Are there advantages to playing MCLA lacrosse vs. varsity (NCAA) lacrosse?
It depends on what you are looking for. MCLA teams don’t recruit blue-chip players away from top varsity programs like Johns Hopkins and Princeton because most of those players are looking to compete at the very highest levels of the sport. That is their priority. Many of those players also excel academically, but for most it’s a realistic second to lacrosse. While the level of play in the MCLA improves every year, the top teams won’t be competing with the top DI, DII, or DIII varsity programs any time soon. Varsity lacrosse often (but not always) has the advantage of increased support from the school that eliminates the need for dues and fundraising, a higher level of commitment, assistance in admissions and financial aid or scholarships. MCLA lacrosse offers a nice middle-ground. The game looks and feels like varsity lacrosse. The competition is good, and the media attention is growing. Benefits like a bona fide national championship event, national Top 25 polls, All-American and Aca
