If you’re passionate about field hockey and want to play at the college level, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of getting recruited. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
1. Develop your skills: Work on improving your field hockey skills, including stick handling, passing, shooting, and defensive techniques. Take advantage of training camps, clinics, and club teams to strengthen your abilities.
2. Attend showcases and tournaments: Participate in showcases and tournaments where college coaches are likely to be present. These events give you an opportunity to showcase your skills and get noticed by college recruiters.
3. Create a recruiting profile: Build a comprehensive recruiting profile that includes your academic achievements, field hockey statistics, highlight videos, and contact information. You can use online platforms like NCSA, BeRecruited, or CaptainU to create and share your profile with college coaches.
4. Reach out to college coaches: Take the initiative to contact college coaches at schools that interest you. Send them personalized emails introducing yourself, along with your recruiting profile and any relevant videos. Express your interest in their program and request an opportunity to visit their campus.
5. Maintain good grades: Academic performance plays a significant role in the college recruiting process. Make sure to prioritize your studies and maintain high grades. Coaches often look for student-athletes who excel both on and off the field.
6. Attend prospect camps: Many colleges offer prospect camps where prospective student-athletes can showcase their skills and interact with college coaches. Attend these camps to gain exposure and demonstrate your abilities firsthand.
7. Stay updated on NCAA eligibility requirements: Familiarize yourself with the NCAA eligibility requirements to ensure you meet the academic and athletic criteria. Stay on track with your coursework and maintain amateur status to remain eligible for college field hockey.
FAQs:
1. What is the best time to start the recruiting process for college field hockey?
2. How important is playing on a club team in getting recruited for college field hockey?
3. Should I limit my college choices to schools with field hockey programs?
4. Will attending national field hockey camps increase my chances of getting recruited?
5. How many highlight videos should I include in my recruiting profile?
6. Can I contact college coaches if I’m still in high school?
7. Is it possible to receive an athletic scholarship for field hockey?
BOTTOM LINE: Getting recruited for college field hockey requires a combination of skill development, proactive communication with college coaches, and maintaining strong academic performance. It’s important to start the process early, attend showcases and tournaments, create a compelling recruiting profile, and stay updated on NCAA eligibility requirements. Additionally, participating in prospect camps and playing on a club team can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed by college recruiters.
