Overcoming Recruiting Anxiety: Staying Confident When Others Commit First

Introduction

Watching friends and teammates commit early is exciting—but if you haven’t gotten an offer yet, it can also be anxiety-inducing. In her webinar, Coach Tumolo reminded athletes that many things are outside of their control, and that staying confident, persistent, and true to themselves often leads to better outcomes in the long run.

Why It’s Normal to Feel Behind

• Everybody’s path is different—some programs recruit earlier, some later.

• Coaches have varied timelines depending on conference, region, budget, needs.

• Early commits don’t guarantee the best fit.

Strategies to Stay Centered

• Focus on your own progress, not others’ achievements

• Keep training, improving, adding to your film/video highlight reel

• Use setbacks as fuel: work on weaknesses, seek feedback

• Maintain balance: school, hobbies, rest—so lacrosse doesn’t become overwhelming

Actionable Steps You Can Take Now

1. Reach out to college coaches- Send updated videos, résumé, academic info

2. Attend camps or showcase events- Exposure helps, but make each event count

3. Build confidence through small wins- Set weekly goals—say, improving a skill, or mastering a play

4. Lean on your support network- Coaches, teammates, family, mentors who believe in you

Conclusion

Recruits who commit early aren’t the only ones who succeed; often the most resilient and self-aware athletes find their best match later. Trust the process. Keep working. Your moment is coming—and when it does, you’ll be ready.