ve excelled enough in my sport to be able to play in college. I wasn’t a big star on my high school team, so to do something that not many people get to do is cool. On top of that I don’t come from a lacrosse heavy area, so being able to stand out above amazing players from the hotbeds of lacrosse is a great feeling.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Don’t wait for coaches to come to you, be proactive. It shows a lot of you as a person to approach a coach by yourself and show them you have passion and drive to play for their team. Also be gracious, these coaches don’t have to talk to you, so reply to all emails, call them back, and always say thank you, because they’ll remember someone who was nice and genuine over the cocky star athlete.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My dad has really pushed me in my sports career. He went to as many games as possible, especially after missing a year because he was deployed to Afghanistan. He really knows the game now that I’ve been playing for 8 years and he helps the other parents figure out what’s going on. He also really wanted to be active in the recruiting process and he helped me say the right things to coaches which really helped sell me as a player.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I really want to excel as a player, and be better than I was in high school. I hope that I can develop my skills and push myself to be better than people thought I was. I also want to make people from my high school team proud.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Adams State University?

I chose this school because I absolutely loved the beautiful campus and the athletic program. I met the team and instantly knew I could feel at home with them and also have the time of my life playing lacrosse at the collegiate level.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I’m so pumped to play on a team where every player is dedicated and works hard to get the best results. My team will be like my family away from home, and I look forward to bonding with my teammates and also kicking butt on the field.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

If you want to be recruited you have to put yourself out there. I played on a club team for a summer, which is how I was recruited. Even if you can’t afford to play club, there are tons of websites that you can make a profile and ask coaches to look at you.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My biggest influence would be my club coach Jessica Livingston. She taught me not only to work hard, but to also the love the sport. She is the reason I’m playing in college. She always pushed me past what I thought was my limit. I thank her all the time for opening my eyes to what I was missing out on.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I want to make an impact on the people around me and also those who know I’m playing in college. I want to push myself to be the best lacrosse player people have seen. I want to be a player that my teammates can count on. I want to be the best I can be and enjoy the opportunity I’ve been given.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with the University of Kentucky?

Beautiful campus, reputation, it was also my first acceptance.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am excited to represent Kentucky between the pipes! I take academics as seriously as I take my sport, so I am looking forward to a successful year on and off the field.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Approaching the coaches before they approach you is key. You are one in a million athletes, and they have no idea who you are unless you take the first step.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

I think my peers have been my greatest influence because I see their successes and failures and it pushes me to be the best and realize what potential I have.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I would love to have a save percentage of at least 60% and lead my team to a victory over our rival Tennessee.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Susquehanna University?

Susquehanna provided a science program that fit my learning preferences. Along with being a liberal arts school, I felt at home on the campus. From the lacrosse perspective, I like the coaching staff and I agree with Coach Moan’s philosophy and goals for the lacrosse program.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

It has been a goal of mine to play lacrosse at the collegiate level since my freshman year, and now that it is finally achieved it’s the best feeling in the world.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Consider all your options and make sure to contact the schools you are interested in, as well as make as many visits as you can.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

Tim Coyne would be the biggest influence for me. I remember watching him play in the varsity games when I was just in middle school and loved his style of defense. He was also the defensive captain for my freshman and sophomore years and helped me transition into the varsity team. He was never one to get down on you, he only wanted to make you better, and that truly taught me a lot.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I would like to help Susquehanna win the Landmark Conference and earn our first bid into the NCAA tournament. For myself, I want to earn a starting spot at some point in my career and represent Minnesota the best I can.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Elizabethtown College ?

I chose this school because it was rather close to home and they are very stellar academically. I also believe the lacrosse program is on the rise and has a very bright future.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am very excited about becoming a collegiate student-athlete because it is all about taking things to the next level. I will grow as a student, as well as a lacrosse player and that is just very exciting.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Get involved with club teams over the summer and do your best to get your name out there. That is what it’s all about.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

Definitely my coaches because they taught me all that I know about the sport and helped me with the whole recruiting process.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I would like to help my team win as many games as possible and help make a name for Etown lacrosse.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Piedmont College?

From the beginning in my college selection process, I wanted to go to a school that would allow me to play lacrosse, but also give me the best education I could get. Piedmont wasn’t even on my original list, but a few emails were shared and before I knew it, they came from Georgia all the way to New Hampshire to see me play. After realizing that they were interested in me, I looked at the school in-depth and realized that it would be a perfect fit for me.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

Unbelievable. I never thought I would ever get to this point in my lacrosse career. I always looked at collegiate athletes as these majestic, superior players and when I got my first email from a college coach, I realized that I was among those elite players. Being able to say that you’re playing college lacrosse is literally one of the coolest things ever.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

My advice would be to not get discouraged. I know it may sound cliché, but it’s true. Many underclassmen in high school don’t realize that they are not a top priority to a college recruiter. They are looking for players who will be able to help them as soon as possible. I remember playing my freshman year for a summer team and all of the older players were being talked to by recruiters but I wasn’t. I talked to my coach and he told me my time will come, and sure enough, it did. Continue to work hard even when you’re younger; because even if a coach doesn’t come up and talk to you, you might still be on his list of future recruits.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

Hands down my dad. He has always been there throughout every sport I played, whether I liked it or not. He believes that there is always room for improvement. Yeah, the pressure gets to me sometimes, but in the end I understand that he is helping me and that’s what keeps me going. He is a great mentor and a huge motivator. He was definitely a big part of me getting scouted.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

By the end of my college career, I would like to be able to look back at all four years and feel accomplished. I want to know that I made an impact on my team, whether I was the leading scorer, the leading feeder, or the kid on the team with the most spirit. Regardless, I want to leave college, knowing that I will be missed.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with Gannon University?

I liked the whole environment and the vibe that the school had. I also liked all of the academic programs they offered. I knew that I’d get a good balance of lacrosse and school, which was what I was really looking for in a school.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I’m so beyond excited to become a collegiate student-athlete. It was always my dream to be able to do what I love, while preparing myself for the future. I know that enjoying my time playing lacrosse right now and being in school will prepare me for life after college, and I am so excited to begin the experience.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

I would tell other athletes to explore every option. Make sure you give every offer, or email, or coach a chance. Don’t say no right away just because it’s not your childhood dream. I made sure to look into every school that ever emailed me or called me. You never know when some place you have never heard of turns into your new dream school.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

I think the biggest influence in my sports career has to be my coaches. I would be no where if I didn’t have any of the people who coached me in my life, even my friend’s dad in peewee soccer. They all had some sort impact on my life, whether it was good or bad, they had an impact and made me into the person I am today. I am so glad I had my coaches to ask for advice, especially through the recruiting process, because I had no clue what it was going to be like.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I would just like to be happy and proud of myself. Whether that means I’m the star player, or if that means I’m the team cheerleader. As long as I’m happy with my role on the team, and I’m proud of myself and my teammates; I just want to be happy.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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Congratulations to La Costa Canyon Mavericks Boys Lacrosse goalie Eric Sanschagrin who committed to Princeton Lacrosse over the summer. We caught up with Eric and asked him a few questions to see how he made his decision and what he is most looking forward to. See what he had to say in his own words below, and check back later this week for his great advice for other athletes in the recruiting process.

What factors made you decide on Princeton?

– My main priority was to attend a top academic school, regardless of how good the lacrosse team was. Yet, like many aspiring lacrosse players, I had my heart set on playing Division I lacrosse. I decided early on that I wasn’t going to travel back east for school if it was just for athletic pursuits. I’d have rather played MCLA Lacrosse at an excellent academic school out west than at a lower level Division I school where I wouldn’t have fit academically. So, I sent out my emails to coaches whose schools fit my requirements. I emailed every coach or staff member listed on each school’s website. Thankfully, I got some responses and I was fortunate enough to hear from Princeton! Luckily, they were going to be at Under Armour All America tryouts in Ohio which I had already planned to attend. They noted that they would make sure to have their coach watch me while I was there. After a few follow up emails, I visited Princeton unofficially in July and absolutely loved the feel of the campus and the town of Princeton. During my visit I met most of the coaching staff and toured the campus and facilities. The coaching staff is made up of truly amazing individuals and I couldn’t be happier to have them as my future coaches. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to commit in July and I wasted no time in saying yes.

Were there any other schools you were seriously considering?

– No other schools made it past the “We’re interested” or “What camps will you be attending?” emails. I decided against doing a giant summer recruiting tour and only attended three camps/tournaments. This limited which coaches could have seen me. So, I was extremely fortunate to have Princeton make it to two of them. I was interested in the University of Pennsylvania, where my former teammate Reid Tudor is now a Freshman, as well as the other Ivy League Schools. Honestly, I probably would have settled back west if I hadn’t found something I truly loved.

What are you most looking forward to most about playing for the Princeton?

– After recently visiting Princeton for my official visit, I finally got to meet the team for the first time. First off, I’m really excited to learn from Tyler Fiorito (future teammate and goalie) We are both left handed goalies and I cannot think of a more qualified current college player to learn from. He will be a senior for the 2012 season when I’m a freshman. It will be nice to learn from a player whose prep lacrosse path was so different from mine. He entered Princeton as the top recruit in his class while my light summer schedule has left me largely unnoticed by most talent scouts and recruit evaluators. Also, I met my recruiting class while on my official visit and I was impressed by how down to earth our “Class of 2015” truly was. Coach Bates dubbed 2015 the “Unheralded Class” because we aren’t all well-hyped recruits and we have a lot to prove. I can’t wait for more time with the team and the chance to attend the University!

See Eric’s full SportsForce profile here: http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/esanschagrin

La Costa Canyon’s Mike Riis recently committed to the University of Denver to play for their Men’s Lacrosse Program. We caught up with Mike to do a little Q&A to see how he got where he is today and the advice he has for others on the same journey. See what he had to say below.

What factors made you decide on the University of Denver? First of all the academics, I plan on majoring in business and the program they have there is great. I also liked the location of it being close to home yet I am still playing big time Division I lacrosse. I was very impressed with Coach Tierney and his entire staff and I look forward to being coached by them over the next four years.

Were there any other schools you were seriously considering? The other schools that I was seriously considering were Drexel in Philadelphia as well as Air Force and Chapman University in California.

What are you most looking forward to most about playing for the University of Denver? The biggest thing that I am looking forward to about playing at Denver is the lacrosse games versus big time schools such as Syracuse and Duke. Those games will be huge for me because I have watched those teams play on TV all of my life.

What advice would you give to other student athletes looking to play in college? The main advice I would give is just to work hard. The main reason I am going to play lacrosse in college is from countless hours playing wall ball and shooting at the school nearby.

Congratulations again to Mike and his family! Check out Mike’s SportsForce highlight video below to see him in action.

We shared La Costa Canyon Lacrosse player, Alex Pardieu’s recruitment journey here. As part of catching up with Alex, SportsForce had a few questions for his coach, LCC boys varsity coach, Dallas Hartley. See what Dallas had to say about Alex, the FSU commit, below.

1. How would you describe Alex on the field (strengths, playing style, etc.)?

Alex hustles and his game translates well to full field situations. He can break down a defense and get his hands free for a shot or to get the offense moving. He plays great team defense on and off the ball. And he is great in transition where his speed really shows.
2. How would you describe Alex off the field (academics, leadership, etc.)?

Well mannered and easy going. Has a lot of friends and surrounds himself with good people who know their academics are the key to their future.

3. How do you think Alex will help a team at the college level (what should a college coach expect)?

Alex brings a strong work ethic, an infectious good attitude, and he wants to get better. He is very coachable.
4. How do you think Alex will develop over the next few years as a lacrosse player?

He has enormous potential. He will be one of the best players on his team and demand respect. Speed, team play, and the intangibles translate well to the next level.

5. Any final thoughts about Alex?
Pleasure to coach a kid who wants to be better every day.

See Alex’s Full SportsForce Profile at: http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/apardieu