A Conversation with Andrew Hauk from University of Scranton

Introduction

We caught up with University of Scranton Lacrosse Coach Andrew Hauk for a discussion about the Scranton lacrosse program and what he looks for when recruiting student-athletes.

The Conversation

What are you most excited about with regards to your program?

Our new up-tempo style of play, our brand new lacrosse facility, and the potential our team has this year because everyone has bought into upholding our high standards and style of play.

How would you describe your coaching style?

A players coach. Our guys know that I am very demanding and intense on the field but off the field they know that I am calm and easy going. They also know I will always look after them and help in whatever way I can to make sure that they are successful at whatever obstacles life throws at them.

What jumps out at you when recruiting? What do you look for in a player?

Offensively, I look for players that are athletic enough to play midfield but have polished sticks that can play attack. Defensively, I want kids who can stretch out defensively with good feet and play with a presence. Every player, regardless, of position needs to show that they have lax IQ and are coachable.

What are your “pet peeves” when recruiting?

Club team jerseys that I cant read, Team rosters that are wrong, players arguing with officials, parents on the coaches sideline and trying to look at their books.

What is the best way interested student-athletes should get in touch with you?

andrew.hauk@scranton.edu

What should student-athletes avoid in their messaging to college coaches?

Spelling errors, not providing cell phone numbers

Walk us through your timeline when recruiting a student athlete

We will identify recruits to put on our recruiting list as early as sophomore year. We will initiate our interest with a recruit in September of their junior year and follow them through the process for visits, prospect days, etc. We also leave one or two spots open for seniors in the fall because we know that their are great players that fall through the cracks every year.

What kind of players succeed at your program?

Guys that attack everything they do; not just settling to be “ok”. We hold a high standard for our young men both on/off the field, especially academics.

Tell us about your transition from lacrosse player to lacrosse coach.

My transition was pretty seamless because I started as a volunteer assistant even when I was still working to receive my undergraduate degree. I earned the respect of the players I was playing with in college and it translated the following year with my first year in a volunteer assistant coaching role.

What’s your recruiting strategy going into an event? After an event?

I go into every event with an open mind. I come prepared with a list of kids that I need to see play but I also understand that I need to see a kid play multiple times to get a full evaluation of his abilities and tendencies. Kids can have a bad day just like coaches have bad days so I always try and keep that in the back of my mind. After the event, I will look up the kids I had interest in (highlight tapes, stats, call club/high coaches) to either confirm/deny my decision to pursue a prospect. After that they will get a phone call (if number is provided) or an email.

Once again, thanks to Andrew for his time, and best of luck to Scranton this season!

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