Inside the War Room: How College Coaches Really Build Their Recruiting Boards

Ever wonder how college coaches actually decide who to recruit? It’s not a guessing game—and it’s not based on who has the flashiest social media highlight reel. According to Joe Spallina, head coach at Stony Brook University, it’s a detailed, position-specific process that plays out in what he calls “the war room.”

If you’re a high school athlete hoping to catch the eye of a D-I coach, it’s time to think like one. Understanding how recruiting boards are built gives you the edge when it comes to standing out.

It All Starts with the Big Board

Think of it like the NFL Draft. Coaches don’t go into September 1 unprepared. Spallina explained that each program creates a massive board organized by position, style, and fit. There are tiers, rankings, and specific traits attached to each athlete on that board.

For example, an attack position might be divided into:

• X Attack (behind-the-cage creators)

• Off-ball Finishers

• Lefties

• Dodgers above GLE

Each athlete is categorized based on how they play and how that aligns with the program’s system. It’s not just “good vs. great.” It’s “can she play how we play?”

Style of Play Matters More Than You Think

Every program has its own identity. Some teams are zone-heavy on defense. Others pressure all over the field. Some prioritize speed and transition, while others emphasize ball control and set plays.

Your job? Know how they play—and know if your game fits.

“If you’re a heavy dodge midfielder, go somewhere that runs through their midfield,” Spallina said. “Don’t just fall in love with a school’s ranking. Study the film. Know where you actually fit.”

Coaches aren’t just recruiting talent. They’re recruiting system pieces. Be the right piece.

What Coaches Are Really Looking For

Beyond raw skill, Spallina emphasized that coaches look for:

• High Lacrosse IQ

• Consistent effort

• Positional awareness

• Communication on the field

• Leadership qualities

They also watch for how you respond to adversity. “We’ve seen kids at their best and worst. How they bounce back from a tough game tells us more than a highlight reel ever could.”

Don’t Forget the Intangibles

Spallina made it clear—how you treat your family matters. “If you roll your eyes at your mom during a visit, that sticks with me,” he said. Coaches want players with character, humility, and maturity. It’s not just about who can score goals; it’s about who they can trust in their locker room.

And yes—your body language, your interactions on the sideline, and even how you handle a substitution all count.

Final Thoughts

The recruiting board is real, and it’s detailed. But it’s not just a list of stats—it’s a reflection of the total player. When you show a high IQ, play with consistent energy, and act with maturity on and off the field, you rise in the eyes of a college coaching staff.

If you want to be at the top of someone’s board, it starts with knowing how the board is built.

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