How to get a field hockey scholarship in the USA
Field hockey at the collegiate level in the United States is a sport exclusively for women, with over 450 university teams mainly situated across East Coast and Midwest regions. US colleges and universities award field hockey scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional ability. Complete our free evaluation to see if you could qualify.
Complete evaluationThe National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) first began hosting a field hockey national championship in 1981, and since then, the sport has seen a significant increase in popularity, particularly among prestigious universities.
Many elite field hockey players have honed their skills at the college level, including Charlotte Craddock, Lauren Crandall, and Katie Bam.
There are several ways high school student-athletes can earn a field hockey scholarship to the United States. Here are a few simple steps:
1. Start early
Begin researching and understanding the college field hockey scholarship process as early as possible. This will give you time to plan as field hockey scholarships are very competitive.
2. Maintain top academic grades
Many college coaches will look at a combination of your athletic and academic abilities before awarding scholarships. They will require that you take certain core subjects in high school and maintain a certain grade point average (GPA). Some colleges may require you take SATs or ACTs and achieve a certain score to qualify for scholarships. Students should at least have a 2.3 GPA and receive an SAT score of 980.
3. Video footage
Coaches typically require prospective student-athletes to demonstrate their field hockey ability through tryouts, camps, or showcase events. For most internationals, this can be challenging, so many college coaches use video footage to review a prospective students' skills and abilities before contacting them. Make sure you are filming your school, club, regional or national team games in order to showcase your skills.
4. Compete at a high level
Compete in highly competitive events, which may include regional, provincial and national levels.
5. Be proactive
Speak to professional recruiters, such as those from Sable International, who can help you identify potential scholarships, guide you through the application process, and put you in contact with coaches at the universities you're interested in.
Do you believe you have what it takes to play field hockey at an American university?
Our placed athletes
Meggan Fourie
University: The College of Holy Cross
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University: Central Michigan University
Angel Nkosi
University: Ball State University
How do USA college field hockey scholarships work?
Field hockey scholarships are awarded to players who have the potential to make a difference in the team. With field hockey being a subjective sport, coaches will have different needs for their team so video footage is crucial.
- A 2-3 minute highlight video is a must.
- If you are a goalkeeper, training footage can be beneficial too.
- Players should be playing at the club or provincial level.
- National players are more likely to receive more scholarships.
- A strong GPA and test scores can earn you more scholarships.
We can connect you with the right college coaches and universities who will meet both your academic and athletic goals.
Who awards field hockey scholarships in the USA?
Field hockey scholarships are awarded by colleges and universities that belong to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The NCAA has strict rules for renewing scholarships based on athletic and academic performance; thus, students must maintain their performance throughout their college career to keep their scholarships.
Frequently asked questions about USA college field hockey scholarships
1. How many scholarships does field hockey have in US colleges?
NCAA Division I colleges are entitled to award 12 full scholarships for field hockey each year, while Division II college teams can give six. Division III colleges do not award hockey scholarships at all but will offer academic aid for top-achieving hockey players instead.
2. When is the college field hockey season?
The Hockey National Championships are held in November each year, at the end of the fall season, which starts in late August or early September. This is similar to the soccer season, where the spring semester is the off-season. During this time, players will still compete and train four or five times per week, but not for a championship, with all their games being friendlies.
3. Do US colleges recruit field hockey players in South Africa?
Yes, they do! Speak to one of our expert recruiters today about what GPA (and other requirements) you need to qualify for a field hockey scholarship in the USA.
Speak to one of our expert recruiters today about what GPA (and other requirements) you need to qualify for an athletic scholarship in the USA.
A day in the life of a field hockey student athlete
Our service
By offering personalised guidance and support, we aim to help student-athletes achieve their goals of competing in collegiate sports while obtaining a world-class education in the United States.
Athletic and academic assessment
We'll evaluate your skills, performance and potential to compete at college level. We will also review your academic record to determine your eligibility for college admissions and sports scholarships.
College selection
We'll help you identify suitable colleges and universities based on your athletic and academic goals.
Recruitment process
We'll help you create a compelling sports profile, introduce you to college coaches and assist you with navigating the complex recruitment process.
Scholarship negotiation
We'll guide you through the scholarship negotiation process to maximise your financial support.
Application and admissions support
Our expertise with US universities and educational institutions allows us to effectively assist and guide student-athletes throughout the application process.
Student visa assistance
We'll provide support and guidance around obtaining your visa to study and compete in the USA.