Your Guide to Women’s Hockey Recruiting and Hockey Scholarships

Since women’s hockey was first introduced at the collegiate level in 1965, it has grown tremendously. Today, over 100 college teams across NCAA Division 1 and Division 3 and the NAIA offer opportunities for women athletes, along with 64 club teams through the ACHA. Many of these programs are concentrated in the Northeast and upper Midwest, creating a vibrant recruiting environment for prospective players.

Use the NCAA Hockey Recruiting Rules and Calendar to Manage Your Recruiting Process

The official recruiting process for women’s hockey begins June 15 after a recruit’s sophomore year, according to NCAA Division 1 rules. While this is when coaches can initiate contact, they often start scouting talent long before, using tournaments, camps, and recruiting networks to evaluate players and build their list of potential recruits. By familiarizing yourself with these rules and understanding how coaches approach the recruiting timeline, you can better position yourself to get noticed.

Learn More About the NCAA Women’s Hockey Recruiting Rules and Calendar

Use Our Hockey Recruiting Guidelines to See if You’re Good Enough to Play College Hockey

College hockey is highly competitive, and coaches look for athletes who are prepared for the jump to college-level play. Beyond just strong skating and technical skills, coaches evaluate how well athletes handle the rigors of a collegiate schedule, which includes both academic demands and increased practice intensity. Understanding these requirements helps recruits assess their readiness and identify areas for growth.

View Position-Specific Recruiting Guidelines for Women’s Hockey

All the Information You Need About Women’s Ice Hockey Scholarships

Scholarships for women’s hockey are only offered at the NCAA Division 1 level, where hockey is an equivalency sport. This means that scholarship funds are divided among players on a team, with partial scholarships being common. While Division 3 programs don’t offer athletic scholarships, student-athletes at this level can qualify for academic and merit-based aid. With limited funding, it’s crucial to understand how scholarships work and the requirements needed to qualify.

Discover Women’s College Hockey Scholarship Opportunities

Get Tips for Getting Recruited for Women’s College Hockey

The women’s hockey recruiting journey requires careful preparation and strategy. Building a profile, creating a highlight video, and proactively reaching out to coaches are essential steps. Understanding academic eligibility requirements also ensures that recruits are prepared for the demands of both college hockey and academics. Familiarize yourself with the recruiting process to enhance your chances of finding a college that matches your athletic and academic aspirations.

Learn Tips for How to Get Recruited for Women’s Hockey

Use Our Recruiting Video Guidelines to Make a Great Hockey Recruiting Video

With many games each season and limited in-person visits from coaches, a quality recruiting video is essential. This video should feature 20–30 clips showcasing your skills in a three- to four-minute compilation. Coaches rely on videos to assess athletes remotely, so it’s vital to create a standout presentation.

Learn How to Make a Strong Hockey Recruiting Video

Find Women’s Hockey Camps and Tournaments

College coaches prioritize exposure at key hockey camps and tournaments. These events allow coaches to assess athletes in competitive settings and give players the chance to gain visibility. Selecting the right events maximizes exposure and helps you connect with coaches. Our guide highlights important events that attract college scouts.

Find a Hockey Camp Near You

Search the List of Colleges That Have Women’s Hockey Teams

Finding the best college fit requires assessing athletic, academic, social, and financial goals. Our comprehensive list of colleges with women’s hockey programs, including NCAA, NAIA, and ACHA options, can help you narrow down schools that align with your priorities.

View a Complete List of Colleges with Women’s Hockey

NCAA Women’s Hockey Rankings and Hockey Recruiting Websites

While NCSA’s recruiting guide is a valuable resource, other organizations, such as USA Hockey and College Hockey Inc., provide additional insights into women’s college hockey. For a more personalized search, NCSA Power Rankings incorporate factors like school cost, academics, and location to help you identify the best fit.

Exploring a variety of resources ensures you’re fully prepared for the college hockey recruiting process and ready to find a program that meets your goals.