Right Questions = Right College Choice
A lacrosse recruiting mini-guide on 3 important questions to ask from college programs.

by Daria Lucchesi

Owner of AFL Lacrosse
"If you want confusion and heartache, ask vague questions. 💔
If you want uncommon clarity and results, ask uncommonly clear questions" 🧘📈
Tim Ferriss
But first… a tip!
Get Multiple Perspectives:
👥 Coaches
Will tell you what you want to hear to get you there. They have recruitment goals to meet and may paint an overly positive picture.
🏃 Players
Won't have the coaches' perspective and naturally lean toward defending their choices, but they'll usually be honest with you.
💡 Pro Tip: There's many roles that make up a college program.
Ask different people in the organization, not just the coach. A diverse sample gives you a clearer picture. (Think strength coaches, trainers, academic advisors, etc)
Here are 3️⃣ questions to ask BEFORE you decide where you want to commit‼️
Question 1️⃣: "Why Shouldn't a Player Come Here?"
Ask this to a coach:
"Hey I really appreciate being here and I have a tough question for you - Why shouldn't a player come here?"
Don't make it sound rude or snarky, genuinely ask.
Why Ask This?
A coach who can openly discuss program limitations likely leads with integrity. Their answer reveals:
  • Program self-awareness
  • Coaching transparency
  • Whether they see athletes as individuals (if they discuss fit) or just recruitment targets
**You can also ask this of a player, but start with the coach!**
Question 2️⃣: "How Would you Rate ___ 1 out of 10" …. "What would make it a 10?"
1
Ask this to a Player:
"If I could ask you like 1 out of 10 what would you rate
this program in terms of [specific aspect]?"
Fill the blank with a specific aspect of education/school/program that is meaningful to you.
Once they give you their answer, follow up with
"Well, what do you think would make it a 10?"
2
Examples:
  • What would you rate a coach on a scale of 1 to 10?
  • What would you rate team culture on a scale of 1 to 10?
  • What would you rate the s+c program 1 out of 10?
  • What would you rate academic support 1 out of 10?
3
Why Ask This?
  • You'll get a good understanding of whats important to you and their perspective on it.
  • The number rating forces commitment to a position
  • The follow-up about reaching a "10" reveals:
  • Current improvement initiatives
  • Whether concerns are being addressed
  • Program priorities and values
Question 3️⃣: "What Would Make Me Fail?"
1
Ask this to a S+C Coach:
"What would make me certainly fail in this program?"
The S&C coach represents a critical but often overlooked perspective in your recruiting decision.
While many athletes focus only on the lacrosse coaching staff, consider this: you'll spend nearly equal time in strength and conditioning sessions as you do in lacrosse-specific training.
What makes the S&C coach's insight particularly valuable is their unique position within the program.
They often have more opportunities for individual mentorship than position coaches. They will also see you in your most challenging moments. In the weight room and during conditioning, you can't hide behind skill or talent - your true character, work ethic, and anti-fragileness (or lack there of) become apparent.
S&C represents one of the most demanding aspects of collegiate athletics. Having strong support and guidance in this area is crucial for several reasons:
  • They guide your physical development and injury prevention
  • They witness your response to adversity firsthand
  • They understand the complete athletic development system of the program
2
Why Ask this?
  • Their answer reveals program values and expectations.
  • You'll get a clear picture of what it takes to succeed physically in the program.
  • This question is powerful because it reveals:
  • Non-negotiable expectations + values of the program.
  • The true culture beyond recruitment promises
  • Support systems (or lack thereof)
3
Dig Deeper
Follow up with: "How does the program help prevent these failure points?" This reveals how much support you'll actually get.
Fine, I guess I gave you a couple bonus questions with those follow ups…
But let's keep going shall we?!
🚩 Here are some
Red Flags
to look out for! 🚩
Red Flag Responses: Question 1️⃣
Coach's Response Red Flags
  • Focuses solely on surface-level issues like "weather" or "distance from home," they may be avoiding real program challenges
  • Dismisses the question with "There's no reason not to come here," this suggests a concerning lack of self-awareness
  • Only mentions issues outside their control, they might struggle with accountability.. HUGE in women coaches in college..
Player's Response Red Flags (If you ask them)
  • Watch for hesitation or looking around before answering - this often indicates fear of speaking openly
  • If their answers conflict significantly with each other, there might be favoritism or inconsistent treatment
  • If they all give identical answers, they might have been coached on what to say
Red Flag Responses: Question 2️⃣
1
Perfect Scores
Players rate everything as perfect 10s but struggle to provide specific examples
2
Ignored Improvements
The improvements they suggest have been consistently ignored by the program
3
Consistent Issues
Different players cite the same major issues in what's preventing a "10"
4
Body Language
Their body language changes when discussing certain topics or coaches
5
Contradictions
They give high ratings but their explanation describes average or poor conditions
Red Flag Responses: Question 3️⃣
1
Physical Focus Only
The strength coach focuses only on physical attributes rather than mentioning work ethic or character
2
Lack of Support
They can't provide specific examples of how they help struggling athletes succeed
3
Sink or Swim Mentality
Their answer suggests a "sink or swim" mentality without proper support systems
4
Unrealistic Expectations
They describe unrealistic expectations or unhealthy training demands
5
Fear Culture
Their response indicates a culture of fear rather than growth
The Power of Asking the Right Questions

1

2

3

1
Diverse Perspectives
Ask different people in the organization for a clearer picture
2
Revealing Questions
Use specific questions to uncover program realities
3
Red Flag Awareness
Know what to look for in responses to identify potential issues
By asking these strategic questions and being aware of potential red flags, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of a sports program beyond the recruitment pitch. This approach helps ensure you make an informed decision about your athletic and academic future.
I know this picture looks scary, but I like the quote. Love me some Plato
Are you a serious female lacrosse player that wants to play in college? (hs + ms)
Send me a DM! 📩 Let's Train!