Nearly every student-athlete at Fieldston has heard the words “college recruitment” at least once. Whether from a nagging coach or a friend who has just committed to a Division One school, college recruiting is at the forefront of many students’ minds. Many people have probably overheard the phrase, the process can be very confusing to understand; however, what is to follow will hopefully clear some of the confusion in the air.
“For every sport it’s different, there’s a different timeline,” said Lily Saal, a junior at Fieldston who has recently committed to Georgetown University to play field hockey. For field hockey specifically, Division Three schools can begin contacting student-athletes in their freshman year of high school, while Division One and Division Two schools must wait until June 15th of a student’s sophomore year. Students are allowed to send emails to Division One and Division Two schools before that date, but they are only allowed to get a response afterward. A very important part of the college recruiting process for field hockey happens over the summer. This includes camps, showcases and other visits that help coaches determine potential fits.
Saal actually attended a camp at Georgetown University. She found the experience rewarding because it allowed her to work with the coaches and players there. Beginning on August 1st of a student’s junior high school year, for field hockey, in-person communication for Division One and Division Two schools can occur. This includes visits – both official and unofficial. “The difference between unofficial and official is mostly just whether or not they pay for anything,” Saal explained, “Even if they buy you a coffee, that counts as an official visit.” Another important step of the process is to build a relationship with prospective colleges. Through calls, visits and camps, colleges and student-athletes can create bonds that may eventually lead to offers.
Similarly to how the college recruiting process differs from sport to sport, individual students will have different experiences with the process. Some athletes dream about their journey since middle school, on the other hand, others begin considering the option early in their junior year of high school. Mirembe Mubanda, a high school senior who runs track, committed later on in the process compared to Saal. She noted, “I started the process pretty late, a lot of my friends started earlier.” Mubanda spent a lot of time deciding what sport to start the process with before committing to Williams College this past September. It is recommended that athletes start as early as possible, allowing time to strengthen connections and showcase skills. Although many athletes start in their freshman year, beginning in sophomore or junior year can still lead to recruitment in high divisions. Some students may get calls right when contact is allowed, while others may remain undecided well into their junior year. No timeline perfectly maps out everyone.
Other differences in the process vary by the Division the student-athlete is aiming for. While Division Three starts contact earlier, it tends to commit later. Division Three schools require a preread, which is similar to an application. Prospective athletes submit grades and test scores the summer before their senior year to evaluate whether they are academically prepared for the school. If so, students are allowed to commit to the school.
Another thing to consider is the intensity of the sport. Division One sports tend to be the focus of the college experience for students. With year-round practices and games, the schedule can be very intense and all-consuming. Division Two has a decrease in intensity, with a more balanced schedule, while Division Three allows students to have a well-rounded college experience.
The college recruitment process can be hard to navigate and Saal and Mubanda offered some suggestions. “You always want to do what you like the best, not what gives you the best chance of playing in college,” Saal recommends. Focusing on a sport you enjoy leads to a better experience overall. It is also important to take initiative and email coaches in order to get on their radar. To hone your skills, you have to put in effort. Getting recruited to a top school does not happen by chance; it requires practice and work. “Put things in perspective,” Mubanda suggests, “don’t freak out about one coach email or one coach call, just enjoy the process.”
