Preparing for Your First Interview with a College Field Hockey Coach: The Ultimate Guide

At FH College Path, we know firsthand how stressful and overwhelming the recruiting process can be—for both athletes and parents. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to provide clear, accurate, and actionable information that helps families navigate this exciting yet challenging time with confidence.

Beginning the college field hockey recruiting process is both a major milestone and an emotional experience filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes nerves or pressure as you prepare to speak with coaches and explore your future. and a learning opportunity. From assessing academic compatibility to evaluating a team’s culture, student-athletes must be prepared to make thoughtful, informed decisions. This guide offers valuable strategies, key questions, and expert insights to help athletes and families navigate this crucial part of the recruiting journey.

You will be speaking with coaches who are assessing your athletic potential—but equally important is your ability to evaluate them. This process is about more than just field hockey; it's about academics, personal growth, and community fit. Preparation and self-awareness will allow you to find a program that not only develops your skills but supports your goals and identity.

1. June 15th, 2025: The First Official Contact Day

June 15th, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the college recruiting calendar for field hockey: it is the first date when NCAA college coaches are officially permitted to reach out directly to prospective student-athletes who are entering their junior year of high school. This is not only the official opening of personalized recruitment conversations but also a test of preparation and strategy for athletes who have been working toward this opportunity.

If you've built your recruiting profile, attended exposure events, and kept communication lines open with college programs, expect outreach from interested coaches in the form of calls, emails, or text messages. These initial contacts often happen throughout the day—some might come right at midnight, while others will arrive later depending on the coach’s schedule and interest.

To capitalize on this milestone, athletes should be well-prepared with talking points, knowledge about each school, and questions ready to ask. A detailed recruiting spreadsheet with school information, coaching staff notes, and communication history can help you stay organized. Make sure your highlight videos, academic transcripts, and test scores (if required) are readily available to share.

Equally important is maintaining realistic expectations. Not every athlete will hear from a coach on June 15th, and that’s okay. This is only the beginning of a process that unfolds over many months. Regardless of when the conversations begin, consistent effort, proactive communication, and professionalism are what truly keep your recruitment moving forward.

2. Foundational Insights Before Choosing a Program

It’s vital to recognize that NCAA field hockey is not a stepping stone to a professional league in the U.S. The focus must be on choosing a school that aligns with your academic and career aspirations. While the field hockey program matters—especially since you’ll spend a large portion of your time training, traveling, and competing—your degree will shape your long-term future.

Culture matters just as much as coaching. If a program has high transfer rates or constantly shifts its roster, investigate further. The NCAA transfer portal can be a powerful tool to assess a program’s stability—don’t ignore what it reveals. Speak with current and former players—not just the team captains or recruits assigned to you. Ask about team dynamics, support systems, and academic flexibility.

If you're a national team hopeful or plan to travel for extended periods, ask whether the university allows flexibility with asynchronous classes. Don’t rely on verbal reassurance—request that such accommodations be confirmed in writing. Some athletes must balance games overseas, jet lag, and class deadlines. A program that supports this lifestyle is critical.

3. How to Prepare for Your Interview

In addition to research and organizing your talking points, it’s also helpful to structure the flow of your interview. Practice introducing yourself in 1–2 minutes, summarizing your academic and athletic background and your interest in the program. Prepare for the types of questions the coach may ask, and also have 5–10 of your most important questions ready in priority order.

Practicing your responses aloud will make a difference. You might be asked: "Why do you want to play college field hockey?" or "What are your biggest strengths as an athlete and a student?" Plan answers that are confident but not rehearsed. Your answers should reflect your values, your goals, and your understanding of what being a student-athlete really means.

Your preparation should start weeks in advance. Research the school’s field hockey program thoroughly—look up past seasons, coaching bios, and current roster breakdowns. Pay attention to how many players are in your position, how often freshmen start, and whether the team has a history of redshirting first-years. This gives insight into how you might fit.

Have a strong understanding of your academic and athletic resume. Know your GPA, standardized test scores (or test-optional policies), club and high school accolades, and standout metrics such as sprint times or saves. Write down relevant talking points you’d like to share. Rehearse your self-introduction and be ready to express your goals clearly.

Before the call, find a quiet place with no distractions. Make sure your technology is working if it’s a Zoom or video call. Keep a notepad nearby for quick reference or to jot down anything the coach shares. Most importantly, present yourself with confidence. Smile, show energy, and be authentic. Coaches want athletes who communicate well and demonstrate maturity.

4. What Coaches Are Likely to Ask

College coaches will want to get to know you beyond your highlight reel. They'll explore your motivations, character, and fit for their program. To help you feel confident and articulate during these conversations, we've compiled a list of common questions that coaches may ask—along with examples of strong responses.

Coach Questions & Sample Answers:

1. Why do you want to play field hockey in college? Sample Answer: “I love the competitive aspect of field hockey, and I want to continue pushing myself in a structured environment where I can grow as both an athlete and a student. I’m excited by the opportunity to be part of a team that shares my values and drive.”

2. What do you bring to a team? Sample Answer: “I bring a strong work ethic and positive energy. I’ve always been someone who motivates teammates and embraces tough challenges. Whether it's during conditioning or a tight match, I focus on lifting others and staying mentally tough.”

3. How do you manage your time between academics and athletics? Sample Answer: “I’ve learned to use a planner and prioritize my week ahead of time. In-season, I build study blocks around practice and communicate early with my teachers if travel will affect my classes.”

4. What are your biggest strengths as a player? Sample Answer: “My vision and passing accuracy help me control midfield transitions. I’m also coachable—I take feedback seriously and apply it quickly to improve.”

5. What are your weaknesses or areas you want to improve? Sample Answer: “I’m working on my first-step acceleration and foot speed. I’ve added sprint drills and agility training outside of practice to address it.”

6. How do you handle pressure or setbacks? Sample Answer: “I try to stay focused on what I can control—like effort and attitude. If something doesn’t go well, I regroup, watch film, and use it as a learning experience instead of letting it define me.”

7. What are your academic goals? Sample Answer: “I want to major in biology with a pre-med track. I’m passionate about science and hope to eventually become a pediatrician. I’m looking for a school where I can balance a rigorous academic load with competitive athletics.”

8. Are you open to redshirting your first year? Sample Answer: “If it helps me develop and the team feels it’s the best path, I’d be open to it. I want to contribute meaningfully, and if that means taking extra time to prepare, I’m willing.”

9. How would your high school or club coach describe you? Sample Answer: “They’d likely say I’m dependable and resilient. I’ve always been the type of player who shows up early, stays late, and leads by example.”

10. What are your expectations of a college team and coaching staff? Sample Answer: “I value communication, structure, and growth. I’m looking for a coaching staff that will push me but also support me as a person and student.”

11. How did you contribute to your previous team’s culture or success? Sample Answer: “I took pride in being a reliable teammate. Whether it was helping with pre-game prep or boosting morale after tough losses, I made sure I supported the team beyond my role on the field.”

12. Tell me about a time you faced adversity on a team. How did you respond? Sample Answer: “Last season, I got benched after a rough stretch of games. Instead of letting it discourage me, I asked my coach for feedback, worked harder in practice, and eventually earned my spot back by showing growth.”

13. How do you improve outside of regular practices? Sample Answer: “I train on my own 2–3 times a week, focusing on technical skills and conditioning. I also review film to study both my performance and high-level players in my position.”

14. How do you balance your academics with athletics and other responsibilities? Sample Answer: “I follow a weekly schedule that blocks out time for classes, practice, homework, and rest. I also make sure to use academic support resources when I need them.”

15. Describe a time you helped a teammate who was struggling. Sample Answer: “A younger teammate was having a tough transition to varsity, so I started walking her through drills and checking in after practice. Over time, she gained confidence and became a key part of our midfield unit.”
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Practicing responses like these will help you approach your coach calls with clarity and confidence. Customize your answers so they reflect your authentic experiences and goals.

5. Meaningful Questions to Ask Coaches

This conversation is a two-way street. Don’t be afraid to ask thoughtful questions that help you understand if this program aligns with your goals and lifestyle. Begin by asking how players in your position have developed over the past few seasons and what the team’s system demands from that role.

Ask how the program supports athletes academically. Are there mandatory study halls? Is there tutoring? What happens if travel interferes with exams or labs? If you're a pre-med, business, or STEM major, ask how athletes in your program have navigated those tracks successfully.

Also explore daily life—where do athletes live, what’s the campus social scene like, do teammates stick together off the field? Are athletes allowed to join clubs, Greek life, or hold internships during the off-season? These questions help you imagine life beyond hockey.

As for scholarships, be respectful. It’s appropriate to ask whether athletic scholarships are offered at all and whether your position is scholarship-prioritized. Save deeper financial questions—such as terms, renewals, or NIL deals—for a second or third call, or when you’re being seriously considered.

6. Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t enter the conversation without knowing who you’re speaking to. A generic “To Whom It May Concern” shows lack of effort. Always personalize your outreach and responses. Never ask “How much scholarship money can you give me?” as a first question. It may appear that money is your only priority, which can turn coaches off.

Don’t compare yourself to other athletes, either. Let your experience and character speak for themselves. Avoid overpromising or exaggerating stats. And never bad-mouth your high school, club, or national team coaches. Coaches talk, and they respect athletes who take ownership and focus on growth.

7. A Note for Parents

Parents should take an active but balanced role. Let your child lead conversations but step in with thoughtful questions around cost, housing, and academic support. It’s fair to ask about out-of-pocket expenses like travel gear, academic materials, or international trips.

Also ask about medical support. If your child gets injured, what insurance covers it? Is there a team doctor or trainer available full-time? Does the program help with rehab and academic catch-up during recovery? These are important questions that may not cross an athlete’s mind.

8. Final Reflections

Recruitment is more than a performance evaluation—it’s also a chance to advocate for yourself, ask the right questions, and align your college experience with your long-term goals both on and off the field. It’s an opportunity to connect with mentors, communities, and a future that reflects who you are and what you want to achieve. Not every call leads to an offer, but every conversation can teach you something.

Stay focused on finding a school where you will thrive in all areas of life. Ask meaningful questions, take notes, follow up professionally, and don’t forget to trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. If it feels right, lean into that.
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You are not just being recruited—you are recruiting the environment in which you will learn, grow, and compete.
You’ve got this.

Key Questions to Ask College Coaches during the whole recruitment process:
 
About the Program and Playing Opportunity:

• What positions are you recruiting for in my graduation year?
• How many players are currently on the roster in my position?
• What role do you see me potentially playing in your system?
• How do your current freshmen typically develop?
• What’s your philosophy on redshirting first-year players?
• What are your goals for the upcoming season?
• What does the off-season training schedule look like?
• How do you approach skill development and individualized coaching?

Academic Fit and Support:

• What academic support is available (study halls, tutors, advisor check-ins)?
• How do your athletes manage class schedules during travel season?
• Do you support student-athletes in rigorous majors like engineering, nursing, or pre-med?
• Can national team or international players access asynchronous classes?
• How are academic eligibility and GPA monitored for athletes?

Scholarship and Financial Aid:

• Are athletic scholarships available for my position?
• How are scholarships awarded and renewed?
• Are there merit or academic scholarships available?
• Are there other financial aid packages or state-based grants?
• What expenses are not covered by scholarship (gear, travel, meals)?
• What NIL opportunities are available for athletes at your school?
• What is your process for supporting NIL inquiries or partnerships?

Team and Campus Culture:

• How would you describe the team culture both on and off the field?
• What is the housing situation for student-athletes?
• Do athletes live together or with non-athletes?
• Are student-athletes encouraged to participate in other campus activities or clubs?
• How does the team support mental wellness and overall balance?

Recruitment Process:

• Where do I stand in your recruiting timeline?
• What materials do you need from me at this point?
• When would be a good time to follow up?
• What are the next steps in the process?
• Do you host campus visits or clinics I should attend?

General Fit and Logistics:

• What is the travel schedule like during the season?
• How often do athletes miss classes?
• Do you fly or bus to away games?
• Is it common for families to attend games?
• Do players typically stay on campus during holidays?

Post-Graduation & Career Support:

• What kind of career services are available to student-athletes?
• How active is your field hockey alumni network?
• Do players have internship opportunities during off-season periods?
• Are there mentorship programs between alumni and current players?

Having these questions ready—and tailored to each program—will demonstrate your seriousness, maturity, and commitment to finding the best fit both on and off the field, so prioritize the most important ones in case time is limited during your call, ensuring you cover what matters most to you. To the entire field hockey community of the Class of 2027: this recruiting process, while challenging, is just the beginning of a journey filled with learning and achievement. Trust in your preparation, maintain your self-confidence, and continue to pursue your goals with passion and determination. We wish you the very best of luck in every call, interview, and match—go forth, and may success accompany you at every step of your journey.

-From FH College Path-