What's the process for getting a hockey scholarship for college?

I'm a high school junior who's been playing hockey for years now, and I'm thinking about trying to get a scholarship for it in college. I'm not sure where to start or what exactly is involved in the process. Do coaches come and watch your games, or do you send them videos? Also, how competitive is it to get a hockey scholarship, and are there specific things I should be doing now to improve my chances? I'd love to hear from anyone who's gone through this or knows more about the recruiting process. Thanks!

Response: Hockey scholarships can be a legitimate way to help pay for college if you're skilled in the sport. The process starts with understanding the basics of the athletics recruiting process. Here's a general outline:

1. Build Your Athletic Profile: First, you'll want to build your athletic profile. This is essentially a resume that highlights your achievements in hockey. Include your statistics, achievements, and any highlights from your high school career. Include your contact information and references from your coaches.

2. Reach Out to Coaches: Once you have a solid athletic profile, you'll want to find a good fit and start reaching out to coaches. Start with schools that offer your intended major and match your academic profile. You can contact coaches directly via email—include a brief introduction, express your interest in their program, and attach your athletic profile.

3. Create a Highlight Video: Having a highlight video is helpful. Coaches appreciate having the chance to see you in action. Make sure the video highlights your strengths and skills in hockey. Choose clips from different games that showcase different abilities.

4. Stay in School: While the athletic part is important, keep in mind that you're also a student. Make certain your grades and standardized test scores (if the school you are applying to is not test blind) are up to par. College is an academic commitment as well as an athletic one.

As for the competitiveness, hockey scholarships can be quite competitive depending on the division and university. For example, Division I and II offer scholarships, but Division III does not. However, there may be other types of financial aid or merit scholarships available at these schools.

At this point in your high school career, you should continue to hone your skills and performance in hockey. Participating in offseason training and camps, or even joining traveling teams can also increase your visibility and improve your skills. Playing at as high a level as possible will also help your chances.

Remember to stay in touch with your coaches and seek their guidance, too. They can often provide valuable advice and mentorship through this process and might also have connections to collegiate coaches. Good luck!