Getting recruited for women’s hockey can be an exciting opportunity that allows you to showcase your skills and potentially earn a spot on a college team or even the national team. However, it requires dedication, hard work, and strategic planning. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of getting recruited for women’s hockey:
1. Start by improving your skills: Dedicate yourself to becoming the best player you can be. Focus on your skating, stickhandling, shooting, and overall game sense. Consider hiring a private coach or attending hockey camps to further develop your skills.
2. Join a competitive team: Play for a competitive women’s hockey team that regularly participates in high-level tournaments and showcases. Being a part of a strong team will increase your visibility to scouts and recruiters.
3. Attend showcases and tournaments: Participate in showcases and tournaments specifically designed for women’s hockey. These events provide an excellent platform for scouts and college coaches to evaluate talent. Make sure you perform your best during these games and stand out from the competition.
4. Create a player profile: Build an online player profile that includes your hockey resume, highlight videos, stats, and academic information. Websites such as NCSA or CaptainU allow you to create a professional-looking profile that can be easily shared with coaches and scouts.
5. Seek exposure opportunities: Attend college hockey camps and showcases where you can showcase your skills directly to college coaches. Make sure to reach out to coaches beforehand, expressing your interest and asking if they will be attending the event.
6. Research potential schools: Identify the schools that align with your academic and athletic goals. Research their women’s hockey program, look at their roster, and find out what they are looking for in a recruit. Consider reaching out to the coaches to introduce yourself and express your interest.
7. Maintain academic excellence: Don’t overlook the importance of academics. Maintain good grades throughout high school and take standardized tests seriously. College coaches often look for well-rounded athletes who excel both on the ice and in the classroom.
FAQs:
Q1. When should I start preparing to get recruited for women’s hockey?
A1. It’s never too early to start preparing. Begin improving your skills and seeking exposure opportunities as soon as possible, ideally during your early high school years.
Q2. Do I need to play for a highly ranked team to get recruited?
A2. While playing for a strong team can enhance your visibility, it’s not the only factor. Your individual performance, work ethic, and potential can still catch the attention of scouts and recruiters.
Q3. How can I get noticed by college coaches?
A3. Aside from attending showcases and tournaments, actively reach out to coaches by sending introductory emails and following up with them. Also, keep updating your online player profile and share it with coaches.
Q4. Is it necessary to attend hockey camps?
A4. Hockey camps provide an excellent opportunity to improve your skills and network with coaches. While not mandatory, attending camps can significantly enhance your chances of getting recruited.
Q5. How important are grades for women’s hockey recruitment?
A5. Grades are essential as many college programs have academic requirements. Maintaining good grades demonstrates discipline, time management, and the ability to succeed both athletically and academically.
Q6. Can I get recruited if I don’t play for a high school team?
A6. While playing for a high school team can be beneficial, it’s not the only path to recruitment. Focusing on playing for competitive club teams and attending showcases can still help you get noticed.
Q7. What else can I do to stand out during showcases and tournaments?
A7. Apart from performing well on the ice, demonstrate excellent sportsmanship, leadership, and a positive attitude. Coaches look for players with strong character traits that will contribute positively to their team.
BOTTOM LINE: To increase your chances of getting recruited for women’s hockey, focus on improving your skills, playing for competitive teams, attending showcases, creating a strong online presence, and maintaining a good academic record. It requires a proactive approach and dedicated effort, but the rewards can be significant.
