Interesting not despite being the top team in the cross arguably the last few years, Northwestern does not have one top 10 rated recruit any of the class of 2026 or 2027. They all are going to schools like North carolina, Maryland but even Penn State Michigan Virginia and others.
Lacrosse recruiting
- Thread starter jensberg
- Start date
Well, they have the #1 incoming transfer class in the country, as well as Madison Taylor and lots of excellent veterans and younger players returning, so I wouldn't panic just yet.
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A few things going on:
1) KAH has never been persuaded by star ratings. She and Scott have an amazing eye for talent, and recruit players who fit with their system. They rarely have a top-rated recruiting class.
2) Most lax players are from the East Coast, so NU is farther from home.
3) KAH and Scott have said that part of their success is that players who come to Northwestern come because they want to work hard and win Championships. The players just tend to be more driven. b/c if you want a lifestyle school, then Virginia, Duke, UNC, BC, Michigan, Penn, Princeton, etc. all offer a perceived better college experience. Those schools naturally attract players, regardless of who their coach is and how good the lax actually is.
4) With the new House vs NCAA settlement, Clemson, Florida and some other public schools are now offering full scholarships to all players. This is hurting private schools where tuition is higher, so it costs the Athletic Department more to give full scholarships.
All that said, this year's recruiting class doesn't look formidable on paper. But we'll see how it plays out, since they won't step foot on campus for 2 years!
1) KAH has never been persuaded by star ratings. She and Scott have an amazing eye for talent, and recruit players who fit with their system. They rarely have a top-rated recruiting class.
2) Most lax players are from the East Coast, so NU is farther from home.
3) KAH and Scott have said that part of their success is that players who come to Northwestern come because they want to work hard and win Championships. The players just tend to be more driven. b/c if you want a lifestyle school, then Virginia, Duke, UNC, BC, Michigan, Penn, Princeton, etc. all offer a perceived better college experience. Those schools naturally attract players, regardless of who their coach is and how good the lax actually is.
4) With the new House vs NCAA settlement, Clemson, Florida and some other public schools are now offering full scholarships to all players. This is hurting private schools where tuition is higher, so it costs the Athletic Department more to give full scholarships.
All that said, this year's recruiting class doesn't look formidable on paper. But we'll see how it plays out, since they won't step foot on campus for 2 years!
'Cats have been at the very top in the transfer portal the last couple of years... The grad transfer year is powerful for young women who don't have a professional athletic career in front of them!
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I think the '26 class is stellar, but then again I'm biased because my youngest played club lax with Darcy Doyle. It was a joy to root for a kid who was both so tough between the lines, sweet and friendly off of it (her parents and and siblings are lovely).
I still remember during one summer tournament a few years back, and it was a muggy, 85-90 degrees and our girls had a tough loss in the first morning game. As they had an hour to wait for the next group game, and my daughter and most of her teammates were understandably were undercover and snacking/hydrating. Darcy grabs her water bottle, heads to the adjacent vacant field and she's by herself drilling dodge and roll against an empty net for 30 minutes. I saw that and I knew she was built different.
I still remember during one summer tournament a few years back, and it was a muggy, 85-90 degrees and our girls had a tough loss in the first morning game. As they had an hour to wait for the next group game, and my daughter and most of her teammates were understandably were undercover and snacking/hydrating. Darcy grabs her water bottle, heads to the adjacent vacant field and she's by herself drilling dodge and roll against an empty net for 30 minutes. I saw that and I knew she was built different.
I know Kelly as my daughter played for her first champion team. She’s relentless in pursuing wins as well as a great personality. I’d never bet against her even if we didn’t have such good transfers and recruits. We will be fine.