Because there are fewer than 275 schools that offer the sports, field hockey scouting has to be an exact science. NCSA can help make sure that you do every little thing that you can to stand out as a recruit for field hockey and make field hockey scouts know exactly who you are.
1. Develop your game plan and get evaluated by a third party. Field hockey coaches don’t always have the time or budgets to travel and see recruits in person, so they rely on evaluations from a trusted resource like NCSA. Because NCSA is a neutral third party, we provide honest answers about your skill level and help you set realistic goals about where you want to play field hockey.
2. Post your athletic/academic resume online. NCSA has the largest digital platform available for use by high school athletes. When field hockey recruit posts a highlight video and resume online, it becomes instantly visible to hundreds of college field hockey coaches.
3. Create an exceptional field hockey highlight video.
Coaches may not be able to frequently travel and see field hockey recruits in person, and that’s why highlight/skills videos are essential. Use your video to show field hockey scouts that you’re a well-rounded player. Use in-game footage to prove that you’ve got stamina and the ability to get up the field.
- Field Players: Highlight stationary and driven shots to all parts of the goal. Show your ability to handle the ball under pressure. Feature repetitions of lateral and forward passing, and also show yourself receiving passes. Prove that you can use your off-hand.
- Goalies: Goalies can include some skills video (not in-game footage) as well. Show that you can cover shots on the ground, at the crossbar, and in the corners. Highlight your ability to clear the ball from the goal and in the crease.
4. Contact at least 50 realistic field hockey programs. Using NCSA’s digital space makes the process of scouting for field hockey easier and lets you get your information to dozens of prospective schools. Know that the majority of field hockey players aren’t in Division I. Approximately 70% of college field hockey players compete at the Division II or Division III level.
5. Make sure you realize that it’s not a four-year decision. It’s a 40-year decision.Selecting a college is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Do your research so that you can make an educated decision, not only as a field hockey recruit, but also as a student. Input from a third party like NCSA can help you find a school that’s an ideal fit.