TRAVERSE CITY -- Lyndsay LaCourse is on a mission.
The St. Francis senior-to-be opted to forego softball in the spring to focus on basketball -- all in hopes of gaining exposure and possibly securing a college scholarship.
"The summer heading into your senior year is probably the most important time for recruiting," LaCourse said. "This is when they're (college coaches) going to be looking at you."
LaCourse, one of the top returning players in the north, has kept a busy schedule, attending college showcases, playing AAU basketball and joining Team USA for the recent World Games in Austria.
LaCourse was one of four area players on the AAU team -- Michigan Girls Basketball Report -- that won a state title. That experience, along with the college showcase events, gave LaCourse a chance to play in front of several college coaches.
"You get a lot of exposure that way," the 17-year-old said. "They may not necessarily be looking at you, but if you play hard they'll see you and it may spark an interest."
The 6-foot LaCourse, who averaged 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Gladiators last season, has been in contact with numerous Division 2 and 3 schools, plus a few in Division 1. She holds a scholarship offer from Hillsdale, where former Gladiator Lauren Fewins played.
"It's really awesome I'm getting these looks," she said. "It's crazy coming from a small school."
LaCourse was invited to join Team USA by Davenport University coach Mark Youngs, whom she met at a previous showcase event. The team won a silver medal after taking three of four games.
"It was a great experience," she said. "With international rules it was way different, but it was awesome. Words can't even describe it. It was the time of my life."
LaCourse has visited some colleges -- and more visits are planned in the future.
"It's a really exciting process, but it's also really stressful," she said. "I'm keeping my options open right now."
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