Coach Kotowicz joined the Quinnipiac Women's Lacrosse team as head coach after having experience coaching at Central Connecticut State University, Yale University, Hofstra University, Marist College, and Saint Mary's College. She coached numerous All-American and All-Conference players including five All-Americans and one All-American Honorable Mention in her recruiting class at Yale. Kotowicz has also been involved with England's National Team, the MAAC All-Star Team, and the USA Athletes International Team in Australia.
Taking advice from the coach is extremely important if you want to play at the next level. Let's see what advice Coach Kotowicz has to give you.
2aDays: What is the most important quality that you look for in a recruit?
Coach Kotowicz: Attitude – this determines their commitment, their ability to contribute to a team, their effort, etc.
2aDays: What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Coach Kotowicz: Compete, show passion, and share the ball. Be talented. Actions always speak louder than words for us.
Q: When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
A: Email is the best option. Providing video is helpful. When they become interested, they should reach out.
2aDays: What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the mat?
Coach Kotowicz: A's and B's. Work hard, extra credit, etc. Speed and quickness are the most important. In addition, injury prevention is necessary. In the field I expect them to have strong fundamentals, have a love or the game, and have a strong game IQ.
Related: Recruiting Horror Stories™: My Grades Cost Me Scholarship Offers
2aDays: What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Coach Kotowicz: Be honest. Play because you love the game, not because you're expected or expecting to get a scholarship. You will end up miserable and no one wants a miserable teammate/player. Understand the commitment expected from Division I athletes.
2aDays: What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Coach Kotowicz: Work hard in school and in perfecting your craft. Appreciate and crave the grind. Strong academics and positive results in the field put you in the driving seat for your recruiting. Don't cut corners.
2aDays: What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Coach Kotowicz: Intensity (how hard do they go), competitive drive, fundamentals, and type of teammate.
2aDays: What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Coach Kotowicz: Seeing how a player reacts to a mistake is important to our staff. Attitude controls everything necessary to be successful.
Related: Dos and Don'ts of a Lacrosse Highlight Video from College Coaches
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 season, or after each game?
Coach Kotowicz: Any footage is important to share periodically.
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?
Coach Kotowicz: Work harder.
2aDays: How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Coach Kotowicz: Don't post anything you wouldn't want your grandma to see. We are looking for young women that will become powerful leaders after four years and represent our program and university.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on June 14, 2022, by Keirsten Sires
