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Field hockey is a fast growing popular sport played in many colleges and universities in the United States. If you're interested in playing field hockey at the collegiate level, there are several things you should consider. Here is some information about college field hockey:

1. DIVISION LEVELS: College field hockey is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Division I is the highest level of competition and is usually made up of larger schools with well-funded athletic programs. Division II schools are smaller and may not offer as many scholarships as Division I schools. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they do provide financial aid based on need and academic merit.

Division	Number of Schools	Total Athletes	Average Roster	Scholarship limit
NCAA I	83	2,024	25	12
NCAA II	35	899	26	6.3
NCAA III	170	3,707	22	-
Total	288	6,630	-	-

College Field Hockey Odds 2022	-
Number of US High School Field Hockey Players 2021-22	56,671
Number of College Field Hockey Players (see table above)	6,630
% of US High School Field Hockey Players competing at any College Level	10.2%
% of US High School Field Hockey Players Competing at NCAA I Schools	2.5%
Odds of a US High School Field Hockey Player making any College Roster	10:1
Odds of a US High School Field Hockey Player making an NCAA I Roster	39:1

*Consulted source scholarshipstats.com

2. RECRUITING PROCESS: If you're interested in playing college field hockey, you should start by reaching out to coaches at schools that interest you. You can send them your athletic resume, game footage, and academic transcripts. Coaches may also come to watch you play at tournaments or camps. It's important to start the recruiting process early and keep in contact with coaches throughout your high school career. Here are some strategies to consider:

Develop your skills: Work on improving your field hockey skills by practicing regularly. This includes honing your stick handling, passing, shooting, and defensive techniques. Consider seeking guidance from experienced coaches or joining a local club or team to enhance your abilities.
Attend camps and clinics: Participate in field hockey camps and clinics, especially those hosted by colleges or universities with strong field hockey programs. These events provide an opportunity to showcase your skills in front of college coaches and recruiters.
Create a highlight reel: Compile a highlight reel showcasing your best moments and skills in field hockey. Include footage from games, tournaments, and practices. Share this video with coaches, either by uploading it to a personal website or by sending it directly to them.
Reach out to college coaches: Take the initiative to contact college coaches and express your interest in their programs. Write personalized emails or letters to introduce yourself, sharing your athletic achievements, academic standing, and your desire to join their team. Be proactive in communicating with coaches, and follow up after your initial contact.
Attend tournaments and showcases: Participate in tournaments and showcases where college coaches are likely to be present. These events provide an excellent platform to demonstrate your skills and catch the attention of recruiters. Research the tournaments that attract top coaches and make sure to register and participate.
Maintain good academic standing: Academic performance is crucial for college recruitment. Ensure you maintain good grades and meet the academic requirements set by the colleges you're interested in. Coaches often look for well-rounded student-athletes who can excel both on the field and in the classroom.
Attend college prospect days: Many colleges and universities host prospect days specifically for potential recruits. These events offer an opportunity to showcase your skills in front of the coaching staff and learn more about the program. Attend these prospect days if possible and make a positive impression.
Be active on recruiting platforms: Create a profile on recruiting platforms dedicated to field hockey, where you can showcase your athletic achievements, academic information, and contact details such as NCSA College Recruiting, Max Field Hockey, NFHCARecruits, among others. Coaches often use these platforms to search for potential recruits.
Seek recommendations: Ask your high school coach, club coach, or other influential individuals in the field hockey community to provide recommendations or endorsements on your behalf. Positive references can carry weight and increase your chances of being noticed by college coaches.

According to NCAA regulations coaches are not allowed to initiate contact with prospective student-athletes until after June 15th of your sophomore year where Athletes and coaches are allowed to communicate via phone, email, social media and other digital communication channels. You have to consider that after June 15th and until August 1st, there is a restrictive period, THE DEAD PERIOD. During the NCAA dead period, coaches are restricted from engaging in face-to-face interactions with student-athletes and their families. This means that coaches are not permitted to initiate conversations with recruits while they are on college campuses, attending school, participating in athletic camps, or even in casual settings such as the shopping mall.

The NCAA does have regulations and guidelines regarding official and unofficial visits in the context of recruiting:

Official visits: An official visit is a term used in the NCAA recruiting process. It refers to a visit to a college or university campus by a prospective student-athlete that is financed in whole or in part by the institution. During an official visit, the prospective student-athlete and their family can meet with coaches, tour the campus, attend athletic events, and get a feel for the college experience. The NCAA has specific rules and limitations regarding the number of official visits a student-athlete can take and the expenses that can be covered. For D1 a total of 5 (five) official visits are allowed and can start after August 1st before junior year. For D2 and D3, unlimited official visits at any time but only one per institution.
Unofficial visits: Unofficial visits, on the other hand, are visits to college or university campuses by prospective student-athletes that are financed entirely by the student-athlete or their family. These visits are not subject to NCAA regulations and can be arranged at any time. During an unofficial visit, the prospective student-athlete can tour the campus, meet with coaches (within permissible guidelines), and observe practices or games. However, the institution cannot cover any expenses related to these visits.

There are also two different stages in the recruitment process for student-athletes:

I. Verbal Commitment: A verbal commitment occurs when a student-athlete verbally agrees to play for a specific college or university. It is an informal agreement between the athlete and the college coach. This commitment is not binding, and both the athlete and the college can change their decision before signing the National Letter of Intent (NLI).

Several factors can contribute to a verbal commitment being altered or revoked:

Changes in Coaching Staff: If there is a change in the coaching staff of the college or university, the new coach may have different recruiting priorities or preferences. They might reevaluate the verbal commitments made by the previous coach and decide to pursue different recruits or make different offers.
Performance or Development: If a player's performance on the field or their development trajectory does not meet the expectations of the college coach, the coach may reconsider the verbal commitment. Coaches may also continue evaluating recruits during their senior year of high school or club play, and if they perceive a decline in performance or lack of progression, they might reassess their commitment.
Academic Concerns: Academic eligibility is crucial for student-athletes. If a student's academic performance drops significantly or they fail to meet the academic requirements set by the college or the NCAA, the coach may reconsider the commitment. Maintaining good academic standing and meeting the necessary eligibility criteria is important throughout the recruitment process.
Change of Heart: Sometimes, student-athletes themselves might have a change of heart regarding their college choice. They might receive another offer from a different school that they find more appealing, or they may decide that they want to explore other opportunities or pursue a different career path. In such cases, they may choose to back out of their verbal commitment.
Offers from Higher-Ranked Programs: If a highly ranked or more prestigious program shows interest in a recruit who has given a verbal commitment to a lower-ranked program, the athlete may reconsider their commitment in favor of the more attractive opportunity.

II. Signing Commitment: The signing commitment, also known as signing the National Letter of Intent (NLI), is a binding agreement between the student-athlete and the college or university. The NLI is a legal document that solidifies the athlete's commitment to the institution and guarantees a scholarship for a specific academic year. Once the NLI is signed, it is a binding contract, and both parties are obligated to honor the commitment.

Different Scholarship offers:

- Full Scholarship: Refers to a scholarship that covers the entire cost of education, including tuition fees, books, accommodation, and sometimes even additional expenses such as travel or living stipends.

Here are some key points to understand about full athletic scholarship offers:

Selection process: Coaches and recruiting staff evaluate the athletic abilities and performance of prospective student-athletes. They may attend competitions, review game footage, or conduct tryouts to identify talented athletes who can contribute to their sports program.
NCAA and other governing bodies: If you are considering collegiate athletics in the United States, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the primary governing body. The NCAA has specific regulations and eligibility requirements that both athletes and institutions must adhere to. Other countries may have similar governing bodies specific to collegiate sports.
Duration of the scholarship: Athletic scholarships are typically awarded on an annual basis and can be renewed for up to four years, which is the typical duration of an undergraduate degree. However, it's important to note that scholarships are not guaranteed to be renewed each year and can be subject to performance standards, academic progress, and compliance with team rules.
Obligations and commitments: Student-athletes who receive athletic scholarships have certain obligations and commitments to fulfill. These may include participating in team practices, competitions, and other team-related activities. Maintaining a certain level of academic performance and adhering to the rules and regulations set by the athletic department and the institution is also expected.
Responsibilities beyond athletics: It's crucial to understand that while an athletic scholarship covers the financial aspects of your education, academics remain an essential part of your college experience. Balancing academics and athletics is key to achieving success both on and off the field.

- Partial Scholarship: is a financial aid package provided to student-athletes that covers only a portion of the cost of attending college or university.

Here are some key points to understand about partial athletic scholarship offers:

Funding coverage: The specific amount and coverage provided by a partial scholarship can vary. It might cover a portion of tuition, a percentage of fees, or contribute towards room and board expenses. The exact details of the scholarship, including the monetary value or percentage covered, should be clearly stated in the offer.
Supplementing costs: With a partial scholarship, the student-athlete and their family are responsible for covering the remaining expenses not covered by the scholarship. This may involve paying for the remaining tuition costs, fees, housing, textbooks, and other personal expenses.
Financial aid options: Even if you receive a partial scholarship, it's important to explore other financial aid options to help bridge the gap. This can include applying for additional scholarships, grants, work-study programs, or pursuing student loans if necessary. Contacting the financial aid office of the institution can provide further guidance on available options.
Athletic commitments: Similar to full scholarships, student-athletes who receive partial scholarships have certain commitments and obligations to fulfill. These may include participating in team practices, games, and other team-related activities. Adhering to team rules, maintaining a certain level of athletic performance, and complying with academic progress requirements may also be expected.
Evaluating opportunities: When considering a partial scholarship offer, it's important to assess the overall benefits and opportunities provided by the institution and the athletic program. Consider factors such as the reputation of the program, the competitiveness of the team, the coaching staff, academic support, and the potential for future growth and development.

- Recruited walk-on: Refers to a situation where a college or university athletic program extends an invitation to a student-athlete to join their team as a walk-on player, despite not initially offering a scholarship. This offer is different from a traditional athletic scholarship offer, where a student-athlete receives a financial aid package to cover their college expenses.
Here are some key points to understand about recruited walk-on sport offers:

Walk-on player: A walk-on player is an athlete who joins a college or university team without initially receiving an athletic scholarship. They are not guaranteed financial assistance but have the opportunity to compete and potentially earn a scholarship in the future based on their performance and contributions to the team.
Recruited walk-on: Being a recruited walk-on means that the coaching staff actively pursued and invited the student-athlete to join the team, recognizing their potential and talent. This can involve communication with the coach, attending tryouts, or being scouted by the coaching staff.
Financial considerations: Walk-on players typically do not receive an athletic scholarship at the time of their recruitment offer. This means that they are responsible for covering their own college expenses, including tuition, fees, room, board, and other related costs. It's important for walk-on players and their families to consider the financial implications and explore other financial aid options, such as academic scholarships, grants, or student loans.
Opportunity for advancement: Although a recruited walk-on player does not initially receive an athletic scholarship, there is still the potential to earn a scholarship in the future. Through hard work, dedication, and performance on the team, a walk-on player can impress the coaching staff and potentially be awarded a scholarship in subsequent years.
Team involvement: Walk-on players are an integral part of the team and are expected to participate in team practices, games, and other team activities. They may have the same commitments and obligations as scholarship athletes, including adhering to team rules, maintaining academic progress, and contributing to the team's success.
Evaluating the opportunity: When considering a recruited walk-on sport offer, it's important for the student-athlete to evaluate the opportunity and consider factors such as the competitiveness of the program, the coaching staff, the overall fit with their athletic and academic goals, and their ability to handle the financial responsibilities associated with being a walk-on player.

- Unrecruited walk-on: Refers to a situation where a student-athlete expresses interest in joining a college or university athletic team as a walk-on player, without receiving a formal invitation or recruitment efforts from the coaching staff. In this case, the student-athlete initiates the process of joining the team and tries out as a walk-on player.
Here are some key points to understand about unrecruited walk-on sport offers:

Self-initiated: Unlike recruited walk-ons, who receive invitations and attention from the coaching staff, unrecruited walk-ons take the initiative to join the team on their own accord. They express interest in the sport and approach the coaching staff to inquire about tryouts and the possibility of joining the team as a walk-on.
Tryouts and evaluations: To secure a spot as an unrecruited walk-on player, the student-athlete typically needs to participate in tryouts or evaluations organized by the coaching staff. These tryouts provide an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the skills, abilities, and potential of the walk-on candidates.
Financial considerations: Similar to recruited walk-ons, unrecruited walk-ons do not initially receive an athletic scholarship. As a result, they are responsible for covering their own college expenses, including tuition, fees, room, board, and other related costs. Exploring financial aid options such as academic scholarships, grants, or student loans is essential for unrecruited walk-ons to manage their financial responsibilities.
Opportunity for advancement: Just like recruited walk-ons, unrecruited walk-ons have the potential to earn a scholarship in the future based on their performance and contributions to the team. By demonstrating their skills, dedication, and commitment, unrecruited walk-ons can impress the coaching staff and be considered for scholarships or other forms of financial assistance in subsequent years.
Team involvement: Once selected as a walk-on player, whether recruited or unrecruited, it is expected that the student-athlete fully participates in team practices, games, and other team activities. They are subject to the same commitments, obligations, and rules as scholarship athletes.
Evaluating the opportunity: For student-athletes considering an unrecruited walk-on sport offer, it's important to carefully evaluate the opportunity and consider factors such as the competitiveness of the program, the coaching staff, the fit with their athletic and academic goals, and their ability to handle the financial responsibilities associated with being a walk-on player.

3. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:The NCAA sets academic requirements for student-athletes participating in field hockey, as it does for all sports. These requirements ensure that student-athletes are making satisfactory academic progress and maintaining eligibility to compete at the collegiate level. Here are the general academic requirements for NCAA field hockey:

Eligibility Center Registration: Student-athletes who wish to compete at the NCAA Division I or Division II level must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This registration process involves providing academic information, transcripts, and standardized test scores for evaluation. For more information, please visit NCAA Guide for the College-Bound-Student-Athlete.
Core Course Requirements: Student-athletes must complete a certain number of core courses in high school to be eligible for NCAA competition. Core courses typically include subjects like English, mathematics, science, social science, and foreign language. The specific number of required core courses varies by division and is subject to evaluation by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Grade Point Average (GPA): Student-athletes must meet minimum GPA requirements to maintain eligibility. The GPA requirements vary by division and are typically evaluated on a sliding scale that considers both the GPA and standardized test scores. It's important to note that institutions may have their own academic standards that student-athletes must meet in addition to the NCAA requirements.
Academic Progress: Student-athletes must make satisfactory progress towards their degree to maintain eligibility. This includes meeting institutional academic requirements, such as earning a certain number of credits and maintaining a specified GPA, as determined by the college or university they are attending.

It's important to note that the specific academic requirements and eligibility standards may vary between NCAA divisions (Division I, Division II, and Division III) and individual institutions. Student-athletes should work closely with their high school counselors, coaches, and NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they meet the necessary academic requirements for field hockey participation at their desired collegiate level.

4. SCHOLARSHIPS: Field hockey scholarships are available for talented student-athletes who wish to pursue their sport at the collegiate level in the United States. Scholarships can help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Here's some information about field hockey scholarships:

NCAA Division I and Division II: In Division I and Division II, field hockey programs have the ability to offer athletic scholarships to student-athletes. Division I programs often have larger budgets and can provide more scholarships compared to Division II programs. These scholarships can be full or partial, covering varying portions of a student-athlete's college expenses.
NCAA Division III: Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. However, they can provide other forms of financial aid, such as academic scholarships, need-based aid, and grants. Many student-athletes in Division III combine their athletic pursuits with academic scholarships or other forms of financial aid.
Academic Scholarships: In addition to athletic scholarships, field hockey players can also be eligible for academic scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria set by the respective colleges or universities.

5. SEASON: College field hockey is typically played in the fall, with the regular season starting in August or September and playoffs taking place in November. Some schools may also have a spring season for field hockey. NCAA regulations set limitations on the number of hours student-athletes can engage in countable athletically related activities (CARA) in field hockey during the playing season. These limitations vary based on the division within the NCAA. Here are the general guidelines for field hockey practice hours per week:

NCAA Division I: In Division I, field hockey teams are allowed a maximum of 20 hours per week for countable athletically related activities (CARA) during the playing season. This includes practices, games, strength and conditioning sessions, film study, and other required team activities.
NCAA Division II: In Division II, field hockey teams have a limit of 20 hours per week for countable athletically related activities (CARA) during the playing season, similar to Division I.
NCAA Division III: Division III does not have specific limitations on practice hours per week during the playing season. However, Division III institutions are committed to providing a balanced experience for student-athletes and prioritize the integration of athletics with academics and other aspects of student life.

It's important to note that these regulations apply to the playing season, and specific timeframes for the season can vary depending on the institution and the conference. Outside of the playing season, NCAA rules allow for more flexibility in terms of practice hours and activities.

6. BEHAVIOR AND NCAA COMPLIANCE: Athletes participating in NCAA-sanctioned sports, including field hockey, must adhere to the NCAA rules and regulations regarding behavior, amateurism, and eligibility. This includes maintaining academic eligibility, avoiding prohibited benefits, and conducting themselves in an ethical manner both on and off the field. Here are some key aspects of NCAA's behavioral guidelines for student-athletes:

Code of Conduct: The NCAA has a code of conduct that applies to all student-athletes. This code emphasizes the values of honesty, respect, fairness, and integrity. It sets expectations for behavior, both in the context of athletics and as representatives of their institutions.
Academic Standards: The NCAA requires student-athletes to meet specific academic standards to maintain eligibility to participate in sports. These standards vary across divisions (Division I, Division II, and Division III) and include minimum GPA requirements, satisfactory progress towards degree completion, and adherence to academic eligibility rules.
Sportsmanship: The NCAA expects student-athletes to display good sportsmanship both on and off the field. This includes treating opponents, officials, and teammates with respect, following the rules of the game, and accepting the outcomes of competitions with grace and dignity.
Personal Conduct: Student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on themselves, their teams, and their institutions. This includes avoiding behaviors such as substance abuse, cheating, gambling, and engaging in any form of discrimination, harassment, or misconduct.
Social Media and Public Behavior: Student-athletes are encouraged to use social media responsibly and understand that their online presence can impact their reputation and the reputation of their team and institution. They should be mindful of the content they share and ensure it aligns with the NCAA's behavioral expectations.
Compliance with NCAA Rules: Student-athletes are required to follow NCAA rules and regulations regarding eligibility, amateurism, and recruitment. This includes avoiding improper benefits, unauthorized contact with professional sports agents, and any activities that may compromise their eligibility.

It's important for student-athletes to familiarize themselves with the specific guidelines and policies outlined by the NCAA, as well as any additional codes of conduct established by their respective institutions and athletic programs. Adhering to these behavioral expectations not only helps student-athletes maintain eligibility but also promotes personal growth, character development, and a positive collegiate experience.

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