College
Information
1
Division Levels
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Field hockey is a fast-growing sport played in many colleges and universities across the United States. College field hockey is divided into three NCAA divisions:
  • Division I: The highest level of competition, usually made up of larger schools with well-funded athletic programs. D1 programs offer the most scholarships and play at the most competitive level.
  • Division II: Generally smaller schools that may offer fewer athletic scholarships than Division I. Still highly competitive with great opportunities for student-athletes.
  • Division III: Schools that do not offer athletic scholarships, but may provide financial aid based on need and academic merit. D3 emphasizes the balance between athletics and academics.
2
Recruiting Process
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Start by reaching out to coaches at schools that interest you. Send your athletic resume, game footage, and academic transcripts. Start early and stay in contact throughout your high school career.
  • Develop your skills: Practice regularly — stick handling, passing, shooting, and defensive techniques. Consider joining a local club or seeking guidance from experienced coaches.
  • Attend camps and clinics: Participate in field hockey camps, especially those hosted by colleges with strong programs.
  • Create a highlight reel: Compile your best moments from games, tournaments, and practices. Upload it to a personal website or send it directly to coaches.
  • Reach out to coaches: Send personalized emails sharing your athletic achievements, academic standing, and interest in their program. Follow up after initial contact.
  • Attend tournaments and showcases: Participate in events where college coaches are likely to be present.
  • Maintain academic standing: Coaches look for well-rounded student-athletes. Good grades are essential for recruitment and eligibility.
  • Attend prospect days: Many colleges host events specifically for potential recruits to showcase skills and learn about programs.
  • Use recruiting platforms: Create a profile on NCSA College Recruiting, Max Field Hockey, and NFHCARecruits.
  • Seek recommendations: Ask your high school or club coach to provide endorsements. Strong references can make a real difference.
NCAA Contact Rules: Coaches cannot initiate contact until after June 15th of sophomore year. Between June 15th and August 1st is the Dead Period — no face-to-face interactions allowed in any setting.
Official Visits: Financed in part by the institution. D1: up to 5 visits starting August 1st before junior year. D2 and D3: unlimited visits, one per institution.
Unofficial Visits: Financed entirely by the student-athlete or family. No NCAA regulations — can be arranged at any time.
Verbal Commitment: Informal, non-binding agreement. Either party can change before signing the NLI. Can change due to coaching staff changes, performance concerns, academic issues, or a change of heart.
Signing Commitment (NLI): Binding legal document guaranteeing a scholarship for a specific academic year. Once signed, both parties are obligated to honor it.
3
Academic Requirements
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The NCAA sets academic requirements for all student-athletes to ensure satisfactory progress and eligibility to compete at the collegiate level.
  • Eligibility Center Registration: D1 and D2 athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and submit transcripts and standardized test scores.
  • Core Course Requirements: Must complete a set number of core courses in English, math, science, social science, and foreign language. Requirements vary by division.
  • GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA requirements vary by division and are evaluated on a sliding scale alongside standardized test scores.
  • Academic Progress: Must make satisfactory progress toward their degree, including earning required credits and maintaining the specified GPA.
4
Scholarships
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Field hockey scholarships help cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses for talented student-athletes.
  • D1 and D2 Athletic Scholarships: Programs can offer full or partial scholarships. D1 programs typically have larger budgets and more scholarships available.
  • D3 — No Athletic Scholarships: D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships but provide academic scholarships, need-based aid, and grants.
  • Full Scholarship: Covers tuition, books, accommodation, and sometimes travel or living stipends. Renewable up to four years based on performance and academic progress.
  • Partial Scholarship: Covers only a portion of costs. Students and families are responsible for remaining expenses.
  • Recruited Walk-On: The coaching staff actively invites the athlete without an initial scholarship. Athletes can earn one in the future based on performance.
  • Unrecruited Walk-On: The student-athlete initiates the process and participates in tryouts. No scholarship guaranteed initially, but advancement is possible.
5
Season
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College field hockey is played in the fall, with the regular season starting in August or September and playoffs in November. Some schools also have a spring season.
  • D1 and D2: Maximum of 20 hours per week of countable athletically related activities (CARA) — including practices, games, strength and conditioning, film study, and required team activities.
  • D3: No specific hour limitations, but institutions prioritize a balanced experience integrating athletics with academics and student life.
6
Behavior & NCAA Compliance
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All NCAA student-athletes must follow rules on behavior, amateurism, and eligibility — maintaining academic standards, avoiding prohibited benefits, and acting with integrity on and off the field.
  • Code of Conduct: The NCAA code emphasizes honesty, respect, fairness, and integrity — both in athletics and as representatives of their institution.
  • Academic Standards: Minimum GPA requirements and academic eligibility rules must be maintained throughout the athlete's career.
  • Sportsmanship: Treat opponents, officials, and teammates with respect. Follow the rules and accept outcomes with grace and dignity.
  • Personal Conduct: Avoid substance abuse, cheating, gambling, discrimination, harassment, or any form of misconduct.
  • Social Media: Use social media responsibly. Online presence impacts personal and institutional reputation.
  • NCAA Rules Compliance: Follow all NCAA regulations on eligibility, amateurism, and recruitment. Avoid improper benefits and unauthorized contact with sports agents.
By The Numbers
Field Hockey Data
NCAA Division Overview
Division I 83 Schools · 2,024 Athletes · 27 Scholarships
Division II 35 Schools · 899 Athletes · 6.3 Scholarships
Division III 170 Schools · 3,707 Athletes · No Athletic Scholarships
Total 288 Schools · 6,630 Athletes
Source: scholarshipstats.com
College Field Hockey Odds
US High School Field Hockey Players ~60,000+
College Field Hockey Players ~6,500–7,000
% Competing at Any College Level ~9–10%
% Competing at NCAA Division I ~2–3%
Odds of Making Any College Roster 10–11 : 1
Odds of Making an NCAA Division I Roster 35–45 : 1
Source: USA Field Hockey & NFHCA