Getting recruited is the easy part.
Now comes the real challenge: earning your spot. Every. Single. Day.
Most players don't realize the massive shift that happens once you arrive on campus to play college field hockey:
- You're no longer the best player
- You're starting from zero
- Your history means nothing
- Everyone was recruited for a reason
- Only 11 get to start
The Playing Time Shock
In high school and club:
- You probably started every game
- You could miss practice occasionally
- Your spot was rarely in question
- You were a known quantity
- You had built-in credit
In college:
- Practice performance determines everything
- Attendance is just the minimum expectation
- 20+ players fight for 11 spots
- Yesterday's performance doesn't matter
- Every day is an evaluation
This reality hits hardest during preseason when many freshmen realize: The coaches weren't exaggerating. This really is a completely different level.
The Daily Grind
College sports are a meritocracy. There are no participation trophies. There is no "everyone plays" rule.
The best players play, period. And "best" is defined daily.
Your high school accolades? Your club team championships? Your All-State selections? All reset to zero on day one.
One Thing That Works
Start practicing like a college athlete now:
- Attack every fitness session like it's a test
- Compete in every drill like your spot depends on it
- Hold teammates accountable for standards
- Be the hardest worker in every environment
- Make yourself uncomfortable regularly
You might become unpopular with some teammates. You might be seen as "too intense." You might have to choose between fitting in and standing out.
Reality Check
If creating these habits sounds too difficult now, when the stakes are lower and the competition is easier...
How will you handle it when everything gets harder?
Want my complete guide to college-level preparation? The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook includes specific strategies for developing the mental toughness and daily habits required at the next level.
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