Summer Lax is Over. Now What?

Good morning.

I’m Jake and this is Recruit Report presented by Apex Lacrosse Events.

I’m your friend who tells you everything you need to know about high school lacrosse.

Apex just opened up limited spots for the Apex Fall National Showcase.

Over 200 alumni are now playing D1 lacrosse, and there’s over 30 college lacrosse coaches attending.

Spots are closing soon, and you can fill out an interest form here.

Now, let’s get into it!

Summer Lax Is Almost Over. Now What?

It’s crazy to think that summer lacrosse is almost over.

Gone are the days with 3-4 games, 100° heat, and lots of travel.

Now you have a few months before fall lacrosse starts. I have a serious question for you:

What’s your lacrosse plan the rest of the summer?

1. If you’re feeling burnt out: the grind of summer tournaments got to you. It was a little too much lax this summer, and you need a break. Make a plan to put the stick down for 2+ weeks. Taking a break can help you reflect and recharge before picking up the stick.

2. If you’re feeling satisfied: you played well this summer, and you’re happy where your game is at. You can go into what I call maintenance mode. Make a plan to practice 3-4 times a week to maintain your stick skills, and enjoy a light schedule for the next few months.

3. If you’re feeling motivated: maybe you didn’t have the summer you hoped for. This is the time to outwork everyone. The end of the summer is when kids are on vacation, playing video games, and not putting in the work. Now is the time to practice harder than you ever have and get ready for fall tryouts.

Figure out which category you fall into, and make a plan.

How to Dominate at Tryouts, Pt. 2

Last week we talked about the first step in dominating tryouts: crushing the run test.

Now for Part 2: become the “missing piece” on your team. 

Let me explain.

When you’re trying to make a team, ask yourself:

“What lacrosse skills can I be really good at that the returning varsity players aren’t so good at?”

For example, let’s say the team is returning 2 attackmen - one who has a great outside shot and another who is a great dodger.

Well guess what: there’s opportunity for you to be a crease attackman, or a passing attackman.

It’s way easier to be the missing piece than try to outplay the returning varsity players.

Another example: maybe your team has great offensive midfielders but is lacking defensive midfielders. 

If you’re the best defensive midfielder at tryouts, you can bet that you’ll probably make varsity.

Pro tip: Channel your inner detective. Find game film from last year or talk to returning players to get the scoop. Or better yet, ask the varsity coach for what skills he/she is looking for more depth in.

Apex Featured Recruit: Owen Mears

I’ve heard from multiple sources that Mears had the best summer lax showing in the games he played in before he got injured.

It’s easy to see why: he’s a lefty sharpshooter with a big body that reminds me of Matt Rambo. 

Owen was ranked a 4-star and the #47 recruit in the class of 2025 by NLF, but I could see him in the top 25 when IL’s rankings come out in September.

Remember, every week we feature a recruit. Respond to this email to nominate a player!

Talk to you soon.

Best,

Jake

P.S. Make sure to fill out an interest form before the Apex Fall National Showcase spots close.