Study and play field hockey in America – combine sports and study
Want to combine your passion for field hockey with a world-class degree? College field hockey in the USA is a unique and prestigious opportunity offered exclusively to women. With the sport concentrated in around 280 universities, the level of competition is high, creating a fantastic environment for talented players to develop at every level. We guide you every step of the way in finding the right school and securing your scholarship.
On top of everything else, student-athletes learn to work and thrive in a team environment, which alters and shapes them into well-rounded, unselfish, team-oriented, and driven individuals. These qualities will help you be successful, whether on or off the field.
How does a Field Hockey scholarship work?
The American college field hockey landscape is divided into several divisions within the NCAA, offering chances for a wide range of talented players. Your skill level, academic standing, and highlight video are key factors for coaches.
The foundation is the athletic scholarship, which can cover up to the full cost of attendance (‘full ride’). This is often combined with:
Academic Scholarships: For strong grades (GPA) and test scores (SAT/ACT).
International Student Aid: Special funds that universities have available for non-US students.
‘Stacking’ these scholarships to create the best possible financial package is a complex puzzle. This is precisely where our expertise and experience make the difference.
What does a field hockey scholarship cover?
Tuition
Your scholarship can cover the full cost of tuition, which can range from $10,000 to over $70,000 per year.
Training gear
You will receive complete sets of team apparel, sticks, turf shoes, and other gear from top brands, all provided by the university.
Room&Board
The costs for your room on campus (‘dorms’) and your daily ‘meal plan’ can be fully covered by your scholarship.
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance and some schools require international students to take a school’s policy.
Books
A significant expense that is often included in your scholarship package, saving you between $400 and $1200 annually.
Spending money
With a ‘full ride’ scholarship, you may even receive an extra monthly stipend for personal expenses.
Life as a college field hockey player: training & competition
As a student-athlete in the USA, you step into a fully professional environment. You’ll be surrounded by a team of experts and have access to facilities that many top European clubs would be envious of. This includes:
A complete coaching staff: Guidance from specialists such as a strength & conditioning coach, a nutritionist, and a mental coach.
First-class facilities: Access to perfect, water-based turf fields, elite weight rooms, and a dedicated ‘locker room’ for your team.
Expert medical support: Daily access to your own ‘athletic trainers’ (physical therapists) for treatments, massages, and taping before practices and games.
Travel through America & battle for the championship
Your season is an adventure where you play in a regional conference against other universities. But the experience goes much further than just the games:
- Travel as a team: You’ll travel with your teammates, who quickly become your best friends, throughout the region—and sometimes even the entire country. This means not only playing hockey but also discovering the diversity of America, from long bus rides filled with music and camaraderie to flights for important away games.
- The dream of the Nationals: The ultimate goal of the season is qualifying for the conference tournament and then The Nationals: the nationwide knockout tournament. Here, the best teams from across the US compete for the coveted National Championship. This is the ultimate on-stage experience where dreams become reality.
Overview of an academic year
Showtime! – You will officially begin with a 2-3 week pre-season in which you work intensively with your team on the field to prepare for the upcoming season. During the season, you practice almost every day of the week and play 1 to 2 games per week. Due to this tight schedule, a little more rotation is possible. If your team has done well in the regular season, it can qualify for “post-season competition” and continues in tournament mode until the National Championship played in December.
Summer break – There is a possibility to stay in The USA and take summer classes or work in camps. Most students decide to go back to their families to enjoy the 2.5 month break to rest and individual preparation for pre-season.
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Sports & academics are 100% coordinated, so you have the opportunity to excel on both the field as well as in the classroom.
6:30
Weight/conditioningget ready for the
weight/conditioning training.
7:45
Shower/BreakfastShower and then have breakfast with teammates or friends in one of the dining facilities on the college campus.
8:30
Classes11:45
LunchLunch with teammates and friends, again at one of the various food halls available on campus using your prepaid ‘meal plan’ card.
12:30
Classes14:30
PracticeArrive at the training room to prepare for practice. You may get stretched out or taped by an athletic trainer (physiotherapist)
17:30
Recover/Shower/DinnerBack to the training room to make sure you take care of yourself physically after practice (ice bath/physical therapy). After taking a shower, you will have dinner with teammates and friends.
19:00
Study/LeisureTime to get some studying or homework done. When other sports teams are in action, a good college athlete supports their fellow athletes! The rest of the evening is your own!
4 unique facts about college field hockey
- Our players win championships: Since 2010, we have helped place players on 12 different teams that went on to win the National Championship. Your success is our success.
- Exclusive to women: College field hockey in the USA is a women-only sport. This means all attention, facilities, and scholarship funds are fully dedicated to the development of elite female talent.
- Top academics & top athletics: Most universities with a field hockey program are among the best academic institutions in the country. Strong grades are essential and give you access to the absolute top, including the Ivy League.
- Fast & unique rules: The game is incredibly fast-paced, played on water-based turfs in four 15-minute quarters. In case of a tie, a thrilling 7v7 ‘golden goal’ overtime period is played, followed by shootouts.
Curious about your chances?
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