For high school athletes searching for the right college, the decision often comes down to more than wins and losses.
Athletes want a place where they can continue competing at a high level, grow as students, and find a community that feels like home.
At SUNY Cortland, that combination of competitive athletics, strong coaching relationships, and campus atmosphere continues to attract athletes who want the complete college experience.
For incoming lacrosse player Rob Gerdes, the decision to continue playing at the collegiate level was simple.
“I wanted to still compete at a high level, and I’ve put many years into the sport, so playing after high school just made sense to me.”
Gerdes, a short-stick defensive midfielder from Parkland High School in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has played lacrosse for seven years. Like many recruits, he looked for a school where he could continue his athletic career while also finding the right environment outside of the game.
That search led him to SUNY Cortland.
“I liked Cortland because it is a bigger Division III school, and I definitely like that atmosphere of more students,” Gerdes said. “I also loved the coaching staff when I met them, so I felt Cortland was perfect for me.”
Strong recruiting and athlete development are essential parts of building successful programs, according to members of the Cortland athletic community.
This importance was shown in 2025 when Rookie James Sullivan was added to the already strong Cortland team, filling a necessary role on the defensive front, leading them to a deep playoff r and earning Sullivan the honor of 2025 SUNYAC Rookie of the Year.
“As a coach you have to constantly think about recruiting to ensure that you will have high-level talent year after year to build upon and stay consistent,” Sullivan said. “At the same time, you must focus on the guys you currently have and do the best job preparing and trusting them to fill the spots left by graduating seniors.”
That philosophy creates a competitive culture where athletes are expected to develop, improve, and contribute over time.
For high school athletes weighing college options, the decision often comes down to one question: where can I succeed both as an athlete and as a student?
The appeal of Cortland extends beyond facilities or records. For many recruits, relationships with coaches play a major role in the decision-making process.
For prospective athletes, that balance between athletics and campus life is often what separates one program from another.
Aidan Betsch, a recruit in Cortland’s Class of 2030 was drawn to play at Cortland.
“I chose Cortland because of the history of the program, the coaches and how much they love the sport and what they’ve done in it,” Betsch said. “But also the school and what it has to offer as a home.”
Players are drawn to the competitive level, the strong coaching staff, and the atmosphere of a larger Division III campus. They come to compete, but they stay because of the culture.
For recruits hoping to continue their athletic careers while also finding a strong campus community, SUNY Cortland offers more than a roster spot, it offers a place to belong.
“A home”