A Guide To Pathways To Playing Lacrosse After College
Graduating from college is a momentous milestone, but for many lacrosse players, it often marks a bittersweet moment as their competitive playing days in college draw to a close. However, transitioning from collegiate lacrosse doesnt have to mean the end of your journey with the sport. There are numerous pathways to continue playing and engaging with lacrosse after college, offering opportunities to fuel your passion and stay connected to the vibrant lacrosse community. Whether you aim to maintain your competitive edge or contribute to the sports growth, playing lacrosse post-college can be a rewarding experience.
Joining Amateur Lacrosse Leagues: A Popular Pathway
One of the most accessible avenues for continuing to play lacrosse after college is through amateur leagues. These leagues provide a middle ground between the rigors of collegiate play and the lower pressure of purely recreational play. Amateur leagues offer a chance to keep the competitive spirit alive while enjoying the camaraderie and regular exercise that the sport brings.
Scouting for local leagues is straightforward; you can often find information through local sports organizations, online forums, or by networking within your community. Joining an amateur league is a fantastic way to meet new people while keeping your skills sharp and your love for the game alive.
Professional Lacrosse: Making a Career Out of Your Passion
For those with a dream of making lacrosse a career, professional leagues such as the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) offer a path to play at the highest level. Pursuing a professional lacrosse career requires dedication, rigorous training, and a strategic approach to networking and building your profile. The rewards of playing professionally include not only financial benefits but also the thrill of competing at an elite level and the opportunity to become a role model for aspiring players. Its a challenging path, but for those with the talent and tenacity, it can be incredibly fulfilling.
International Opportunities: Embracing Global Lacrosse
Lacrosse is growing globally, presenting exciting opportunities to play abroad. International leagues and tournaments offer unique experiences that combine travel, cultural exchange, and competitive play. Transitioning to international lacrosse can enrich your personal and professional life, allowing you to embrace diverse playing styles and forge friendships across borders.
To embark on this journey, research countries where lacrosse is popular, connect with international teams, and prepare for the adventure of adapting to new environments and styles of play.
Coating and Mentoring: Sharing Your Lacrosse Knowledge
If playing is no longer your primary focus, coaching and mentoring can be an excellent way to stay involved. Sharing your knowledge with younger players helps cultivate their skills and passion for the game. Becoming a coach or mentor allows you to impact the next generation positively, shaping their experiences and contributing to the sports growth.
Start by volunteering at local schools, joining youth programs, or assisting college teams. Your insights and experience can inspire and guide budding athletes in their lacrosse journey.
Staying Connected: Building a Lacrosse Community Network
Networking within the lacrosse community keeps you engaged and opens doors to various opportunities. Staying connected can lead to coaching positions, participation in special events, or even collaborations in lacrosse-related projects. Attend lacrosse events, participate in forums, and leverage social media platforms to maintain and grow your network.
This connectivity not only enriches your personal lacrosse experience but also supports the broader lacrosse communitys development.
Maintaining Fitness and Skills: Preparing for Long-term Play
Post-college, its crucial to maintain your fitness and lacrosse skills to ensure longevity in the sport. Regular exercise, skill drills, and participation in local games can help you stay in shape and ready for play. Balancing fitness with lifes other commitments requires discipline, but the benefits extend beyond the field, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Incorporating routines that focus on stick skills, endurance, and agility can help you stay sharp and competitive.
In Closing: Navigating Your Lacrosse Journey Post-College
The end of college lacrosse is just the beginning of a broader journey with the sport. Whether you choose to play, coach, or engage with lacrosse in other ways, there are numerous paths to explore. Each pathway offers unique rewards and opportunities to contribute to lacrosses growth. Embrace the challenge, pursue your passion, and enjoy the lifelong benefits of playing lacrosse after college. With dedication and enthusiasm, your lacrosse journey can continue to flourish and inspire others along the way.
By exploring these pathways, you can find a way to stay connected to the game and continue making meaningful contributions to lacrosse. Each path offers distinct advantages and the chance to stay involved in the vibrant lacrosse community.