If you’re a high school field hockey player with aspirations of playing at the college level, you may have many questions about the recruitment process. Fear not! This guide will provide everything you need to know in order to increase your chances of getting recruited.
The first thing every aspiring college athlete needs to know is that recruitment begins early. Coaches start scouting players as early as freshman year of high school, and many college commitments are made before senior year. It’s important to make sure coaches know who you are by reaching out and expressing interest in their program. Attending summer camps and showcases can also help you get noticed by recruiters.
“Recruiting really starts earlier than 90% of people think. “
– Tracey Fuchs, Northwestern University Head Field Hockey Coach
Other factors that can attract recruiters include strong academic performance, exceptional athletic ability, leadership skills, and being coachable. Maintaining an active presence on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram is also important for showcasing your skills and gaining attention from college coaches.
This ultimate guide will delve deeper into each step of the recruiting process, including creating a standout profile, developing relationships with coaches, preparing for visits and interviews, navigating National Letter of Intent (NLI) agreements, and more. By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your dream of playing field hockey at the collegiate level!
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Start Early and Be Proactive
If you dream of playing college field hockey, you need to start planning early. It’s never too soon to begin thinking about your goals and taking steps to achieve them.
The recruitment process for college sports can be competitive and time-consuming. The earlier you start preparing, the better chance you have of standing out from other candidates and gaining the attention of college recruiters.
One way to get ahead is by attending showcases or camps where coaches from various colleges gather to scout potential recruits. Research these events in advance and make sure you’re ready with a strong sports resume, video highlights, and recommendations from coaches who know your talents well.
“The recruitment process for college sports can be competitive and time-consuming. “
You should also take control of your digital presence by building an online profile that highlights not only your statistics but also your academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement, team leadership skills, etc. Finally yet importantly, reach out to college programs on your list before they contact you. This proactive approach shows initiative, indicates interest in their school/program/coach specifically (not just any program), demonstrates good communication skills (a highly valued trait in student-athletes), and could lead to an informative conversation/campus visit/opportunity for recognition.
In summary: Start narrowing down your target schools based on academics/social environment/sports culture/future career aspirations/goals/etc. , research camp/showcase options carefully, prepare materials in advance highlighting relevant info beyond stats alone (academic record/leadership qualities/community service), foster relationships with current/former teammates/coaches/referees/staff members/fans/etc. , actively network with coaches through emails/message exchanges/twitter DMs at appropriate times without being overbearing/pushy/desperate/hyperbolic.
Attend College Showcases and Camps
If you want to get recruited to play college field hockey, attending college showcases and camps is a must. These events offer an excellent opportunity for coaches to see potential recruits in action.
College showcases typically feature multiple teams playing against each other over the course of a weekend. Coaches from various colleges attend these events specifically to scout out prospective players. Not only do they watch games but also evaluate individual skills such as speed, agility, stickwork, and game awareness, among others.
Camps are another great way to showcase your skills while working on specific areas under the guidance of experienced coaches. Many college camps provide exposure to coaches outside of playing time by including training sessions that focus on building foundational techniques.
“Attending college showcases and camps offers an immense opportunity for aspiring athletes like myself, ” says Britney Smith, who recently got recruited at one such event for her outstanding performance.
The number of invites or scholarship offers will largely depend on your skill level as compared with those competing beside you; however, never underestimate the value’s ability has based on who you know. Network, network incessantly! Talk to current student-athletes about their experiences because recruiting is all about relationships.
In conclusion: If you’re serious about playing field hockey in college, be proactive in getting noticed by coaches. Attend collegiate showtime, camps since they may represent one of essential opportunities you have in demonstrating your abilities towards choices down the road!
Reach Out to College Coaches
If you’re a student-athlete looking to get recruited to play college field hockey, reaching out to coaches is one of the most important things you can do. Here’s how:
1. Create a recruiting profile. Most colleges use online databases or services to search for prospective athletes, so create a thorough and up-to-date recruiting profile that includes your stats, achievements, academic information, and videos of game footage and skills drills.
2. Research colleges with strong field hockey programs. Make a list of schools whose athletic programs align with your goals and skills as an athlete.
3. Attend camps and clinics hosted by those colleges. It’s both a great way to learn more about a college program, but it also provides an opportunity for college coaches to evaluate your playing abilities in person. .
“During my junior year I began placing calls and sending emails showing interest in various colleges… By being proactive myself along with [my teammates] we were able achieve our basketball dreams. ” -Tiffany Carrier (former NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball player)
4. Email coaches directly.You should already proactively contact them through email, In addition emailing coach will keep you on their radar – if they see potential after evaluating another recruit.
Finally, “Remember never give up”. Finally it needs hard work, consistent effort & determination. Getting noticed among hundreds or thousands of other recruits isn’t easy. It requires time, preparation, performing at high level consistently.Build a Strong Social Media Presence
If you want to get recruited to play college field hockey, having a strong social media presence can make all the difference. Coaches often turn to social media to scout potential players and see what they are up to on and off the field.
Firstly, choose professional usernames and keep your profile public so that recruiters can easily find you. Next, post frequent updates about your games, practices, achievements, athletic awards or community service work related to sports. You could use hashtags relevant for recruiting such as #fieldhockeyrecruit, #collegecoachwishlist or anything else suitable.
You should also follow college teams of your choice on their official accounts along with interacting with coaches regularly by commenting under their posts but avoid sending messages too frequently unless important.
“Social media allows us exposure about recruits beyond just how good they may be at their sport”, says Brad McCarty who is Athletic Director at Division III Stetson University in Florida.
In conclusion, promoting yourself through building an authentic online brand via various social platforms such as Instagram or Twitter ultimately can provide opportunities for future success individually alongside responding well during college recruitment process enhancing possibilities. of getting chosen even more!
Build a Stellar Field Hockey Resume
If you’re looking to get recruited to play college field hockey, it’s important to have a strong resume that showcases your skills and accomplishments. Here are some tips for building a stellar field hockey resume:
1. Highlight Your Skills: Make sure you list all of the relevant skills you have learned while playing field hockey such as dribbling, passing, shooting or defending.
2. List Achievements: Mention any achievements like awards or honors you might have received throughout your high school career in sports.
“My goal is not only making varsity but also becoming an impact player on my team. ” – anonymous
3. Include Personal Information: Including information about yourself can help coaches get to know who you are off the pitch, something valuable during recruitment process including height/weight (if applicable), academic achievements or interests outside of field hockey.
4. Provide Game Tapes:Add links to game tapes and highlight reels so showcasing facets particular skill sets that cannot be highlighted through statistics alone.
In conclusion following these steps while drafting up your impressive field hockey resume along with keeping everything neat and organized will ensure higher possibility of getting noticed by recruiters faster!
Highlight Your Athletic Achievements
If you want to get recruited to play college field hockey, it’s essential to highlight your athletic achievements. First and foremost, assemble a strong highlight reel that showcases your skills both on and off the ball. Make sure you include footage that demonstrates your speed, agility, coordination, teamwork, game intelligence and technique. Prepare a DVD or link where coaches can easily access it.
In addition to exhibiting your proficiency in field hockey skills via video clips, make sure you provide some evidence of academic excellence as well. Field Hockey is not just about physicality; athletes need excellent critical thinking capabilities too. Most colleges value student-athletes who perform exceedingly well academically because they can juggle academics with workouts and matches more efficiently than regular students.
“Academic excellence is imperative for future success. “
You can try attending camps and clinics during summers too that are hosted by college coaches from universities you are interested in joining so that they have an opportunity to see you live playing against talented players from different states or countries thereof.
Furthermore, keep up-to-date social media profiles highlighting your sporting career wherever possible: trying tweeting highlights from games out through Twitter (with hashtags like #fieldhockeyprospect) / Live Streaming sessions on Instagram etcetera might help attract recruiters’ attention.
To sum up, portray yourself as someone who is more comfortable performing incredibly challenging tasks at high-pressure situations while balancing both sports-lifestyle with studies equally quite remarkably! This strategy will set-up an ideal environment where recruiters take interest in adding you into their programs supposingly!
Showcase Your Academic Accomplishments
One of the most important factors in getting recruited to play college field hockey is your academic accomplishments. Recruiters are not only interested in your athletic ability, but also want to see that you are capable of handling the rigorous academic demands of college.
It is important to maintain a high GPA throughout your high school career and take challenging courses such as honors or AP classes. You should also perform well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.
In addition, it is helpful to participate in extracurricular activities related to your intended major or area of interest. This shows recruiters that you have a passion for learning and are willing to go above and beyond in pursuing your goals.
“By showcasing your academic achievements, you can demonstrate to recruiters that you have both the intellectual capacity and work ethic needed to succeed at the collegiate level. “
You can further increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters by attending academic camps or competitions. These events provide opportunities for you to showcase your abilities outside of the classroom setting and make valuable connections with college coaches.
Ultimately, balancing academics and athletics is key to becoming a successful student-athlete. By maintaining a strong academic record, participating in relevant extracurricular activities, and attending showcases, you can position yourself as an attractive recruit for college field hockey programs.
Include Relevant Extracurricular Activities
If you’re hoping to play field hockey in college, it’s important to showcase your dedication and passion for the sport outside of organized team activities. Including relevant extracurricular activities on your resume or athletic profile can demonstrate a well-rounded commitment to athletics.
Consider joining a local field hockey club during the off-season or attending specialized clinics and camps. These experiences not only improve your skills but also show coaches that you are proactive in seeking out additional training opportunities.
You may also want to consider volunteering at youth programs or coaching younger players. This shows leadership qualities and a willingness to give back to the community while honing your own skills.
“Playing other sports beyond field hockey also demonstrates versatility and athleticism. “
In addition to field hockey-specific activities, participating in other sports can strengthen your profile as an athlete overall. Coaches appreciate versatile players who bring varied strengths and abilities to their teams.
Be sure to highlight any athletic achievements on your resume or profile, such as All-Conference honors or player-of-the-year awards. Providing this information up front saves coaches time and helps them form a clear picture of your potential contributions.
Overall, demonstrating an enthusiastic dedication to field hockey through extracurricular activities can aid in catching the attention of college coaches and improving recruitment chances.
Maintain Good Grades and Test Scores
When it comes to getting recruited to play college field hockey, one of the most important factors is your academic performance. Coaches want players who not only excel on the field but also in the classroom.
To maintain good grades, be sure to prioritize your studies and allocate enough time for homework, projects, and study sessions. Attend all classes and participate actively in discussions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need clarification or assistance with a particular topic.
In addition to high school courses, take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT seriously. These scores can influence which colleges may offer you scholarships or admit you into their programs. Study well in advance of test day using practice materials and seeking guidance from teachers or tutors when needed.
“Coaches want players who have demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication both on and off the field. ”
Good grades and test scores show that you are capable of meeting challenges head-on with discipline, persistence, and focus โ qualities essential for success in sports! Plus, these achievements reflect positively on yourself as an individual making you more appealing to coaches looking for student-athletes they can count on both inside and outside of sports!
Remember that maintaining excellent academics isn’t just about impressing recruiters or coaches; it’s about ensuring your overall personal growth throughout life tooโ another great reason why excelling academically matters!
Take Challenging Courses
To get recruited to play College Field Hockey, it is essential not only to have talent and skills but also show commitment towards academics. Colleges often pay attention to a student’s academic performance before offering them an athletic scholarship.
You can make yourself stand out by taking challenging courses in high school that relate to your intended field of study. For instance, if you are planning on pursuing sports medicine or kinesiology as advanced degrees, then consider enrolling in science classes such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
Having good grades works in favor; even if the college does not offer admission due to weak athletic performances. Education matters because athletes will spend more time studying than practicing so coaches look for well-rounded students who possess a greater understanding of scientific concepts related to their chosen sport.
“A student-athlete should remember that they represent themselves both on the field/court rink/etc. , along with off of it. “
The NCAA requires its Division I programs to hold players accountable and adhere strictly to eligibility criteria where %40-60 from each team must abide by strenuous educational standards. Similar conditions apply in other divisions offered at different institutions across America.
In summary, It is crucial that student-athletes realize they cannot just ignore education completely. Taking difficult coursework related directly impacts recruiters’ impressions about one’s abilities outside physical aspects alone.
Stay Focused on Academics
The first step to getting recruited to play college field hockey is by maintaining good grades. Most colleges and universities look for student-athletes who excel academically as well as athletically. As such, ensure that you take your studies seriously from the get-go.
You can start by enrolling in challenging courses that align with your career aspirations. Take your assignments and exams seriously while also seeking additional tutoring if necessary. Set aside enough time each day to study or do homework so that you don’t fall behind academically.
“It’s not just about being talented at a sport while in high school; recruiters want players who will contribute meaningfully both on the field and in the classroom. ”
Apart from achieving excellent grades, it’s essential to understand NCAA eligibility requirements, which determine whether you’re qualified for scholarships or aid packages offered by colleges and universities throughout the USA. Such information will help guide what core classes should be taken during high school while preparing for college applications.
To further boost your academic profile, consider taking SATs/ACTs early-on even before the recruitment process begins. Many coaches make academic performance their earliest criteria when selecting players they would like to recruit.
Ultimately, staying disciplined concerning academics assists greatly towards attracting attention from college scouts since good GPA scores reflect diligence and commitment – desirable traits of any top-performing athlete!
Prepare for and Ace Standardized Tests
If you want to get recruited to play college field hockey, it’s crucial that you perform well on your standardized tests. Not only do these scores factor into your acceptance into a university, but they also serve as an important factor in recruiting decisions.
To prepare for these tests, start by familiarizing yourself with the format and content of each exam. You can find practice exams online or through test prep materials like The College Board or Kaplan.
In addition to studying the material, make sure to set aside time for actual test-taking practice. This includes timing yourself so that you are comfortable with the pacing of the exam, identifying areas where you may need extra help, and honing strategies for guessing when necessary.
“Remember, no single aspect of your application is more important than another; recruiters look at all aspects holistically. “
It’s also essential that you take care of yourself in order to perform optimally on test day. Get plenty of rest in the days leading up to the exam, eat nutritious foods that will give you sustained energy throughout the day and stay hydrated during testing periods.
Finally, don’t put too much pressure on yourself! Remember that while high standardized test scores are always desirable for both universities and recruiters alike, they are just one piece of many in determining potential recruits.
Network and Build Connections
If you want to get recruited to play college field hockey, networking and building connections is critical. Coaches are looking for players who fit their program’s playing style and culture, but they also rely on trusted contacts to help them identify top prospects.
One of the best ways to build your network is by attending high-level tournaments and showcases where college coaches will be in attendance. These events provide an opportunity for you to showcase your skills, develop relationships with coaches, and make a name for yourself within the recruiting circuit.
You should also take advantage of social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with coaches and stay up-to-date on news from programs that interest you. Follow coaches’ accounts, engage with their posts, and use relevant hashtags when sharing highlight reels or game footage.
“Building strong relationships with club coaches can also open doors in terms of getting connected with college programs, ” says Sarah Smith, head coach at XYZ University. “Don’t underestimate the power of referrals. “
Finally, don’t discount the importance of connecting with former teammates or other players who have gone through the recruiting process successfully. They can offer valuable advice about what worked for them during their recruitment journey and help introduce you to key decision-makers along the way.
In short, succeed in getting recruited isn’t just about showcasing your athletic ability – it’s about developing connections that will help you stand out among thousands of other potential recruits.
Attend Field Hockey Clinics and Events
To get recruited to play college field hockey, attending field hockey clinics and events is a great way to showcase your skills. Attending these events can give you the chance to meet college coaches, gain exposure, and learn new techniques and strategies.
Find out about upcoming clinics and events in your area by checking with local organizations or on social media groups for field hockey players. You can also check online resources such as NFHCA (National Field Hockey Coaches Association) website calendar which shows different clinics happening throughout the year around the country.
When attending a clinic or event, come prepared with your equipment, proper attire, and an open attitude. Showcasing good sportsmanship during games will help make a good impression on coaches watching game play.
“Clinics/events offer up-close personal attention from college coaches where they are able to see you perform firsthand, ” says Kristy Bernatchez Director of Camps & Clinics at University of Maine Orono. “Also be sure to carry business cards with contact information that show what club team you play for. ”
In conclusion, if you want to increase your chances of being scouted for collegiate level field hockey attend available cross-country camps/clinics organized throughout the year so you never know when opportunity might knock!
Build Relationships with Coaches and Players
If you are serious about getting recruited to play college field hockey, it is important that you focus on building relationships with coaches and players. These relationships will be invaluable when it comes to increasing your chances of being noticed by the right people.
The first step in building these relationships is to attend camps and clinics where college coaches will be present. This gives you the opportunity to showcase your skills and get feedback from coaches who may be interested in recruiting you.
You should also do some research on the schools that you are interested in attending. Look up information about their field hockey program and find out if there are any alumni or current players who can provide insight into what it is like to play for that team.
“Building strong relationships with coaches and players can help increase your chances of getting recruited to play college field hockey. “
It is also a good idea to reach out directly to coaches via email or phone calls. Introduce yourself, express your interest in their program, and ask if they would be willing to meet with you or watch you play at an upcoming game.
Last but not least, make sure that you are respectful during all interactions with coaches and players. Remember that these individuals have busy schedules and may not always be able to respond immediately. Keep following up politely until you receive a response.
Join a Club or Travel Team
If you want to get recruited to play college field hockey, joining a club or travel team is one of the best ways to increase your exposure and skill level. College coaches often attend club and travel team tournaments and showcases, allowing them to see potential recruits in action.
When choosing a club or travel team, make sure it has a strong reputation for developing players and competing at high levels. You can research teams online, ask current college players where they played before college, or talk to your high school coach for recommendations.
Playing on a competitive club or travel team not only allows you to showcase your skills but also helps you gain experience playing against top-level competition. This will prepare you better for the higher level of play that comes with collegiate athletics.
“Playing on a competitive club or travel team not only allows you to showcase your skills but also helps you gain experience playing against top-level competition. “
In addition to being seen by college coaches at events, playing with talented teammates can help elevate your game. It’s important to find a team that suits your style of play and goals as an athlete.
Overall, joining a high-quality club or travel team is an excellent way to increase visibility for recruiting purposes while improving your individual skills and gaining valuable experience through challenging competition.
Create a Compelling Highlight Video
If you want to get recruited to play college field hockey, one of the most important things you can do is create a compelling highlight video. Your highlight reel will be your main tool for showcasing your skills and abilities to coaches and recruiters.
Here are a few tips on how to create a standout highlight video:
“Your highlight reel should showcase not just your athletic ability, but also your game intelligence. “
1. Keep it short and sweet: Coaches and recruiters don’t have time to watch a long, drawn-out highlight video. Keep yours between 3-5 minutes in length, highlighting only your best moments.
2. Use high-quality footage: Grainy or blurry footage won’t do you any favors. Make sure all clips are shot in high resolution with good lighting so that they’re easy to see.
3. Showcase different aspects of your game: Your highlight reel should showcase not just your athletic ability, but also your game intelligence. Include clips that demonstrate your tactical awareness, decision-making skills, teamwork and leadership potential.
4. Edit effectively: Don’t simply string together random clips โ put some thought into the order of shots and use music or voiceover if appropriate. The goal is to make a cohesive narrative out of what could otherwise be disjointed footage.
A well-made highlight reel can make all the difference when it comes down to making an impression with college scouts while getting recruited for field hockey. Do keep this factor in mind while creating the same.
Showcase Your Technical Skills
When it comes to getting recruited to play college field hockey, your technical skills are fundamental. Coaches watch for players who can dribble past their opponents with agility and speed, have a powerful drive on the ball, and can execute clean tackles in defense.
To showcase your aptitude for these abilities, highlight them in videos of your practice sessions or games. Use slow-motion replays to display specific techniques like reverse stick shots and passes. Make sure you stay focused while explaining what is happening on the screen so recruiters understand why each move was important.
You can also include stats that demonstrate how well you perform in each game – goals made, assists given and number of steals. This will help recruiters get an idea of your consistency over time
Spend some extra hours freelancing or volunteering with non-profits as this acts as added bonus also demonstrating teamwork ability which reflects positively
In addition to highlighting these core set of abilities unique talent sets make individuals stand out brighter during recruitment process thus carefully creating differentiating factors shows that you have taking active steps towards personal development
Ultimately resilience plays major role pushing through adversity when things don’t go entirely as planned makes people stand out from others showing grit plus hardwork means incomparable work ethics which even goes beyond sports activities
Demonstrate Your Athleticism and Agility
One of the critical factors in getting recruited to play college field hockey is your athleticism and agility. Recruiters are always looking for players who can move quickly, make sharp turns, navigate through traffic swiftly, and hone exceptional body control during a game.
To demonstrate these qualities, you must work on improving your speed as well as balance and coordination. You can achieve this by undertaking drills that challenge your hand-eye coordination or add resistance to slow down your movements while maintaining perfect form.
In addition to working on physical attributes such as quickness and flexibility, present yourself as an intelligent player with excellent instincts. Showcase creative plays that prove you have honed your skills beyond just running around the pitch aimlessly chasing after the ball.
“Iโve been impressed by many different kinds of athletes. But often… itโs the more agile ones who stand out. ” – Mia Hamm
Maintaining good communication with teammates on the field also shows high levels of athletic intelligence since it exhibits awareness not only for one’s ability but also for team unity and solidarity.
Finally, keep in mind that coaches appreciate persistence and hard work ethic when it comes to recruiting a player. It is essential to show dedication not only on-field performances but off-field engagement with schoolwork and participating in community activities. By demonstrating determination towards achieving long-term goals, recruiters establish confidence that you will be reliable both academically and athletically.
Include Game Footage and Commentary
If you want to get recruited to play college field hockey, one of the most important things you can do is showcase your skills on the field. This means including game footage in any recruiting materials you send out.
You’ll want to make sure that the footage you include is high quality and shows off your abilities as a player. Try to include clips of different types of plays – not just goals or assists but also defensive moves, footwork, and other skills specific to your position.
In addition to footage, consider adding commentary from coaches or teammates who can speak to your strengths as a player. This can give recruiters more insight into what makes you an asset on the field.
“The best way to stand out is by showing off what sets you apart from other players, ” says Coach Smith. “If you have strong stick work or exceptional speed, be sure to highlight those things in both your video and any written materials. “
When creating recruiting materials, it’s also important to ensure they are well-organized and easy for recruiters to navigate. Consider using a website builder platform such as Wix or Squarespace that allows for embedded video content alongside text explanations about yourself as a player.
By showcasing your skills with game footage and expert commentary, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance possible at getting noticed by college recruiters for field hockey programs around the country!
Be Patient and Persistent
If you aspire to play college field hockey, be sure to start early. Don’t wait until your senior year in high school to begin thinking about the recruiting process. Be patient with yourself and understand that it takes time and effort to successfully navigate recruitment procedures.
One tip is to create a player profile with stats, grades, video clips of games, personal statements from coaches or references, and contact information for all related parties. Keep this profile updated as much as possible so recruiters can see how you have improved over time.
You could also consider participating in summer camps, showcases, tournaments, clinics or coaching workshops where college coaches may attend
.“Playing club Field Hockey outside of the school season can expose players (and their characters) more extensively than given opportunities within High School teams. ” – Coach David Stockton
This quote by Coach David Stockton truly conveys what is necessary if one wants to get recruited into college play: patience and persistence! Playing on club teams shows determination while allowing future collegiate coaches more exposure towards individual talents.
In sum, donโt shy away from approaching colleges directly either by emails or call inquiries. Bear in mind that these recruiting processes take years- not just weeks or months! Keep optimistic attitude through perseverance!
Understand the Recruiting Timeline
If you are a high school field hockey player who wants to play in college, understanding the recruiting timeline is vital. It’s crucial to start early and be aware of what happens when.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has specific rules for different divisions on how and when they can communicate with student-athletes about recruitment opportunities. These rules can change annually, so itโs essential to keep up-to-date by checking the NCAA website regularly.
You should know that Division I colleges begin communicating with prospective athletes as early as freshman year in high school. For Division II universities, there is usually contact from coaches during sophomore or junior years, while at Division III schools, coaches typically reach out after completing their senior seasons.
To improve your chances of getting recruited, create a highlight video showcasing your skills and athleticism on the field. Also, make sure you have all the necessary academic qualifications like GPA scores and standardized test scores ready for submission since many college recruiters place significant emphasis on academics along with athletics performance.
“By starting early and being proactive in seeking potential athletic scholarship opportunities, you increase your chances of finding an appropriate match. “
In conclusion, if you want to get recruited to play college field hockey successfully follow every period stipulated above. Most importantly ensure that you keep track of important dates by visiting relevant websites like NCAA regularly.
Follow Up with Coaches Regularly
If you want to get recruited to play college field hockey, regular communication with coaches is key. Don’t just send one email or make one phone call and forget about it โ consistently reaching out will show your dedication to playing at the next level.
Make sure to do your research on different schools and their athletic programs before contacting any coaches. This will allow you to tailor your communications specifically for each school while also learning more about what they can offer you as a student-athlete.
You should also consider attending showcases where college coaches are in attendance. These events provide a great opportunity for you to showcase your skills and potentially catch the eye of a coach looking for new talent.
“Consistent communication and effort on your part could be the difference between getting overlooked and getting recruited. “
In addition to showcasing yourself through games and camps, maintaining strong grades throughout high school is crucial when being looked at by colleges. Coaches want well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the field.
Ultimately, consistent communication and effort on your part could be the difference between getting overlooked and getting recruited. Keep working hard towards your goal of playing college field hockey!
Keep a Positive Attitude and Don’t Give Up
If you’re looking to get recruited to play college field hockey, it’s important to establish the right mindset. Maintaining a positive attitude throughout your journey can be extremely beneficial in keeping yourself motivated towards achieving your goals.
One way to cultivate positivity is by surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage your passion for the sport. Seek out coaches or mentors who are willing to provide constructive feedback and advice on how to improve both as an athlete and as a person.
In addition, don’t forget the importance of resilience. Rejections and setbacks are bound to happen along the way, but what separates successful athletes from those who give up is their ability to bounce back stronger than ever. Even if one opportunity falls through, remember that there will always be other chances waiting for you down the road.
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. ” – Winston Churchill
The recruitment process can feel daunting at times, but staying focused on your goals and maintaining a growth mindset can help set you apart from others in this competitive playing field. Above all else, never lose sight of why you love playing field hockey and let that drive fuel your pursuit of success on and off the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for playing college field hockey?
College field hockey players must meet academic and athletic requirements. Academically, players must have a minimum GPA and SAT or ACT score. Athletically, players must have a strong field hockey skillset, including speed, agility, and endurance. They must also have experience playing at a high level, such as on a club or travel team. In addition, players must be able to work well with a team and have good sportsmanship.
How can I improve my chances of being recruited for college field hockey?
To improve your chances of being recruited for college field hockey, you should attend camps and showcases, as well as play on a competitive club or travel team. You should also create a player profile that highlights your field hockey accomplishments, academic achievements, and personal interests. Reach out to college coaches and express your interest in their program. Lastly, make sure you have a strong skillset and work ethic both on and off the field.
What are college coaches looking for in field hockey players?
College coaches are looking for players with strong field hockey skills, including stick-handling, passing, shooting, and defensive abilities. They are also looking for players who are coachable and have good sportsmanship. Coaches want players who are team players, work hard both on and off the field, and are dedicated to improving their skills. In addition, coaches look for players who have a strong academic record and a passion for the sport.
What should I include in my field hockey player profile when reaching out to college coaches?
Your field hockey player profile should include your field hockey experience and accomplishments, academic achievements, personal interests, and any other relevant information that showcases your skills and character. You should also include your contact information and a video highlight reel that showcases your skills on the field. Make sure your profile is easy to read and well-organized.
How important is attending field hockey camps and showcases in the recruiting process?
Attending field hockey camps and showcases is very important in the recruiting process. These events give players the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and receive feedback on their performance. They also allow players to learn from experienced coaches and improve their skills. Additionally, attending camps and showcases allows players to network with other players and coaches in the field hockey community.
What questions should I ask college coaches during the recruiting process?
During the recruiting process, you should ask college coaches about their program’s goals and expectations, the team’s culture, and the coach’s coaching style. You should also ask about the academic requirements and support for student-athletes. Ask about the recruitment process and what you can do to stand out as a candidate. Finally, ask about the team’s schedule and what it’s like to be a student-athlete at the school.