A Parent Cheat Sheet for Girls Lacrosse Tryouts - Maryland Edition

Welcome to the world of girls' club lacrosse in Maryland - where your 3rd grader now goes by “Class of 2034” and your summer calendar just exploded with tryouts you didn’t even know existed.

Whether you're a seasoned sports parent jumping into a new sport or brand new to competitive youth sports altogether, this quick guide is here to de-mystify things, fast. Because yes—it’s a lot. But once you know the basics, it starts to make more sense (kind of).

I've learned that each state and even region of a state has a unique tryout culture. My experience might not be your experience, especially if you live in a newer-to-lacrosse state. So please take this with a grain of salt if you are not in Central Maryland, but here's what I have observed!

🗓️ Why Are Tryouts in June and July?

Yep, lacrosse is a spring sport, but tryouts often happen in late June or July, with callbacks or makeup sessions sometimes stretching into August. Why?

Because there’s also a fall season. Many Mid-Atlantic clubs run fall training and tournaments—so they need rosters finalized well in advance.

🔁 It’s Normal to Try Out for Multiple Clubs

Trying out for several clubs is completely normal in Central Maryland, especially if it’s your daughter’s first time or you’re comparing programs. Some parents cast a wider net—but keep these things in mind:

• Tryouts overlap. You may only have 24–48 hours to respond to an offer before it goes to the next player.
• Deposits are due fast. Be ready to pay several hundred dollars as a commitment—before you’ve seen a uniform or coach.
• Switching clubs is not uncommon. It happens every year. Players grow, change teams, or find a better fit. No shame in pivoting.

💸 Is Club Lacrosse Expensive?

Short answer: Yes - just like most club sports today. But there’s a wide range depending on the club, location, and level of competition.

What to expect:

• $1,500–$4,000 per year is typical range (for fall + summer)
• Additional costs: uniforms, travel, hotels, and optional clinics or training
• Many families spend $2,500–$3,500/year, especially as players get older. Actual totals vary but be aware of the travel commitments.

Budget realistically—especially for travel tournaments. Hotel nights, gas, meals, and sibling logistics add up fast.

📲 How to Get the Inside Scoop on Clubs

Lacrosse websites are fine. Instagram is better. Other parents? Golden.

• Follow clubs on social media - especially by grad year. (Example: “CLUBNAME 2030 girls lacrosse”)
• Ask parents on the sidelines. Most love to share advice—and usually have strong opinions. Take all with a grain of salt - both good and bad!
• Search Reddit threads to compare notes.
• Track teams by grad year or age group, not age. Once you're in the club world, it's always: “Girls 2031,” not “fifth grade.” Note: I've noticed that some other US regions tend toward 10U 12U grouping, but in Maryland I only see the grad years at the club level.

🧠 Club Communications Leading Up to Tryouts

Clubs are starting to really up their games on proactive communications and parent support during the tryout process. Read all messages thoroughly and be sure to look at the clubs social media and website before hitting 'send'. You might be wondering about these questions, but I've seen these questions answered in club websites or Instagram accounts as well as in proactive emails to registered tryout participants.

• How many players are on the roster?
• What’s the practice schedule during fall and spring?
• Is the focus on development or exposure?
• Are there expectations for multi-sport athletes?
• What happens if we miss a tournament?

💼 Mom Pro Tips from the Sidelines (That No One Tells You)

You are now officially a lacrosse parent. When tournament season rolls around, your car's trunk will be your command station. Here’s what this seasoned parent swears by: (links below are Amazon Affiliate links, I may make a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no additional cost to you)

• 🪑 Always keep a folding camp chair in the car. Bonus points for a canopy.
• 🔋 Bring your own rechargeable mini misting fan. If your daughter has one, you’ll want one too. Or go over the top ;)
• 🧃 Stock your cooler with hydration for you, too. Watching three games in 98° is no joke.
• 🧤 Keep hand and foot warmers year-round. Fall and spring = temperature chaos.
• 🧣 Invest in a Mambe waterproof blanket for sideline survival.
• 🚿 Pack wet wipes, tissues and hand sanitizer. (Trust me.)
• 📝 Create a shared family calendar ASAP. Tournaments, practices, and tryouts will eat your weekends before you even say yes.

❤️ One Last Thing

It’s OK to feel overwhelmed. You’re learning something brand new—with real stakes, real costs, and real emotions for your kid (and you). Take all of my opinions with a grain of salt - one woman's opinion.

But you’re not alone.

Ask questions. Stay curious. Support your daughter’s growth - wherever it happens.