Danielle Spencer is the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Stanford University. Before becoming a coach she was a 4-year standout athlete at Northwestern University where she helped lead them to 3 NCAA National Championships (2007, 2008,2009) and a National Runner-Up in 2010. Coach Spencer was an Assistant Coach at NU from 2012- 2016, where the Wildcats had 4 NCAA appearances, and a berth of Final Four's (2013, 2014), before joining Dartmouth's staff, and now Stanford's. Coach Spencer is one of our most requested coaches as far as athletes wanting advice from a women's lacrosse coach. Here is what she had to say.
2aDays: What is the most important quality that you look for in a recruit?
Passion, work ethic, heart, coachability
2aDays: What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Come to my camp. Clearly, going to the camp that the school has to offer will get you on the coaches radar.
2aDays: When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)?
Whenever they feel they are ready to be seen by my staff. The best way is to send an email with details of what makes you special as an athlete and your qualifications; film is helpful. The next thing to do is have a coach make a call on your behalf.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
2aDays: What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field?
I want to see mostly A's and a challenging course load on their transcript.
Weight room – I want girls who push themselves and are proud to be strong and muscular
On the field – maximum effort, optimistic attitude, kind to teammates, respectful to coaches
2aDays: What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Do – go to camp of top schools you like, introduce yourself to coach during the camp
Don't – have your parents do all the work for you.
2aDays: What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Be patient
2aDays: What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Coach Spencer: 1-2 minutes max
Related: Dos and Don'ts of Making Highlight Videos for Athletes
2aDays: When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during offseason, in the middle of the season, or after each game?
Whenever they feel they have 1-2 minutes of clips that showcase their athletic ability
2aDays: What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?
Ask the coach if they could be a walk-on and what that would entail.
Trust the process – if that coach isn't recruiting you, then for whatever reason she believes you would not play @ that school. Don't you want to be somewhere where the coach believes you can contribute?
2aDays: How significant a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
BIG – make all of your social media private.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on June 16, 2022, by Keirsten Sires
