Finding Your Fit: How to Navigate September 1 with Confidence
- Top-Tier Recruiting
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
For every aspiring college lacrosse player, September 1 marks a critical moment—the first day NCAA Division I coaches can initiate contact. It’s a day filled with excitement, nerves, and high expectations. But according to Coach Joe Spallina, head coach of Stony Brook University, how you handle September 1 is more important than the number of calls you get.
Whether you’re expecting a full inbox or you’re still working to get on a coach’s radar, success starts with knowing what this day actually means—and how to manage it with purpose and poise.
What September 1 Really Means
“September 1 is Day 1,” Coach Spallina shared. “It’s not a race to Instagram for your five minutes of fame.” For coaches, this day signals the beginning of deeper conversations—not instant commitments. While some programs might press for a decision early, athletes should remember they’re entering a marathon, not a sprint.
Every program moves at its own pace. Some coaches may try to lock in early commits. Others may take their time and evaluate athletes throughout the fall. Understanding this difference is key.
Why You Shouldn’t Rush the Process
Spallina, who’s coached hundreds of athletes and watched his own children go through recruiting, emphasized the importance of visits: “I tell all my players to take three visits. You don’t want to make this decision twice.”
The biggest mistake athletes make is feeling pressured to say yes immediately. But saying yes too soon could mean saying no to a better fit down the road. Coaches who truly believe in you will respect your need to explore and compare programs.
Every Journey Looks Different
One of the most powerful lessons from Coach Spallina: everyone’s recruiting timeline is different. “We had one of our best players ever—three-year captain, four-year starter—who never played club lacrosse. Everyone’s path is unique.”
That means it’s okay if you don’t hear from a top-10 school on Day 1. It’s okay if your phone doesn’t buzz at midnight. What matters is how you respond, how you stay proactive, and how you focus on finding the school that values you for who you are.
How to Handle the Pressure
Some schools will give you 24 hours to make a decision. That can be overwhelming. But Spallina offers a critical reminder: “If they’re going to pressure you to commit before you’re ready, what’s going to happen when you drop the ball on game day?”
The best programs don’t want you because you rushed. They want you because you’re ready—mentally, emotionally, and physically. When the fit is right, you’ll feel it.
Final Thoughts
September 1 isn’t about panic—it’s about preparation. It’s about taking a deep breath, having honest conversations, and staying grounded in your goals. The best recruits aren’t just talented. They’re thoughtful, self-aware, and intentional about where they belong.
Whether you get one call or twenty, this day is about you and your future. Trust the process, be proud of your progress, and know that the right school will see everything you bring to the table.
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