Quick answer
College field hockey recruiting in the US usually starts with the player, not the coach. Your child researches schools, emails coaches with a short video and a schedule, and plays where coaches can watch, mostly at club tournaments and camps. NCAA Division I, II and III schools all have field hockey programs. Divisions I and II can offer athletic scholarships, which are often partial. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships but may offer academic aid. The NCAA sets rules on when coaches may contact players, and they change, so always check the current NCAA recruiting rules. Grades matter as much as hockey.
Key takeaways
- Start with fit: academics, location, size and level, not just the hockey program.
- The player should lead the emails and conversations; parents support.
- Club play, tournaments and camps are where most college coaches see players.
- Good grades widen the options at every level.
- NCAA contact rules and dates change. Check the current rules yourself.
The levels of college field hockey
| Level | Athletic scholarships | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| NCAA Division I | Yes, often partial | Highest level, big time commitment, competitive recruiting |
| NCAA Division II | Yes, often partial | Fewer programs, strong balance of hockey and study |
| NCAA Division III | No athletic scholarships | Many programs, academic and need-based aid possible |
| Club college hockey | No | Play for fun and competition without varsity commitment |
Scholarship rules, roster sizes and program numbers change over time. Don't rely on old numbers from forums; ask each school directly.
A rough timeline
Every player's path is different. Use this as a guide, and check the NCAA's current calendar for exact contact dates.
- Grade 9: focus on grades, skills and enjoying the game. Start a list of schools you like.
- Grade 10: start emailing coaches with a short introduction and your club schedule. Attend camps at schools you're interested in. Create an NCAA Eligibility Center account if you are aiming for Division I or II.
- Grade 11: often the busiest year. Coaches may contact players under NCAA rules, and campus visits begin. Keep updating coaches with new video and results.
- Grade 12: finish applications, compare offers and aid, and make the final decision.
What coaches look for
- Skills: clean first touch, passing on both sides, ball control under pressure.
- Game sense: good decisions, positioning, and reading play.
- Fitness and work rate: pressing, recovering, playing hard for the whole game.
- Attitude: how a player responds to mistakes, coaching and teammates.
- Academics: grades and test results that fit the school's admissions.
How to contact coaches
A good first email is short and personal. The player writes it, not the parent. Include:
- name, graduation year, position, high school and club;
- one sentence on why this school interests them;
- a link to a highlight video of 3–5 minutes;
- an upcoming tournament or camp schedule;
- GPA and any test scores, if available;
- contact details for the club or high school coach.
Send updates every few months with new video or results. Under NCAA rules, coaches may not be allowed to reply before a certain date, so silence doesn't always mean "no".
Making a highlight video
- Start with your best 5–10 clips. Coaches often watch only the first minute.
- Mark yourself in each clip with an arrow or circle at the start.
- Show what your position needs: passing and tackling for defenders, receiving and finishing for forwards.
- Include game footage, not just training drills.
- Film in good quality, from a stable position, with the whole play visible.
The parent's role
- Help with organisation: schedules, deadlines, travel and budgets.
- Let your child do the talking with coaches. Coaches want to hear from the player.
- Ask the money questions early, so you can compare real costs.
- Keep perspective. Many players find great college experiences at all levels, including club hockey.
Keep improving while you recruit
Recruiting is stressful, and it's easy to forget that the best thing a player can do is keep getting better. Short, regular sessions on first touch, passing and ball control make a visible difference on video. A wall and a few cones are enough. If your child wants more structure at home, see our guide to training kits for options. Keep the ball on the floor indoors; shooting and hitting belong on the pitch.
FAQ
When should my child start the college recruiting process?
Most players start researching schools and emailing coaches around grade 10. Some start earlier, many later. Check the NCAA's current rules for when coaches may reply and make contact.
Do all college field hockey programs offer scholarships?
No. NCAA Division I and II programs can offer athletic scholarships, often partial. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships but may offer academic or need-based aid.
Does my child need a recruiting service?
Not necessarily. Many players are recruited by emailing coaches themselves, attending camps and playing club tournaments. Research any paid service carefully before signing up.
How important are grades in field hockey recruiting?
Very important. Good grades open more schools and can bring academic aid, especially at Division III.
Should parents email college coaches?
It's better if the player writes and leads the conversation. Parents can help with organisation and ask questions during visits.
