Breaking into D1: The Path to Collegiate Athletic Excellence

According to Scholarship Stats, a website that compiles statistical data from various sources (NCAA, NAIA, etc.), about 7% of high school students will play a varsity sport in college, while less than 2% of high schoolers will be playing at Division 1 (D1) level. Undoubtedly, you have to be excellent at a sport for you to advance to a higher level, and what makes you more likely to get recruited by colleges is to understand the process and what you need to sacrifice to really give it your all..

Playing at the D1 level, the highest level of collegiate competition, demands significant time and dedication. Unlike Division 2 (D2) and Division 3 (D3) levels, which also offer competitive opportunities but with slightly less rigorous schedules, D1 athletes often commit the majority of their time to their sport. Joseph Kim ‘26, a Gilman lacrosse player who committed to UNC-Chapel Hill, shared, “I have a stick in hand every day.” During the season, Joseph participates in games and practices six times a week. Even during the off-season, he practices four times a week to maintain his skills. Chase Carpenter ‘26 and Connor Ward ‘26, who committed to Holy Cross and the Air Force Academy for Lacrosse respectively, also spend a good amount of time practicing during the week. Chase mentioned that besides his two weekly practices with the Gilman team and his club team, he also practices three extra times that week by himself that “last anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours.” This level of intensity requires unwavering self-motivation and passion.

However, only excelling in the sport is not enough to catch the sight of experienced college coaches. It also takes strategy to put yourself on their radar. First, an athletically prestigious high school already puts athletes on a stage in front of college coaches. Take Gilman as an example. According to Mr. Anthony Incontrera, the head coach of Gilman Lacrosse, Gilman settles in a highly competitive league (MIAA-A), which signals the intensity of its athletes’ competition to college coaches. Gilman also helps their athletes to connect with college coaches by “put[ting] our student-athletes on their recruiting radar and to provide a narrative that will help the coaches get a better understanding of each individual both on and off the field,” according to Mr. Incontrera.

While prestigious high schools like Gilman provide athletes with a solid foundation and invaluable connections to college coaches, individual efforts by athletes are equally crucial in ensuring they stand out. Chase emphasized the importance of leveraging platforms like the IMLCA to share gameplay videos and establish direct communication with coaches. Similarly, Joseph highlighted the need for attending high-level showcases and summer camps to enhance visibility and allow coaches to assess their abilities more closely.

While individual efforts and strategic visibility are vital in the recruitment process, finding the right college fit is equally crucial for an athlete’s success and growth. With over 70 colleges fielding men’s Lacrosse teams in NCAA Division 1 competition, every institution offers a unique environment that caters to different athletes. Academic programs and social opportunities thus play significant roles in shaping a complete and memorable college experience. On the other hand, Connor discussed his perspective on college coaches’ expectations that promoted him to commit. He responded, “The coaching staff truly made me feel valued, and that was proven when I called Head Coach Bill Wilson to tell him I was committing to Air Force and the entire coaching staff was on the call and were very excited.”

Competing at the collegiate level, particularly in D1 sports, is an extraordinary achievement that requires immense dedication, passion, and strategy. Athletes like Joseph Kim, Chase Carpenter, and Connor Ward exemplify the determination and focus needed to balance athletic and academic goals. Their journeys highlight the importance of perseverance, self-motivation, and thoughtful decision-making, serving as an inspiration to future athletes aspiring to reach similar heights.