INTRODUCTION

For many high school field hockey players, the idea of continuing to play in college raises many questions. Is it worth the time? Can I balance it with academics? Will it help my future? Playing field hockey in college can yield opportunities and experiences that last far beyond your final game.

This article explores the academic, professional, personal, and social benefits of playing field hockey in college. College field hockey is hard work, but it also has lifelong benefits and can be a ton of fun.

IT CAN HELP YOU GET INTO SCHOOLS THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE OUT OF REACH

One of the biggest advantages of being a college recruit is that it can help you gain admission to extremely competitive schools. College coaches at many schools are given a limited number of admission support spots each year. These allow coaches to flag certain recruits for the admissions office to give them an extra look.

While you still need to meet the school's academic requirements, being a player who fills a need on the field hockey team can absolutely tip the scales. If a coach really wants you on their roster, they can become your best advocate during the admissions process.

IT OPENS DOORS FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Being a college athlete signals to future graduate programs and employers that you are serious, disciplined, and capable of managing a full workload. Medical schools, dental schools, pharmacy programs, and business schools all value former student-athletes for these qualities. 

The NCAA reports that student-athletes graduate at a higher rate than the general student population. A study by Gallup and Purdue found that former college athletes report higher job satisfaction and a stronger sense of purpose in life compared to their peers1.

Employers also see the value. According to research from Cornell University’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and Harvard Business School, student-athletes tend to be hired more quickly after graduation and often start with higher salaries2,3. Your field hockey career can absolutely help launch your academic and professional future.

IT MAKES YOU MORE PREPARED COMPARED TO THE AVERAGE STUDENT

Playing field hockey in college forces you to manage your time efficiently. Early practices, classes, away game travel, lift, conditioning, study halls – it’s a full schedule. But it teaches you how to prioritize, stay organized, and perform under pressure.

These aren’t just athletic skills; they’re life skills. And they are the same habits that make people successful in graduate school, leadership roles, and demanding careers.

Only ~13%4 of high school field hockey players end up playing in college. If you aspire to be one of them, you’ve already shown that you’re willing to work harder and stay more focused than most of your peers.

YOUR TEAMMATES WILL BE YOUR BUILT-IN SUPPORT SYSTEM

College field hockey is about more than just winning games. It’s about being a part of a team that truly supports one another. Your teammates will be your training partners, your friends, and often your biggest source of advice and encouragement.

Upperclassmen, especially those in the same major, can help you figure out which classes to take, which professors to avoid, and how to manage your schedule. When you’re juggling labs, training, and exams, having someone who has been through it already is a huge help.

This built-in support system makes a big difference in your transition to college and helps you stay on track both academically and athletically.

IT’S ACTUALLY REALLY FUN

College field hockey is hard. But it’s also incredibly fun. The energy at college games is unlike anything most high school field hockey players have ever experienced. The team environment is close-knit, exciting, and deeply rewarding.

But before you start building your list of target schools, take time to think about what you want your athletic experience in college to look like. Are you comfortable spending most of your time on the sidelines if it means being part of a program competing for conference or national championships? Or is it more important to you to attend a school where you’ll have the opportunity to make an immediate impact? It’s also important to consider the role you want field hockey to play in your overall college experience. Are you comfortable with field hockey being the cornerstone of your daily life? Or are you looking for a program where field hockey will be just one part of a more balanced college experience? Every prospective student-athlete has different priorities, and there’s no single “right” path.

Being honest with yourself about your goals, priorities, and the type of college experience you want will help you identify programs that are the best fit both athletically and personally. Whichever path you choose, playing field hockey on a college team means sharing victories, overcoming challenges together, and building friendships that often last well beyond graduation.

YOU GET TO KEEP DOING WHAT YOU LOVE

You’ve already put years into playing field hockey. Early mornings, long practices, tough games. If you still love the sport, why stop now? College gives you the opportunity to keep playing, keep improving, and keep chasing your goals.

Many field hockey players hit their peak in college, thanks to stronger coaching, better training environments, and a more focused team atmosphere. If you feel like you haven’t yet reached your full potential, college field hockey might be exactly what you need to get there.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Playing field hockey in college is one of the best ways to grow as a student, athlete, and person. It can help set you apart when applying to highly selective schools, prepare you for life after college, open career opportunities, and connect you with people who will support you every step of the way.

It also gives you a chance to have fun, compete at a high level, and be part of something bigger than yourself. Whether you’re hoping to go to graduate school, launch a strong career, or get the most out of your college years, playing field hockey can help get you there. It’s not just about four years on the field; it’s about creating lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and opportunities that can shape your future.

Once you decide you want to play field hockey in college, the next step is to find the right college for you. If you are a member of FieldHockeyIntel, your Best Fit Report will provide a target list of schools to email and research so you can find the program where you can thrive academically, athletically, and personally.