With June 15 just around the corner, it's time for a final, honest assessment of your target list - and figure out what you want.
Not what you think you should want. Not what would impress others. What you want.
Because once coaches start calling, decisions might feel urgent. But clarity about your priorities needs to happen now, in the calm before the storm.
The Reality Filter
In my flagship course, The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook, I dedicate multiple modules to the process of creating and curating your list - it's a long and ongoing process.
And for many recruits in the class of 2027, it will change a lot again between now and the end of the summer.
This could be because you decide a school doesn't actually fit your needs - or someone on your list decides not to recruit you.
Nonetheless, you're still hoping for as many 'matches' as possible.
So, even with schools that have been on your list for a couple of years, ask yourself these three tough questions:
- Are your academics aligned with their standards?
- Could you see yourself there if field hockey was no longer in the equation?
- Would you still want to be part of the program if you didn't get any playing time?
If you answered "no" to any of those, now you need to ask yourself "why?" - and consider whether they belong on your list at all.
Other Things To Consider
Once you've done that, it's worth further defining what you're seeking, as well as what your limits are, as you further interrogate your list.
Not all of these 10 questions will be relevant to your situation, but a useful thought experiment would be to pick 3-5 that stand out, and see if it impacts any school on your list.
For example, if you don't want to be more than a couple of hours from home, that might mean the school across the country isn't as appealing as it used to be.
School Size
- Do you thrive in large, diverse environments or smaller, intimate communities?
- Have you spent time on different-sized campuses to understand your preference?
Academic Offerings
- Is your intended major strong at each school on your list?
- Do you need flexibility to explore different academic paths?
Athletic Experience
- Are you seeking immediate playing time or willing to develop over time?
- How important is the level of competition vs. your role on the team?
Distance From Home
- How often do you realistically need to return home?
- Are you comfortable being far from your support system?
Financial Reality
- What can your family realistically afford?
- What impact would financial stress have on your college experience?
These aren't right or wrong answers - they're YOUR answers.
But being honest about your comfort zones helps you order your list, and your thinking.
One Thing That Works
As June 15 approaches, leverage your coaching relationships, and ask your club coach which schools have asked for feedback about you.
It doesn't guarantee they'll reach out on June 15, but it might give you some early indication as to how well-matched your list is.
Reality Check
There is a ton in the recruiting process you can't control.
But knowing your priorities, what truly matters to you, is completely up to you.
Ensure you own this part of the process, so you can confidently navigate the rest of it!
🚨 Class of 2027 🚨 - This week, I'm launching The Commitment Countdown, a 75-minute video course with actionable frameworks for navigating coach conversations, decoding true intentions, and confidently handling offers.
🔑 Access The Commitment Countdown for $39
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