EU’s Sports Recruitment Is on the Rise
Every year, thousands of student-athletes dangle themselves as bait for recruiters, hoping to catch some interest. For a lucky few hundred, they are recruited to an Elmhurst University team. With 21 teams between men’s and women’s sports, there are many possibilities for incoming student-athletes. The EU 2025-2026 Data Book states that in 2025, there were 485 student-athletes.
EU sports recruitment has been on the rise in recent years. In a recording obtained by The Leader, men’s lacrosse and baseball had exceeded their fall enrollment goals for the 2026-2027 year by spring semester 2026. Football and track and field see the most incoming student-athletes, according to EU Director of Athletics Glen Brittich.
Brittich described that there are many reasons that potential student-athletes may be attracted to EU. Teams are beginning to see more success. The men’s lacrosse team won their first CCIW Lacrosse title in program history during their 2026 season, lighting the way for more success for the program. Players may also be attracted to the environment of EU, from the town itself to campus, the academic programs, and their fellow teammates, according to Brittich.
The recruiting process typically begins when athletes are around halfway through high school. They build a portfolio of their highlights and stats, and begin reaching out to coaches. They may attend recruiting events and meet with coaches. Coaches look for players to fill the gaps in talent that they need every year. The process can be stressful for athletes but is often ultimately rewarding.
Senior Jordan Rosas, offensive lineman for the football team, enjoyed his recruiting experience, as he immediately felt a connection with EU and the coaching staff. He also described feeling a bit of stress due to high recruitment rates but said that coaches always emphasized that players should be focusing on playing to the best of their abilities.
When it comes to the recruiting process, Brittich emphasized that coaches at EU look for students who are both academically and athletically talented. “What we are very proud of,” Brittich said, “is that the approximate GPA of incoming student-athletes who have submitted their tuition deposit is 3.58.” Coaches at EU are seeking students who will better the athletics program and the overall campus.
Recruiting is based on what different teams need, so Brittich said that there is not a large difference in the recruiting for men’s and women’s teams. Men’s recruiting ends up having more athletes, but that is due to the size of the football team. The men’s football 2026 roster currently has 83 players.
Participation in these programs continues to thrive, even if all teams do not achieve the results that they desire. New athletes join the program every year, bringing the skills that all the sports rosters need.
