Hey everyone, I'm currently a junior and I want to keep playing field hockey in college! I'm aiming to attend a D3 college so I can balance my sports with academics. Any suggestions on which schools have good D3 field hockey programs?
Hello! It's fantastic that you want to continue playing field hockey in college and are thinking of how you can best balance sports with your academics. Division III schools are known for emphasizing the student-athlete experience, and there are quite a few with strong field hockey programs. Here are some suggestions:
1. Middlebury College: Located in Vermont, Middlebury has a highly successful field hockey team, which has won multiple NCAA D3 National Championships in recent years. They are part of the competitive New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).
2. Tufts University: Another NESCAC school in Massachusetts, Tufts has a consistently strong field hockey program, which is often a contender in the national playoffs.
3. Franklin & Marshall College: A member of the Centennial Conference, F&M's field hockey team, based in Pennsylvania, is consistently competitive and has multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
4. Salisbury University: Located in Maryland, Salisbury has a successful program within the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) with several NCAA D3 National Championships to their name.
5. Bowdoin College: A top NESCAC school in Maine, Bowdoin has a strong field hockey program that has won multiple national championships.
Keep in mind that it's crucial to not only consider the strength of the field hockey program but also factors such as the school's location, size, academic offerings, and overall fit for you. Reach out to the coaches of the programs you're interested in, express your interest, and share your athletic and academic accomplishments. Additionally, visit the schools and attend camps or showcases to get an idea of their campus culture and coaching style. Overall, you want to be sure you choose a school where you'll thrive personally, as well as athletically and academically.
Good luck in your college search and in continuing your field hockey career!
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