Championship coach, Dom Starsia wants you to play other sports

He has won three national championships and sent dozens of players to the pro ranks, but Dom Starsia is still searching for more. The legendary Virginia lacrosse coach is constantly on the lookout for the next great recruit, and he does not only look on the lacrosse field.

Starsia scours football fields and basketball courts (and plenty of other fields) searching for the best student-athletes. He likes recruits to play multiple sports because as he says, “You learn to play lacrosse team defense and team offense on a football field, a soccer field, a basketball court.”

Starsia took time to speak with ESPNHS and share his thoughts on what he looks for from recruits, why it’s an advantage to play multiple sports and how body language affects an athletes ability to get recruited.

ESPN RISE: What is the first thing you look for in a recruit?
STARSIA: Athletic ability, quickness, speed, and size are the things that we take note of when first looking for candidates.

ESPN RISE: What are you looking for academically from prospective student-athletes? 
STARSIA: I am looking for responsible students who understand that athletic achievement and a sense of academic responsibility are related. It is very difficult to be a knucklehead 22 hours a day and expect to be a disciplined lacrosse player for the other two.

ESPN RISE: What are you looking for off the field from a prospective recruit?
STARSIA: We are looking for responsible citizens, respectful of the people around them, appreciative of the opportunity that may be presenting itself. If they also happen to have a sense of humor, that doesn't hurt!

ESPN RISE: Do you prefer an athlete to focus on one sport or to play multiple sports?
STARSIA: It’s not a requirement to play multiple sports but way more often than not our guys are multi-sport athletes and the best athletes at their high school. They are competitive kids who do not want to sit around while other sports are being played.

To young athletes I am always saying, ‘You learn to play lacrosse team defense and team offense on a football field, a soccer field, a basketball court,’ etc… I wince when a young athlete tells me that he is giving up football to concentrate on lacrosse. There is nothing you can do on your own that would be of greater advantage to your athletic development as a lacrosse player than going to football practice everyday.

ESPN RISE: What is one thing every recruit should avoid to be considered for a scholarship?
STARSIA: Be aware of your body language on the field. Show some enthusiasm for the process and resist the urge to be "too cool for school." It shows easily and turns off the recruiters.

ESPN RISE: What advice would you give to someone who wants to play lacrosse at UVA?
STARSIA: Get a ball, go find a wall, learn to practice on your own, play other sports and do some schoolwork.