The D3 Showcase will return to the Indoor Sports Pavilion in Randolph, New Jersey on January 20, 2014.
In advance of the event, LRNews will be running interviews with coaches from schools that have indicated they will be attending the event.
Today, we catch up with Vassar Head Coach Marc Graham. Check the video below for highlights from last January’s D3 Showcase, and keep reading for our Q&A with Coach Graham.
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Vassar has really come on the last few years. What are you emphasizing in the program that is allowing this to happen?
Really the biggest difference here so far has been my effort to recruit on a national level, since as a Top 10 Liberal Arts college we certainly attract students on a national level. My assistant and I have annually covered more than 30 recruiting events in the fall and summer as well as dozens of area high school games and state playoffs in the spring. That effort netted us 14 very talented players in our 2013 class, and we are looking at 10-12 more in the 2014 class with 7 early decision commits thus far. We have not only doubled the roster size in 2 years, but are getting players from nationally ranked high school programs that had other great options in the NESCAC, Patriot League, and other high level lacrosse programs at top academic institutions. I have also placed a priority on building a PROGRAM here rather than just a team. I have made great strides in building up our Alumni network, parents support group, and our standing within the campus and local community. It is still a work in progress, but I have been pleased with how far we have already been able to come.
What kind of player are you looking for when recruiting?
When recruiting players for this program I am looking for true student-athletes with the desire to achieve to their highest potential at everything they do. The admissions process here at Vassar is highly selective and extremely competitive. It takes a young man who has made a commitment to his academic success to even be eligible for an admission here. Once I have identified a talented player with a strong academic profile, then I just need to inform them that they can come here to Vassar and help us to move up the ranks in the highly competitive Liberty League and in all of Division III lacrosse. As an athlete they must be equally driven with a desire to be the best they can be. And they can do this while receiving an exceptional education.
What would you recommend players interested in Vassar should focus on both on and off the field?
First and foremost they need to concentrate on their academic success. No matter how good of a player they become, their college choices will always be limited by their academic success. Sometimes kids say to me that if they are the best player in the country they can go anywhere even without A’s. My answer is always: “You can’t go to Harvard; you can’t go to Yale; and you can’t go to Vassar without a very strong academic profile.”
Second I tell them that they need to focus on the fundamentals of the game and on strength and conditioning. No matter where you want to play, and at whatever level, it still comes down to throwing, catching, shooting, and defensive footwork. Until you have the ability to throw, catch, shoot, and handle the ball in traffic WITH CONFIDENCE, AT GAME SPEED with both hands consistently, then you always have work to do. Get on the wall and get in the weight room.
You have been involved w/ Division III lacrosse for a long time. What makes the experience an attractive and rewarding one in your estimation?
My attraction to Division III has always been that the emphasis is on the full experience. I have been fortunate to coach at two of the finest academic institutions in the country, that both compete at the highest level in all of Division III lacrosse. It is truly an ACADEMICS FIRST atmosphere, but winning is still a priority. We do not get preferred class scheduling, but rather I wait until the class schedules are chosen before I make my practice schedule. This allows me to get maximum participation at daily practices without interfering in a student-athlete’s academic commitment. Some players have to miss all or part of practice on certain days on a regular basis, but they know the expectation is simple: 1. FAMILY 2. ACADEMICS 3. LACROSSE. And that hierarchy is regularly reinforced within our program.
What makes the D3 Showcase event a successful one for students targeting the DIII experience?
Well first I know that with the Lacrosse Recruits guys running things, that the event will be well organized and that there will be coaches from both great colleges and strong programs. My assistant coach attended last year and was impressed with the venue and with the level of play. I also enjoy the events when I have the opportunity to actually coach a team and get to know some of the players on a more personal level. I am looking forward to the opportunity to coach and evaluate some strong players in January.
Thanks so much to Coach Graham for his time!
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Click here for more information on the D3 Showcase and to apply.
Coaches in Attendance at the 2013 D3 Lacrosse Showcase
Bard College
Babson College
Connecticut College
Dickinson College
Drew University
Franklin & Marshall
Gettysburg College
Hamilton College
Hiram College
Mount St. Mary’s
Muhlenberg College
Oneonta State
Salisbury University
Vassar College
Washington College
Western New England
Wesleyan University
D3 Lacrosse Showcase Schedule
Check In: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Recruiting Seminar: 8:15 AM – 8:45 AM (Parents Encouraged To Attend)
Games: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Rosters will be sent out Thursday before the event.
Coverage from the 2013 D3 Lacrosse Showcase
Event Recap of the 2013 D3 Lacrosse Showcase
LRNews All-Star Team from the 2013 D3 Lacrosse Showcase by position:
SportsRecruits.com Video & Highlight Packages Available
SportsRecruits.com will be designing special recruiting packages specifically for 2015 participants. All games at D3 Lacrosse Showcase will be filmed in High Definition.
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