Field Hokey Recruitment

If you’re an aspiring hockey player dreaming of studying and playing in the USA, get started early to ensure you earn your place.

Your Guide to a Field Hockey Scholarship in the USA

A field hockey scholarship in the USA offers financial aid to student-athletes based on their performances and academic achievements. Scholarships vary from partial to full-ride, covering tuition, accommodation, and other expenses. They're offered by NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA institutions, each with specific eligibility requirements.
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Research Programs
Look for colleges with field hockey programs that align with your academic goals and playing style. Explore Division I, II, and III schools, as well as NAIA options. Create a shortlist of schools that offer scholarships and fit your preferences in terms of training facilities, coaching staff, and academic programs.
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Create an Athlete Profile
Include your game statistics, tournament results, and skill progression data. Document your performances with match footage and training videos that demonstrate your technical abilities, game strategy, and versatility across positions.
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Connect with Coaches
Email college coaches with your athlete profile, attend tournaments where college coaches will be present, and participate in recruitment events. Personalize your communication to each coach, emphasizing why their program is a great fit for you. Recruitment begins 2-3 years before college starts.
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Maintain Academic Excellence
Scholarships often require a minimum GPA and standardized test scores (e.g., SAT/ACT). Balancing academics and athletics shows commitment and discipline, which are qualities coaches value.

"With the help of Crimson, I'm now a Hockey player at Marian University." - Ella

Top Field Hockey Programs

Boston University

Premier Division I program known for its competitive excellence and state-of-the-art facilities including New Balance Field. The program has consistently ranked in the top 20 nationally and competes in the prestigious Patriot League. Under head coach Sally Starr's leadership, the program has produced numerous All-Americans and USA Field Hockey National Team players. The team's impressive facilities include video analysis capabilities and sport-specific strength and conditioning programs. Notable alumna Valentina Cerda Eimbcke represented Chile in multiple Olympic Games, demonstrating the program's ability to develop international talent. The program's commitment to excellence extends beyond the field, with student-athletes maintaining one of the highest GPAs among BU athletic programs.

University of North Carolina

Powerhouse program with multiple NCAA championships and a tradition of excellence. Features the Karen Shelton Stadium, the first facility in America specifically designed for field hockey. The program's comprehensive approach to athlete development includes advanced performance analytics and specialized training programs. Their revolutionary GPS tracking system allows for precise monitoring of player movements and conditioning levels. Notable alumna Erin Matson, a multiple-time NCAA champion and USA Field Hockey National Team member, exemplifies UNC's tradition of developing elite talent. The program has won 10 national championships, including three consecutive titles from 2019-2021.

University of Michigan

Leading Big Ten program known for its exceptional development of international talent. Features Phyllis Ocker Field Hockey Field, a world-class facility with specialized training areas and performance labs. The program's unique approach combines European and American playing styles, making it particularly attractive to international recruits. Their strength and conditioning program is renowned for producing some of the fittest athletes in collegiate field hockey. Notable alumna Meg Dowthwaite represented Great Britain in international competition and helped lead Michigan to multiple Big Ten championships. The program consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally and has produced numerous Academic All-Americans.

Northwestern University

Rising power in collegiate field hockey with a strong emphasis on academic and athletic excellence. Features Lakeside Field, offering a premium water-based artificial turf system and comprehensive video analysis capabilities. The program has made significant strides under head coach Tracey Fuchs, consistently competing in the NCAA tournament and developing professional-level talent. Their innovative approach to player development includes partnership with the US Women's National Team development program. Notable alumna Bente Baekers set numerous scoring records and earned All-American honors while maintaining academic excellence. The program is particularly known for its success with attacking players, consistently ranking among the nation's highest-scoring teams.

Field Hockey Programs in Action

Caitlin's journey to Boston University's prestigious Division I field hockey program showcases how dedicated student-athletes can successfully navigate the recruitment process to join a top program.
Athletic Strategy Development

Caitlin's success was supported by Crimson's comprehensive athletic strategy
We paired her with experienced D1 coaches who brought extensive collegiate coaching expertise. This guidance included personalized recruitment planning, position-specific skill development, and strategic tournament selection. Working with Crimson's network of field hockey specialists, Caitlin received tailored feedback on crucial elements like penalty corner execution and pressing strategies, while also accessing integrated academic support, standardized test preparation, and NCAA compliance guidance. This holistic approach ensured she developed not just as an athlete, but as a complete student-athlete ready for the demands of Division I field hockey.

Program Development

Caitlin's path to Boston University began with careful program evaluation:
She wanted to complement both her playing style and academic aspirations. BU stood out for its world-class facilities, including the New Balance Field, and its strong tradition of developing complete student-athletes. Working with Crimson, Caitlin created a comprehensive profile that showcased not only her competitive statistics but also her potential for development within BU's renowned program.

Academic Integration

Academics were as important as hockey to Caitlin:
Understanding the importance of academic excellence, Caitlin worked diligently to balance her intensive training schedule with academic preparation. Boston University's strong academic support system for student-athletes, coupled with its reputation for academic excellence, played a key role in her decision. The university's location in the heart of Boston offered the perfect environment for her to thrive both on and off the field.

Coach Connection

Building strong relationships with college coaches
The connection with Boston University's coaching staff, particularly with head coach Sally Starr, was instrumental in Caitlin's recruitment. Through campus visits and detailed correspondence, she developed a strong relationship with the coaches who recognized her potential to contribute to the team's success. Her experience in high-level competitions translated well to the NCAA format, and the coaches presented a clear vision for her role on the team.

Caitlin came to Crimson Athletics with ambitions of moving from NZ to the US as a field hockey player. With the help of our strategists, she happily found a spot on the Boston University team.

Strategists

Meet our Hockey Strategists

Our team includes elite athletes and former coaches with careers in soccer, tennis, golf, track & field/XC, swimming & diving, basketball, volleyball, water polo, rowing, baseball, triathlon, and more.
Hockey
Garreth Ewing
Olympic & Former UNC Hockey Coach
FAQ

Still Have a Question?

Our strategists have carefully answered some of the most common questions that they receive from their student athletes, read on to hear more about your sport.
What physical testing should I prepare for?

Common fitness assessments: Beep test/Yo-yo test Sprint repeats (30m x 6) Agility T-test Vertical jump Push-up and plank tests 3-mile run time Position-specific skill tests

What are the key recruitment periods?

Important timeline points: Junior year: Begin contact with coaches Summer before senior year: Attend camps September 1st of junior year: Official recruitment can begin November of senior year: Early signing period April of senior year: Regular signing period

How does recruitment differ for different positions?

Position-specific considerations: Goalkeepers: Save percentage above 75% Clear communication skills Strong presence in the circle Experience in shootouts Defenders: Successful tackle percentage Aerial skills Distribution accuracy Positioning awareness Midfielders: Two-way playing ability Stamina levels Field vision Pass completion rate Forwards: Scoring efficiency Press effectiveness Speed measurements Circle entry success rate

How can Crimson help with field hockey recruitment?

We provide: Skills assessment and benchmarking Direct coach connections Tournament schedule optimization Video and profile creation Academic planning Scholarship negotiation NCAA compliance guidance Campus visit coordination International player transition support

How important are club teams vs. high school teams?

Coaches typically prioritize: Club team experience at national level Participation in showcase tournaments High-level competition exposure Year-round playing experience Quality of opposition faced High school experience is valuable but secondary to club achievements in most cases.

What's the difference between NCAA and NAIA field hockey?

NCAA: More structured recruitment process Larger scholarship budgets in Division I Stricter practice time limitations More competitive schedule Higher level of competition overall NAIA: More flexible eligibility rules Better balance of academics/athletics More personalized attention Fewer programs but growing Often better for developing players

What should my recruitment video include?

Focus on: Game footage from high-level competitions Individual skill demonstrations Defensive positioning and tackling Attacking plays and shooting Set piece execution (penalty corners) Fitness and agility demonstrations Leadership moments during games

How are field hockey scholarships typically structured?

Field hockey is an equivalency sport with: Division I programs: 12 full scholarships to distribute Division II programs: 6.3 full scholarships to distribute Most athletes receive partial scholarships (40-75%) Division III doesn't offer athletic scholarships Programs typically split scholarships among 18-24 players

Can international athletes get recruited?

Yes, with these requirements: NCAA Eligibility Center registration Academic records evaluation English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) Competition results from sanctioned tournaments Valid student visa International federation clearance if applicable

How do I balance multiple recruitment offers?

Consider: Training facilities quality (water-based vs. sand-based turf) Coaching staff expertise and style Team culture and playing philosophy Academic program strength Scholarship package details Competition schedule and conference strength Location and climate considerations Post-graduate opportunities Playing time potential

What role do academics play in recruitment?

For top academic institutions: GPA: 3.5+ (unweighted) SAT: 1300+ ACT: 28+ Division I minimum requirements: GPA: 2.3+ SAT: 980+ ACT: 18+

What skill level do I need to be recruited?

Standards vary by division, but here are typical Division I benchmarks: Physical Fitness: Beep test: Level 12+ 40-yard sprint: Under 5.5 seconds 3-mile run: Under 21 minutes Technical Skills: Successful tackle rate: 70%+ Pass completion rate: 80%+ Shot accuracy (for forwards): 65%+ Penalty corner conversion rate (specialists): 25%+

preparing

The Recruit's Journey

Crafting a winning strategy requires preparation of an elite athletic-academic profile, and connection to coaches at the right time.
First: Evaluation

All student-athletes must evaluate their candidacy against their college goals. Identify gaps in your profile, and start buidlling your gameplan. For some candidates, the plan will revolve all about sport recruitment (athlete-first). For others, we take a comprehensive and combined approach to US college admissions, working on both academic and athletic fronts (scholar-athlete).

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College Recruitment Pathway
Build Your Timeline

Map out key recruitment deadlines, showcase events and application milestones up to three or four years out. Strategic timing is crucial - great recruits take time to ensure quality across video creation, testing, interviews, and visits.

Master Academic Eligibility

Navigate NCAA eligibility while building an academic profile that appeals to your target schools. Smart course selection, standardized test planning, and understanding school-specific pre-requisites can make the key difference in recruitment.

Craft Your Athletic Profile

Develop a compelling athletic narrative through carefully selected footage, performance metrics, and achievement highlights. Presentation matters - coaches receive hundreds of profiles, and often don't know international systems.

Connect With Coaches

Execute a targeted outreach strategy that gets noticed by the right programs. Timing, communication, and understanding each program's needs are essential. Building meaningful connections takes time and consistency.

Excel In-Person

College soccer has changed to the point where serious programs need to see you in real-life. So, maximize every interaction - from showcase events to campus visits and coach meetings. These moments determine your outcomes.

Strategize Your Selection

Balance athletic fit, academic opportunity, and program culture to make an informed decision. Consider playing time potential, scholarship, and development. Your choice shapes not just four years, but your future.

Make your final decision

With offers in hand, you can select your best-fit college. Most recruits apply in the early round and sign the National Letter of Intent.

Typically, you’ll receive a final decision by December of your application year!

Need Support? Speak to Our Team!

Speak to an Advisor

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Alumni

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100%
students-athletes offered
550+
top-50 ranked university offers
3+
offers per Crimson Athlete

$100m

funding and aids secured

Launch Your College Journey Today

Candidacy evaluation
Custom roadmap
1:1 guidance

Dan

UC Berkeley • Rugby

"We had eight schools come back to us overnight after my player profile was sent out to coaches - and that was places I never would have dreamed of, like Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth and obviously Berkeley."