Understanding Division i, II, and III

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is comprised of three Divisions:  Division I, Division II, and Division III.  Having a general sense of which Division is right for you is crucial in your recruiting process.  Choosing a school is a two way street, and you are looking for the best fit FOR YOU.  

Look at schools in each Division, you may be surprised at what you find.  Your final list of Universities may be composed of schools in each Division.  No matter what Division you end up at you will be expected to make a serious time commitment, act professionally, and always compete at your best. 

Division I

• Large student-body population

• Focus on athletics (offers highest level of play)

• Requires the largest time commitment from the student-athlete

• Offers largest athletic scholarships (a fully funded program has 12 scholarships)

• Athletes must meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements

• Most competitive rosters

Division II

• Medium sized student-body population

• Aims to balance Athletics and Academics

• Smallest Division for NCAA Field Hockey

• Requires large time commitment from student athlete

• Offers small to medium athletic scholarships (a fully funded program has 6.3 scholarships)

• Athletes must meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements

• Competitive rosters

Division III

• Smallest student-body population

• Focus on Academics with Athletes crucial to student experience

• Largest Division for NCAA Field Hockey

• Still requires large time commitment, however there is the possibility of playing more than one sport

• Cannot offer athletic scholarships

• Athletes must meet schools' academic standards

• Competitive rosters

Freshman Year of High school

• Compile a list of schools that interest you ( aim for a minimum of 30)

• Play club and HS field hockey

• Get feedback from your coaches and focus on improving your game

• Begin contacting college coaches -- you must get on their radar

• Consider attending college camps, clinics, as well as national and local recruiting events

• Maintain a strong academic record

Sophomore Year of High School

• Continue to research colleges and universities

• Register with the NCAA eligibility center

• Continue to stay in contact with coaches via email -- be sure to fill out The Recruiting Questionnaire for each school on your list

• Create a recruiting video to send to coaches -- film your games or get the video editing services from events you attend

• Continue to attend college camps and clinics

• Attend national and local showcases & events -- ask college coaches to come see you play at each event

• Continue to maintain good grades and begin SAT/ACT test prep

Junior Year of High School

• Begin to narrow your list and stay in contact with all schools and coaches that you remain interested in -- always respond to every coach in a timely and professional manner

• Make sure your top choice schools know where they stand

• Begin to make official and unofficial campus visits (do overnights when you can) -- always arrange to meet with the coaching staff

• Continue to attend college camps and clinics

• Attend national and local recruiting events -- ask college coaches to come see you play at each event

• Ask coaches about their timeline and where you stand on their list

• Continue to maintain good grades and take SAT/ACT tests

• Depending on the school/Division you may aim to make a commitment in the summer before your senior year

Senior Year of High School

• Make sure your top choice schools know where they stand

• Continue to make visits and do overnights

• Attend camps and clinics

• Apply to colleges and universities-- always let the coaches know when your application has been submitted

• Commit to a school and keep your future coach updated on your hockey schedule and achievements