Field Hockey at College
NCAA Field Hockey in the USA is an incredible experience! Read to learn more about the opportunity and if this could be the right path for you!
NCAA Field Hockey is rapidly growing and gaining national recognition as a top women’s collegiate sport. Here you’ll find all the key information on how you could obtain a scholarship and become a student-athlete in the USA.
Complete our Hockey CV for more personalised feedback on your expectations in the US university system.
How many colleges offer NCAA Field Hockey and what does a scholarship look like?
NCAA Field Hockey is a well-established collegiate sport in the USA, with around 270 colleges offering varsity programs across Division I, Division II, and Division III. Approximately 80 teams compete at Division I level, with around 30 programs in Division II and 150+ teams in Division III, providing opportunities for athletes across a wide range of academic and competitive levels.
Unlike many other college sports, field hockey is only offered within the NCAA system, meaning there are no NAIA or junior college hockey programs. As a result, all varsity recruitment and scholarship opportunities sit within the NCAA.
With the average NCAA field hockey roster made up of 20–25 players, scholarships are highly competitive and are often combined with other forms of financial support. Understanding how scholarships are structured is a key step for any athlete exploring the pathway to becoming a student-athlete in the USA.
If you’re interested in understanding how a scholarship is constructed, you can read more on our Scholarships at College blog.
University Of California, Berkeley, Women’s Field Hockey Team.
When does the Field Hockey season take place?
The NCAA college field hockey season is primarily a fall sport, running from late August or early September through November. The season typically starts with non-conference games and tournaments in August and September, followed by conference play in October. Postseason play, including conference championships and the NCAA tournament, takes place in November, culminating with the national championship.
Outside of the fall season, teams usually hold pre-season training, practices, and spring workouts to develop skills, fitness, and team cohesion.
How do College Field Hockey coaches assess you?
Hockey coaches assess potential recruits by watching video footage. Your footage can be a combination of club, school, regional and national team games. It’s worth keeping in mind that your clips should demonstrate your strongest attributes in order to ensure you stand out!
How can I maximise my scholarship package?
When playing Field Hockey in college, it’s important to balance your athletic performance with your academic achievements. Strong grades and competitive SAT/ACT scores can help you access more academic scholarship funding, which can reduce how much you rely on athletic scholarships to cover tuition and living expenses.
Stanford University, Women’s Field Hockey Team
Next Steps:
If you’re a passionate hockey player looking to explore college opportunities in the USA, we’d love to hear from you. To get started, complete our Free Assessment and discover more about your potential pathway.