At Recruited to Play™, we are thrilled to share some incredible news: Emma Garro, our course co-founder and thought leader, has been named a USA Lacrosse All-American and a USA Academic All-American for the second year in a row! While this is a massive achievement by any standard, what truly sets Emma apart and what parents everywhere can learn from is her path to the top. Emma’s story is a powerful example of how finding your best fit, staying resilient, and following a clear roadmap can make all the difference for young athletes.

The Winding Path to Success

Emma’s journey did not begin with lacrosse, nor did she always dream of playing at the highest levels in this sport. For years, Emma competed at the top tier of girls’ soccer, balancing a demanding schedule and fierce competition. It was not until her sophomore year of high school that she made the difficult decision to hang up her cleats and devote herself fully to lacrosse. For many families, this kind of shift can be daunting, but Emma’s experience shows it is never too late to follow your true passion as long as you have the right plan and support.

This is exactly what we talk about in Module 2 of the Recruited to Play™ Course. The benefits of being a multisport athlete, how academic preparation is just as critical as athletic performance, and why you should focus on self-improvement until the clearest path to your dream emerges. Every athlete’s path is unique, and sometimes the best direction does not reveal itself until later in the journey.

Trusting Your Gut and Leaning on True Mentors

It is common for young athletes to feel pulled in different directions, with club, high school, and even private coaches each pushing for what is best in their eyes. Parents, you know this can be overwhelming. The truth is, no coach can fully map out your child’s future for them. The most important voice in the recruiting process must be your athlete’s own, supported by trusted mentors who have their best interest at heart. Emma embodies this approach. She trusted her instincts and leaned into advice from mentors who had walked the recruiting path before her.

Emma herself has said that following a clear, strategic roadmap created from the wisdom of high school and college coaches, recruiting consultants, and families who have succeeded was the difference-maker in her journey. That blueprint is now available to your family as part of the Recruited to Play™ course.

What Coaches See in Emma

Here is how one top coach described Emma:

“Emma is a hunter on defense. She tracks her opponent down like prey in transition and in settled defense she cuts off her attacker to the spot they are trying to get to every single time. She also has a great stick and is able to get knockdowns and back checks with ease. She does a great job creating transition opportunities for her team and I would love to see her work on shooting as I think she could create scoring opportunities for herself.”

This is what happens when dedication, adaptability, and a clear plan come together.

Paying It Forward

Emma’s impact extends well beyond her own play. She is dedicated to mentoring young athletes and growing the game, especially here on the West Coast where the lacrosse community is still emerging. Through her ongoing work as co-founder of Recruited to Play™, Emma plans to continue empowering student-athletes nationwide. Alongside her co-founder and brother and the rest of the Recruited to Play™ team, she is passionate about providing practical strategies, real-world insights, and ongoing support to help families navigate the recruiting journey with confidence.

Emma is committed to ensuring the next generation of athletes have access to the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to reach their full potential and chase their college dreams. Her leadership and mentorship are helping shape a brighter future for young athletes everywhere.

Emma, we are so proud of you—not just for your national honors, but for the way you inspire, lead, and guide others. We cannot wait to watch you reach new heights in your college career. The entire Recruited to Play™ family is cheering you on every step of the way!

Parents: If your child dreams of playing college sports, remember, less than 1% get recruited without a strategy. The earlier you start, the clearer your family’s path will be. Explore our course and join a community built on real results, real stories, and real dreams achieved.

Emma Garro is the co-founder of Recruited to Play™, a USA Lacrosse All-American, and an accomplished coach dedicated to growing the game for young athletes nationwide. Currently a Division I women’s lacrosse player at Loyola University Maryland, Emma brings elite playing experience, a passion for mentoring, and deep recruiting insight to student-athletes and their families. Her leadership and firsthand knowledge help empower the next generation to reach their full potential on and off the field.

Contact: [email protected]