Coach Mike Murphy is the head Men's Lacrosse Coach for the University of Pennsylvania. He led his team to two NCAA Championship appearances and Coach Murphy's team also made the postseason Ivy League Tourney six of the last eight years.
Coach Bill Pilat has been at the helm of the Roanoke Men's Lacrosse team for over 30 years. This well respected coach has had over 340 career wins and is the best in the history of the ODAC with a 70 percent win record. Another big accomplishment for Coach Pilat is that he has 19 consecutive winning seasons under his belt, all while holding the school record of 13 consecutive with 10 or more wins.
2aDays decided to sit down with these two coaches and ask them about recruiting, grades, and more. Here's what they had to say.
2aDays: What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Coach Murphy – Character.
Coach Pilat – Hard-working in school and on the field.
2aDays: What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Coach Murphy – Become great.
Coach Pilat – Play at one of the events we sponsor.
2aDays: When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
Coach Murphy – Sophomore spring, via email, with video and academic info.
Coach Pilat – Junior in high school. Any time of the year. Email is best.
Related: Example Email to College Coaches
2aDays: What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field?
Coach Murphy – Their very best.
Coach Pilat – Work hard. Listen. Learn from coaches and older players.
2aDays: What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Coach Murphy – Do Tell the truth. Don't have your parents do anything for you that you can do yourself.
Coach Pilat – Do: Ask a coach if he has a spot for you. Observe all dates and deadlines. Visit campus at least one time. Don't: Assume a coach needs or wants a recruit.
2aDays: What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Coach Murphy – Athleticism, Skill, playing hard.
Coach Pilat – Speed
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
2aDays: What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Coach Murphy – Show good fundamental plays. Don't make it too long.
Coach Pilat – Keep it short. Show athletic ability. Show the recruit doing what his position is supposed to do.
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 Murphy – Postseason.
Coach Pilat – Middle of season or end.
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 Murphy – Keep grinding.
Coach Pilat – Look at another school or become a walk-on and try out.
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* Originally published on June 15, 2022, by Keirsten Sires
