Parents, Players, and Recruiting. Lessons from Dennis Joyce of @LaxDadRecruiting

Parents, Players, and Recruiting. Lessons from Dennis Joyce of @LaxDadRecruiting

Dennis Joyce of LaxDadRecruiting joins the Colorado Lacrosse News Podcast to break down what really matters in the college recruiting process. Drawing from years of experience as a lacrosse parent, Dennis tackles common misconceptions about scholarships, club teams, recruiting timelines, and the path from high school to college lacrosse. In this conversation, Dennis explains why finding the right fit matters more than chasing a specific division, how families should evaluate club programs, and what coaches are actually looking for during the recruiting process. He also shares candid advice for parents on supporting their athletes without adding unnecessary pressure. Whether you're a player hoping to compete at the next level or a parent trying to understand the recruiting landscape, this episode provides practical guidance, realistic expectations, and valuable insights to help you navigate the journey with confidence.

Walk-On to Pro. Jack Hannah on the Love of the Game.

Jack Hannah went from preferred walk-on at the University of Denver to playing in the PLL, the NLL, and for Team USA. No scholarship. No guarantee. Just a two-year deadline from his dad and a love for the game that outlasted everyone who got recruited ahead of him. In this episode, Jack breaks down how he earned his spot at Denver, what the jump to professional lacrosse actually looks like, and why he thinks kids who love the game will always outwork the ones chasing rankings. He also talks about owning The Lax Den in Denver and what he sees in lacrosse players every day. If you are a player, parent, or coach trying to figure out the path to the next level, this one is worth your time.

From Colorado to Team Canada, Lauren Spence’s Journey

Lauren Spence, Loyola Maryland standout and Team Canada goalkeeper, shares her journey from Evergreen, Colorado, to becoming one of the top goalies in college lacrosse and an international gold medalist. In this episode of Beyond the Highlight, she breaks down goalie training, mental preparation, and what it takes to compete at the Division I and international level. Lauren walks through her development in Colorado, the impact of club lacrosse on her path, and how she earned her role as a starting goalkeeper at Loyola. She explains how she prepares for games, how she handles pressure, and what separates elite goalies from the rest. The conversation also covers her experience winning a gold medal with Team Canada, the transition from Colorado lacrosse to the international stage, and how she is now coaching the next generation at Denver. This episode is built for players, parents, and coaches who want clear insight into goalie development, recruiting, and high level performance. Topics include goalie training, save percentage and performance metrics, recruiting and player development, Team Canada lacrosse, NCAA women’s lacrosse, Colorado lacrosse, and youth goalie coaching. If you want to understand how a player goes from local development to the international stage, this episode gives you a clear look at the path and the work behind it.

Beyond the Highlight, What Really Builds a Lacrosse Player with Eric Law

Eric Law breaks down what actually builds a great lacrosse player. From his path through Colorado to a long pro career, he shares why stick skills, IQ, and off-ball movement matter more than highlights. The conversation covers multi-sport development, club versus rec, recruiting realities, and the habits that separate players who last from those who fade out.

The Truth About Recruiting. Showcases, Clubs, and What Actually Matters

Brian Salisbury, founder of Backyard Sports Lacrosse, joins the Colorado Lacrosse News Podcast to break down how the recruiting process actually works. In this episode, we cover what families often get wrong about recruiting, how exposure really works, and what athletes need to do to stand out. Brian shares insight on the role of club programs, how to approach showcases and camps, and why athletes must take ownership of their recruiting process. We also discuss the importance of communication with college coaches, how to use social media effectively, and how to avoid common mistakes like camp chasing and relying too heavily on club affiliations. This is a clear, practical look at lacrosse recruiting for players and families trying to navigate the process. Topics include: • How college lacrosse recruiting actually works • Exposure vs placement • The role of club teams • Email communication with coaches • Using social media to get noticed • Common recruiting mistakes • How to stand out at showcases • Choosing the right school and fit If you are serious about playing at the next level, this episode will help you understand the process and make better decisions.