With many of its teams near Iowa, this Division 3 conference offers attractive NCAA lacrosse opportunities to current and future players in the state. By and large, these teams will be scouting the stronger leagues in Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin over the newer leagues in Kansas and Nebraska. However, I believe that as the programs look to build stronger teams they will begin to look more closely at our league. Given the fact that game games typically feature at least three teams playing at least two games each in one location, this makes an attractive situation for scouts and coaches. The trick is in getting a team representative to attend the games...
As the schedule and Valley team come together next season, arranging a scouting trip is something that may be considered. Game film is another option that should be pursued by any player looking to play lax at an NCAA institution. But that is not an immediate concern. Unlike MCLA teams, NCAA roster spots are limited and making the team is a competitive endeavor.
Players interested in playing for an NCAA program would be wise to start by looking at these regional schools. In addition to learning about the lacrosse team, academics should be considered. Be sure to pay attention to the majors offered, the expected course loads, and the admission requirements. Weigh that information against your life and career goals. Most have a very limited curriculum compared to a state university. This is a process that you will want to begin before your junior year of high school.
Also look at the housing and cost of attending the school. Most schools of this size are private institutions and can be rather expensive. In many cases the costs can be very prohibitive. Division 3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships. They do offer academic scholarships though.
Here is a list of the member schools:
Institution - Location - Team Name - Affiliation - Enrollment
Adrian College - Adrian, Mich - Bulldogs - Private/Methodist - 1,400
Albion College - Albion, Mich - Britons - Private/Methodist - 1,805
Aurora University - Aurora, Ill - Spartans - Private/Non-sectarian - 1,685
Carthage College - Kenosha, Wisc - Red Men - Private/Lutheran - 2,188
Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisc - Falcons - Private/Lutheran - 1,608
Fontbonne University - St. Louis, Missouri - Griffins - Private/Catholic - 2,924
Hanover College - Hanover, Indiana - Panthers - Private/Presbyterian - 975
Milwaukee School of Engineering - Milwaukee, Wisc - Raiders - Private - 1,929
College of Mount St. Joseph - Cincinnati, Ohio - Lions - Private/Catholic - 1,334
Trine University - Angola, Indiana - Thunder - Private/Non-sectarian - 1,111
