DIII Lacrosse Schools Ranking?

Hello everyone. Lacrosse is my absolute favorite and I'm aiming to join a DIII college with a strong lacrosse program. Do we have rankings for this? What should I be focusing on apart from just the rankings?

Hello! The quality of DIII lacrosse programs can vary quite a bit, and I'd caution against using rankings as your one-and-only guide. The NCAA provides a list of all DIII members, and individual websites like Inside Lacrosse often provide rankings, however, remember that these are only one piece of the puzzle.

First, consider the academic fit of the college. Being a student-athlete is a demanding role, so you'll need a school where you feel comfortable with the academic intensity and where you'll have the opportunitiy to study what you're passionate about.

Second, consider the overall fit of the school - its size, location, culture, community. Often student-athletes spend a lot of time with their team, so it's worth researching what the team is like as well.

Finally, try to get a sense of the coach and their philosophy. As an athlete, your coach will play a significant role in your college experience. Check if you can find interviews with the coach online to get a sense of their philosophy and coaching style.

To evaluate the strength of a program, you might consider elements like the team's win-loss record, the strength of the conference they play in, and the achievements of their athletes (like All-Conference and All-American honors). It can also be helpful to ask current or former players about their experiences in the program.

Remember, the "best" program for you depends on what you're looking for in your college experience. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this type of question. You might consider casting a wide net initially and then narrowing down your choices based on your research and interactions with each college. Good luck with your search!