How to Stand Out at a Lacrosse Showcase: What College Coaches Actually Notice
Lacrosse showcases are one of the most important—and misunderstood—parts of the recruiting process.
Hundreds of athletes. Dozens of teams. College coaches lining the sidelines with clipboards.
And one big question every player asks:
“How do I stand out?”
The truth is, standing out at a lacrosse showcase has far less to do with highlight-reel plays and far more to do with how you play the game when coaches are watching closely.
Here’s what college coaches actually notice—and how you can separate yourself in a showcase setting.
1. Coaches Notice the Players Who Play Fast (Mentally and Physically)
Speed isn’t just sprint speed.
College coaches are watching for players who:
Make quick decisions
Move the ball immediately
Anticipate the next play
Play confidently under pressure
Holding the ball too long or trying to “do too much” is one of the fastest ways to blend in.
Tip:
Win your rep, move the ball, reset, and stay involved. Fast decisions stand out more than flashy ones.
2. Effort Is Impossible to Miss
You don’t need to score five goals to get noticed.
What will get noticed:
Sprinting on and off the field
Chasing ground balls
Riding hard after turnovers
Fighting through checks
Competing every possession
College coaches expect skill. What separates players is consistent effort.
If two athletes have similar ability, coaches will always take the one who competes harder.
3. Body Language Matters More Than You Think
Showcases are stressful—and coaches know that.
They’re watching how you respond when:
A call doesn’t go your way
You miss a shot
You turn the ball over
You’re not getting fed
Negative body language, slumped shoulders, or visible frustration are red flags.
What stands out instead:
Resetting quickly
Supporting teammates
Staying vocal and engaged
Next-play mentality
Coaches recruit teammates, not just talent.
4. Play Your Position—Don’t Try to Be Someone Else
One of the biggest showcase mistakes is trying to impress by playing outside your role.
Midfielders trying to dodge every touch
Defenders forcing clears they don’t need to make
Attackers drifting too far from their strengths
College coaches are evaluating:
Can you execute your position at a high level?
Do you understand spacing and timing?
Do you fit into a system?
Tip:
Be elite at what your position demands. Coaches recruit role clarity.
5. Communication Is a Quiet Separator
Coaches can hear you—even when you think they can’t.
They’re listening for:
Defensive talk
Slides being called early
Clear, confident communication
Leadership moments
You don’t need to be the loudest player on the field—but silence rarely stands out.
6. Coaches Are Evaluating You Between the Plays
Some of the biggest evaluations happen when the ball is not in your stick.
They’re watching:
Off-ball movement
Defensive positioning
How you support teammates
Hustle on substitutions
A player who’s constantly involved—even without touches—shows a high lacrosse IQ.
7. Consistency Beats One Big Moment
A single highlight won’t earn an offer.
College coaches are looking for:
Consistent decision-making
Reliable effort across games
The same player in the first quarter and the last
It’s better to be solid every rep than spectacular once.
Final Thoughts: Stand Out by Playing the Right Way
Standing out at a lacrosse showcase doesn’t mean doing more—it means doing the right things over and over again.
College coaches are asking:
Can I trust this player?
Will they compete at the next level?
Do they make teammates better?
Can they handle pressure?
If you answer yes to those questions on the field, you’ll stand out—whether you score or not.
Want More Recruiting Education?
At Backyard Sports Lacrosse, we focus on helping families understand the recruiting process, not just chase exposure.
If you ever want help preparing for a showcase, evaluating performance, or understanding what coaches are really looking for—we’re here. Schedual a time to talk HERE.