NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

Justin Axel
Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
I would describe myself as a coach who is determined to get the most out of his student athletes on the lacrosse field and in the classroom.  Developing our student-athletes into the best possible student, athlete and person my primary goal as a head coach.  I lead by example, and coach my athletes in a positive way at all times.

2. What?s unique about the experience at your school?
We are a public liberal arts university.  We have the privilege of offering 34 different fields and 62 minors.  Most students are unsure of what they would like to major in, and we have many different fields for them to choose from.  Eastern is a mid-size school that offers amenities of a large school but at the same time,  still maintains a small classroom environment.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?
I am a firm believer that hard work, determination and desire can get you anywhere in life. I expect our student-athletes to leave “no stones unturned” in life, academics, family and lacrosse. We constantly remind our student-athletes to work hard, but to enjoy the journey and to have a passion for everything they dedicate themselves to.

4. What do you look for in recruits?
When we recruit, we look for young men that want to ALWAYS improve, continue a great tradition, are willing to do whatever it takes to make themselves and their teammates better, and to be the best citizen/person possible.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
Be as proactive as possible. Do not be afraid to contact coaches and programs you are interested in. As a coach, the last thing you ever want to do is miss a recruit because the lack of communication. Don’t ever be afraid to call or e-mail coaches.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
I like recruits to ask questions that show that they are truly interested in the program and that they’ve done their homework. When a recruit asks a personal question or a question about previous seasons/players, it shows me that they are truly interested in the program.

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?
Personally, I’m not a fan of prospective student-athletes that do not have the “Team-First” mentality. If they care more about statistics, playing time, and hanging out more than they care about the success of the team, we are not interested in them as prospective student-athletes. We also look for “high character” prospects. If we receive a bad recommendation from a coach or teacher, we are more hesitant to pursue them. We strive to build a great team culture surrounded by great people.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?
I think our program does a great job of allowing our athletes to discover their potential in every aspect of their life. We thrive upon teaching our student-athletes all the tools to be successful both on and off the field so that they can enjoy a great life both before and after graduation.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?
Eastern is a great program for student-athletes who want to better themselves as individuals, have a chance to be a nationally recognized team, win a lot of games, play along teammates who embrace the same philosophies as them, and have a wonderful college experience.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
Any recruit that is interested in Eastern should e-mail or call us at any point in time. We are happy to speak to anyone about their future as a Warrior.

Former Stockton lacrosse player and assistant coach Kevin Zulauf takes over as the head coach of the Ospreys for the 2010 season, his first opportunity to be a head coach at the college level. Under the tutelage of his predecessor Dick Rizk, Zulauf was involved with all aspects of the Stockton lacrosse program over the last two years including scouting, recruiting and coaching offense and defense for the Ospreys. During that time, Stockton won 16 games and qualified for the Skyline Conference tournament both times.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?  I would describe myself as a player’s coach. As long as my guys work hard and show me respect, they know I will always have their back. I want to always make sure my guys are giving it everything they got as well as having fun. I demand a lot from my players, but at the same time I understand the challenges that college students endure, which is why I will give them a day off that is unexpected or have a “fun” practice to make sure the guys aren’t getting burnt out. My philosophy will always remain the same; family, school, lacrosse; in that order.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?  The unique experience at Richard Stockton is the combination of an excellent education as well as an enjoyable college experience. Having a campus located just 15 minutes from the beach, as well as 15 minutes from Atlantic City, 45 minutes from Philly, and just a train ride away from NYC gives our students endless possibilities.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?  Recruits should understand that I am an extreme competitor and expect the same from every one of my players. Nothing will be given to them, my athletes must earn everything.

4. What do you look for in recruits?  I look for student-athletes who are leaders and who are willing to work hard both on and off the field. My job is to prepare these young men for all the challenges not only in the sport of lacrosse but in life during college as well as after.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?  Every recruit should keep an open mind and never hold back on any questions they may have. The biggest thing every recruit needs to do is understand that the decision on a college choice should be what is best for that individual. A recruit should pick the college that he is most confident in succeeding at.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?  I like any questions that a student-athlete may have because it shows their level of interest in our institution.

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?  My major turn off is a low gpa. A low gpa may suggest that a student-athlete may not be working hard in the classroom, thus does not have his priorities straight.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?  Our program is most successful at graduating our student-athletes.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?  Recruits should consider Stockton for many reasons. We have excellent academics as well as a nice campus with plenty of options in the surrounding area. Our lacrosse program is just a few recruits away from getting to the top of the conference as well as competing at the national level. We also have very affordable tuition as well as flat-rate tuition.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?  If a recruit is interested in Stockton, he should email me at the following address: ZulaufK@Stockton.edu. with any information about himself that would help in the recruiting process. Some of these things include a telephone number, gpa and SAT’s.

Coach Shawn Degnan is currently the Associate Head Coach of Becker College’s Men’s Lacrosse team. NCSA had a chance to sit down with Coach Degnan to learn more about Becker and the opportunities available for student athletes.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would describe myself as a player’s coach. I expect every player on my team to work hard and contribute as much as possible in order for our team to achieve its goals. My motto is: “Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard.”  That quote pretty much sums up my coaching philosophy.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?

The unique experience about Becker College first and foremost is the closeness of our team. There truly exists a great “team” attitude at Becker. We also have two campuses, one suburban located in Leicester, MA and another located six miles away in Worcester, MA. In Leicester we have our new turf field that overlooks the rolling hills of Worcester. The Leicester campus is surrounded by homes that were once stops along the Underground Railroad. George Washington passed through the present day campus in Leicester on his way to Boston at the start of the Revolutionary War. The Worcester campus is located in heart of the second largest city in New England with a population of 250,000 people. The Worcester campus offers Victorian Era homes that have been renovated as dormitories. These dorms have large bedrooms and full kitchens that are shared by the residents as well as living areas with flat screen televisions. Shuttles run every half hour between the two campuses throughout the days and evenings. As a student of Becker College you are also a student of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium. The Consortium includes 13 colleges and universities in and around Worcester. As a student of the Consortium you are allowed to take classes at any of the schools and also have access to their libraries, as well as their athletic facilities.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits should know that I am a sincere person who tells it like it is. I am extremely focused on my players as individuals and I try my hardest to ensure that they are always treated that way. I aspire that all of my lacrosse players achieve greatness both on and off of the playing field.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for recruits who possess quality character traits. I want players who will work hard in order to achieve their individual goals, both in the classroom and as part of our lacrosse team.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

All recruits should take the time to respond to the coaches who have made an attempt to contact them. A simple “thank you for your interest, but I am looking at other schools” is a polite way to tell coaches that you aren’t interested.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

The questions that I like to hear from recruits are the ones that are academic in nature. I like these specifically because it shows that the recruit is focused on the future. This, in turn, shows me that they will not only be successful in the classroom, but are also apt to be successful out on the playing field.

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete?

When you send a couple of emails and/or phone calls to recruits and never receive a reply from them.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Our program is most successful at turning out quality young men who are ready to “take the bull by the horns” in their next stage of life after graduation… their professional careers.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

They should seriously consider us because we are the best-kept secret in the Northeast. Once you experience Becker College, you will be happy that you chose us.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

I would ask any recruit who is interested in our program to email me at shawn.degnan@becker.edu or, if they prefer, they can call me at 508-615-8444.

Trevor Eaton was hired as head coach of the Salem State men’s lacrosse team in 2005. During Eaton’s tenure the program returned as a Division III varsity sport in 2008, and in the process earned the program’s first ECAC postseason tournament bid. 

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I try to be the type of coach that guys can come and talk to when they have problems off the field.  I make sure I set a lot of rules and guidelines so guys know what is expected, but at the same time, i try to be there for them when they need a big brother.

2. What?s unique about the experience at your school?

Salem State College is constantly growing.  When I was a student (only 10 years ago), we had 2 campuses and 3 dorms.  Now we have 3 campuses and 5 dorms with more being built.  Being a lacrosse player in our school is like being part of the biggest family, everyone knows who you are and wants to be apart.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I don’t like guys that blame other people, or refuse to take responsibility. 

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Guys that work hard and are willing to learn.  If a guy is willing to work on and off the field and has the heart, we will find a place for him.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Future recruits need to talk to the coaches of the schools they want to attend.  I think kids tend to send out an email and think that covers it, but if you really want a coach to start watching you, you should personally contact him and help get the ball rolling for yourself.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

When a recruit asks me about his typical day during season and during the off-season, then I know they are really thinking about how lacrosse effects my education.

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?

Couple things turn me off from an athlete.  First is when you watch a player and he is arguing with the referee or another player during a game.  It just doesn’t help your team and it’s not something we put up with here at Salem State.  Another thing that turns me off is when an athlete doesn’t care about his studies.  At the division III level, players are here for an education first and lacrosse second.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Since I started coaching at Salem State, we have grown.  Not just in numbers, but in quality of play.  Six years ago, we were a club team playing 2-3 games a year, then I took over and we became a nationally ranked club team(MCLA – #14 in 2007 – #17 in 2006).  Then in 2008 we started playing varsity division III games and managed to go 8-8.  Since then we joined the Little East Conference and have qualified for their league play-offs, both last year(and most likely this year).  Over this time our play has increased so that even average fans can tell that we are playing at a higher level.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We our one of the cheapest state schools in Massachusetts that offers lacrosse.  So you can get a great education and play lacrosse for half the cost of most schools.  If you add that to the fact that we have made a post-season tournament in all of our varsity division III seasons, you will see that we are building a quality program.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

If a recruit is interested in Salem State, they should check out our website and see what we have to offer:  www.salemstate.edu They can also get in touch with me at: teaton@salemstate.edu

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am very much a player’s coach. I try to make sure they have a great experience while focusing on academic achievement.

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

We are a small campus in the Catskill Mountains. Our programs are very diverse and the faculty and staff take a genuine interest in the students at Delhi.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I coach women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse. I dedicate myself to the sport in season. The relationships our teams will build are for a lifetime. I care about the people more than the stats.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Passion about their sport, good people, academic interests.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Be proactive. We take people seriously who inquire about our teams.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

What kind of academic support do you offer at Delhi? That means they are serious about earning a degree.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

Anyone who thinks the world owes them a living because they are an athlete. Also, people who are disrespectful to their parents.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

We produce a substantial number of Academic All Americans year in and year out.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

They will leave Delhi as a better player, a better person and more ready to contribute to society…..with a lifetimes worth of priceless memories and friendships, not only from their teammates, but from faculty and staff as well.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

E-mail me at learyrt@delhi.edu, call me at 607-746-4610.

Jim Ricardo is in his eighth season as head men’s lacrosse coach at Misericordia University.  Under Ricardo, the Cougars set a school record for wins in a season in 2004 and have tied the mark three times since.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I would describe myself as an energetic, enthusiastic, high intensity coach. I will bring intensity and dedication to every game and/or training session. If I coach with emotions, I want my players to play with emotion at play at their highest level.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?  What’s unique about Misericordia is that freshman will get an immediate opportunity to play. We are not one of those programs that you have to “pay your dues” before you can touch the field. Since we are still a relatively newer program my freshman start and contribute instantly.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?  My recruits need to know that I am an up front and honest guy. All I want is the same honesty back from them. Our recruits also need to know that I expect them to play right away and bring commitment to our team.

4. What do you look for in recruits?  We look for players that never give up on plays. Guys that are always hustling to every part of the field. Offensively, we look for guys that can create their own shots. Defensively, we look for guys that are aggressive yet play good fundamental position.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?  One thing every recruit needs to do during the recruiting process is simply be honest to every coach involved. If you are not interested in school X,Y and Z just take the time and tell the coaches thanks for the call but I am focusing on other opportunities.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?  One of the first things we want to hear from recruits is how do I become successful in the classroom. Then we of course love the guys that come in and ask what do I have to do to play and start for your team.

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?  Some of things that turn a coach off is on your visit your parents ask all the questions. We would like our student/athletes to take the initiative and be involved in the conversations.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?  Our program has been the most successful at retaining our student/athletes and excelling in the classroom as well. Last fall we had an over all cum of a 3.01.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?  A recruit should consider Misericordia because he has the opportunity to excel both academically and athletically. He will have the chance to impact our program instantly.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?  If a recruit is interested in Misericordia I would suggest they go to our website and fill out the online questionnaire. Also, follow up with an email to me stating your interest and any possible camps/tournaments you may be attending.

Andrew Baxter was announced as Rollins College’s first ever men’s lacrosse coach in March 2007 and will have the task of building the program from the ground up. Rollins will begin NCAA Division II play in spring 2008.

Baxter comes to Rollins from Mars Hill College where he has been assistant men’s lacrosse coach since August 2006.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?  

My players would say I am a tough, demanding, aggressive coach that expect his players to focus 100% of their time between School and Lacrosse. I am high tempo and push my players to be their best all the time.

2. What?s unique about the experience at your school?

Rollins is not like any other school in America. We have the most beautiful campus in the country. The academics are second to none. Students at Rollins are prepared to go into the business as they would coming out of a Ivy League school.  

3. What do recruits need to know about you?  

I expect the most out of you everyday. I don’t take days off and I expect the same from my players and staff. My father was a Naval Officer and I run our program very much like a that. No team that we play is in better physical condition than us. We are aggressive and tough.

4. What do you look for in recruits?  

Fast, athletics players with great stick skills and a willing attitude to compete in everything in life. I want players that want to be challenged, and want a competition in everything his does. I want players that want to be the best in the classroom, the weight room, the film room and the practice field. Players that will do extra work before or after practice to get better. Players that see their mistakes and work on fixing them.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?  

Put a film together. Send transcripts. Play other sports.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?  

I like hearing, “Coach, what can I do to get better and start for your team next year”?

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?

They only play lacrosse year round. I want athletes. You can learn so much about Lacrosse from other sports. Football, soccer, wrestling, and basketball all teach you things we use in Lacrosse. Also, I want players that are competitive.

 8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?  

We are only a 2nd year program. We are young but very talented. We do so many things right, we just need more experience. But overall our team will physically hurt any team in the country. We are big, strong and fast.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?  

They want the best education in Division II. They want a chance to compete for a National Championship. They want a beautiful campus and great weather. They don’t want to play in the snow ever again.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?  

They should email me at abaxter@rollins.edu

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I have mellowed with age.  I realize college is about getting the most opportunities as possible.  I encourage my players to be on the newspaper, class officers, volunteer, etc.

 2. What’s unique about the experience at your school? very small classes, great location in NYC, from the great female:male ration [6 to 1 female]

3. What do recruits need to know about you? I give 100% to the college experience and I expect my players to do the same.  Athletics is part of life, not life by itself.

4. What do you look for in recruits? athletes, you can’t coach speed and desire to be better.  Students who understand how to be organized.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? visit the college, look at the team roster, am I going to a team with a small chance of playing, will I be a practice only player, or can I contribute as a freshman?

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?  Will I be able to get academic help?  Do I have to fund raise for my gear, or is it included?  Can I work part-time?

7.  What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? The athlete who won’t tell the truth, If you already have another choice, tell me and I will leave you alone.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Well rounded athletes–they do more than just play lacrosse–they are RA’s, volunteers, involved in clubs and class activities.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?  Great education, generous financial aid, NYC and a chance to play as a freshmen.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

email:  dan.mulholland@mountsaintvincent.edu

Jacob DeCola was named the first head coach of the Albion College varsity men’s lacrosse program in April of 2009.  A former head coach at the high school level, DeCola has served as the top assistant coach at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., since 2004. He has also served as an assistant coach for the programs at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and the University of Utah.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
Demanding and intense.
2. What?s unique about the experience at your school?
We have a foundation for success in academics and athletics -we have been here for 175years and have had football for 100years to illustrate the point.
3. What do recruits need to know about you?
We believe in a commitment to excellence, I expect each player to be at his best in everything we do.  We respect Family first, Academics second, and our Team Commitment third.  I am looking for my athlete’s personal best.
4. What do you look for in recruits?
Athletes who can create and exploit space on offense.  Athletes who can dictate and take space away on Defense.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
Remember that they represent themselves, their family and also their H.S. program at all times.  Therefore, they should always be mindful in how they communicate and conduct themselves on and off the field and also with college coaches.   
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
Intelligent ones.
7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?
Inability to show enthusiasm.
8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?
Finding the best in each athlete, and bringing that out.  We learn to strive to be the best, and we talk about our commitment to becoming the best everyday.   
9. Why should a recruit consider your program?
If a recruit is interested in being the best, they need to look at our program.  Albion College provides an outstanding education, our commitment to student- athletes is evident as soon as an recruit arrives here in his freshman fall.
10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
Phone or email.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I am a coach who wants kids of strong charachter on and off the field.  I ask a lot of my players, we want dedicated kids that want to win.  I am very intense and I expect my players to play with a lot of heart and passion.

2. What?s unique about the experience at your school? We are a Jesuit University, one of 28 in the country.  We pride ourselves on educating the complete student.  Jesuit schools are held in high regard academically.  On the field we play in the most difficult conference in D2.  This is my second year and we are building for a strong future.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? With myself being a new coach we are building from the ground up with young kids.  Most recruits will have the oppurtunity to fight for a starting position as freshmen.

4. What do you look for in recruits? I like for 4 main things when recruiting.

1) How are his grades?
2) Is he a kid with a good attitude and a respectful kid?
3) Does he have good lacrosse IQ, does he understand the game?
4) He has to be very athletic

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Send a game film and highlight film if possible.  Contact me about what camps he will be attending. Make sure he is getting his work done in the classroom.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? What can I do to help the team. 

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete? Asking for schalorship money.  If we feel you are a great player we will offer you a scholarship package.  If we don’t offer you one it does not mean we are not interested it just means you may not be in our top ten.  I have 35 guys on my roster and about 20 kids recieve some sort of scholarship.  Out of that group that does not we still have kids that play.  If you don’t recieve a scholarship as freshman you can be offered one as a sophmore or junior if you work hard and get better.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? We are most successful for preparing kids for the real world.  We are very demanding academically which prepares kids to step into the work world right after graduation. 

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? Because they will play against the best competition at the D2 level.  We are very young and the future is bright.  Recruits will have the oppurtunity play as freshmen.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Jay Sothoron
Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach
Wheeling Jesuit University
O-304-243-2102
C-301-904-9218
F-304-243-2265
316 Washington Ave
Wheeling, WV 26003
www.wju.edu