Lacrosse is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires skill, teamwork and athleticism. It is also a great way to prepare for college, as many lacrosse players go on to play at the collegiate level and beyond. But which prep schools offer the best lacrosse programs in the country?
Top 10 Lacrosse Prep Schools in 2023
Here are our top 10 picks for 2023, based on factors such as performance, reputation, facilities, coaching and academics.
1. Brunswick School (Greenwich, CT)
Brunswick School is a private all-boys school that has a long tradition of excellence in lacrosse. The Bruins have won multiple New England championships and have produced many All-Americans and Division I recruits. The school boasts a state-of-the-art turf field, a dedicated weight room and a highly experienced coaching staff. Brunswick also offers a rigorous academic curriculum and a strong sense of community.
2. Taft School (Watertown, CT)
Taft School is a coeducational boarding and day school that has a stellar lacrosse program. The Rhinos compete in the prestigious Founders League and have won several league titles and New England championships. The school has a reputation for developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel in the classroom and on the field. Taft also has a beautiful campus, a diverse student body and a rich extracurricular program.
3. Holderness School (Plymouth, NH)
Holderness School is a coeducational boarding and day school that has a strong lacrosse tradition. The Bulls play in the competitive Lakes Region League and have reached the New England finals several times. The school has a dedicated lacrosse facility, a professional strength and conditioning coach and a supportive alumni network. Holderness also offers an innovative academic program, an outdoor education program and a vibrant arts program.
4. Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, NH)
Phillips Exeter Academy is a coeducational boarding and day school that has a history of lacrosse excellence. The Lions play in the highly regarded Independent School League and have won numerous league championships and New England titles. The school has a top-notch lacrosse complex, a renowned coaching staff and a loyal fan base. Phillips Exeter also offers an unparalleled academic program, an extensive library and a diverse community.
5. St. Sebastian’s School (Needham, MA)
St. Sebastian’s School is a private all-boys school that has a dominant lacrosse program. The Arrows play in the elite Independent School League and have won multiple league championships and New England crowns. The school has a first-class lacrosse field, a state-of-the-art athletic center and a distinguished coaching staff. St. Sebastian’s also offers a challenging academic program, a Catholic identity and a brotherhood spirit.
6. Noble & Greenough School (Dedham, MA)
Noble & Greenough School is a coeducational boarding and day school that has a successful lacrosse program. The Bulldogs play in the formidable Independent School League and have won several league titles and New England trophies. The school has an impressive lacrosse facility, an experienced coaching staff and a supportive culture. Noble & Greenough also offers an outstanding academic program, an emphasis on service and leadership and a diverse community.
7. Kimball Union Academy (Meriden, NH)
Kimball Union Academy is a coeducational boarding and day school that has a thriving lacrosse program. The Wildcats play in the competitive Lakes Region League and have won multiple league championships and New England honors. The school has an exceptional lacrosse field, an advanced athletic center and a knowledgeable coaching staff. Kimball Union also offers an excellent academic program, an international perspective and an inclusive environment.
8. Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, NY)
Long Island Lutheran is a coeducational boarding and day school that has an emerging lacrosse program. The Crusaders play in the competitive Ivy Preparatory School League and have made significant strides in recent years. The school has an impressive lacrosse field, an updated athletic facility and an enthusiastic coaching staff. Long Island Lutheran also offers an excellent academic program, a Christian faith foundation and an active student life.
9. Thayer Academy (Braintree, MA)
Thayer Academy is a coeducational boarding and day school that has an established lacrosse program. The Tigers play in the prestigious Independent School League and have won several league titles and New England awards. The school has an outstanding lacrosse field, an upgraded athletic complex and an accomplished coaching staff. Thayer Academy also offers an excellent academic program, an emphasis on character development and a diverse community.
10. Trinity-Pawling School (Pawling, NY)
Trinity-Pawling School is a private all-boys school that has a solid lacrosse program. The Pride play in the competitive Founders League and have won multiple league championships and New England accolades. The school has a superb lacrosse field, a modern athletic center and a dedicated coaching staff. Trinity-Pawling also offers a rigorous academic program, an innovative learning model and a brotherly atmosphere.
Conclusion
These are our top 10 lacrosse prep schools for 2023, based on our research and analysis. Of course, there are many other factors to consider when choosing a prep school, such as location, cost, size, culture and fit. We encourage you to do your own research and visit the schools that interest you. Lacrosse is a great sport that can open many doors for you, both academically and athletically. We wish you all the best in your lacrosse journey!
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is lacrosse?
A: Lacrosse is a team sport that involves passing, catching and shooting a ball with a stick that has a net at the end. The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team by shooting the ball into their net.
Q: How many players are on a lacrosse team?
A: A lacrosse team typically consists of 10 players on the field at a time: one goalie, three defenders, three midfielders and three attackers. There are also substitutes who can enter the game during stoppages of play.
Q: What are the basic rules of lacrosse?
A: Lacrosse is played on a rectangular field that is divided into two halves by a center line. Each half has a goal at each end and a crease around it. The game starts with a face-off at the center of the field, where two players from each team try to gain possession of the ball. The players can run, pass and shoot the ball with their sticks, but they cannot touch the ball with their hands or body (except for the goalie). They can also check or hit their opponents with their sticks or body, but only within certain limits. The game is divided into four quarters of 12 minutes each (for high school) or 15 minutes each (for college). The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
Q: What are the benefits of playing lacrosse?
A: Playing lacrosse can have many benefits, such as improving your physical fitness, coordination, agility, speed and endurance. It can also enhance your mental skills, such as decision-making, teamwork, communication and leadership. It can also provide you with fun, excitement, challenge and camaraderie.
Q: How can I improve my lacrosse skills?
A: You can improve your lacrosse skills by practicing regularly, both individually and with your team. You can work on your fundamentals, such as passing, catching, shooting, cradling, dodging and defending. You can also watch and learn from other players, coaches and videos. You can also play in different positions, levels and situations to challenge yourself and expand your knowledge.
Q: How can I get recruited for college lacrosse?
A: Getting recruited for college lacrosse can be a competitive and complex process that requires planning, preparation and persistence. You need to have good grades, test scores and transcripts to meet the academic requirements of your target schools. You also need to have strong lacrosse skills, stats and highlights to showcase your athletic potential. You also need to research the schools that match your academic and athletic interests and goals. You also need to communicate with the coaches of those schools and express your interest in their programs. You also need to attend camps, clinics, showcases and tournaments where you can get exposure and feedback from college coaches. You also need to follow the NCAA rules and regulations regarding eligibility, recruiting and scholarships.
Q: What are some of the best colleges for men’s lacrosse?
A: There are many colleges that offer men’s lacrosse programs across four division levels (D1, D2, D3 and NAIA). Some of the best colleges for men’s lacrosse according to NCSA Power Rankings 2022 are:
- Duke University (D1)
- Yale University (D1)
- University of Virginia (D1)
- Princeton University (D1)
- Johns Hopkins University (D1)
- Lehigh University (D1)
- Amherst College (D3)
- Tufts University (D3)
- Salisbury University (D3)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (D3)
Q: What are some of the best prep schools for men’s lacrosse?
A: There are many prep schools that offer men’s lacrosse programs across different leagues and regions. Some of the best prep schools for men’s lacrosse according to MaxPreps Rankings 2021 are:
- Brunswick School (CT)
- Taft School (CT)
- Holderness School (NH)
- Phillips Exeter Academy