"Is it too late for me?"
I hear this question constantly from players who:
- Hit their growth spurt later than peers
- Developed technical skills more gradually
- Didn't start playing club until high school
- Weren't on college coaches' radar early
The concern is understandable. When you see commitments on social media from your peers before they've even started junior year, it's easy to think the train has left the station.
But here's what most don't realize: late bloomers aren't just exceptional cases. They're actually common at every level.
The Development Reality
Physical, technical, and tactical development isn't linear:
- Some players peak early, then plateau
- Others develop steadily throughout high school
- Some experience sudden jumps in ability
- Many find their true positions later in their careers
College coaches know this. All of them can spot the talent that's shining brightly now, but the superpower they wish they had is being able to identify who will do so in a couple of years.
The Opportunity Window
While early recruiting gets the attention, the reality is more balanced:
At the DI level in recent years:
- About 20% commit before junior year
- Another 50-60% commit during junior year
- The remaining 20-30% commit senior year
For DII and DIII programs, the percentages shift even more toward later commitments.
This means opportunity exists at every level, even for those who develop later.
The Late Bloomer Advantage
Later developers often have advantages that early recruiters miss:
- Greater hunger from being overlooked
- Better perspective on what they want
- More mature decision-making
- Less burnout and injury history
- Steeper improvement curves
These qualities can make late bloomers attractive to programs looking for untapped potential.
One Thing That Works
If you identify as a late bloomer, focus on documenting your development.
Instead of abstract claims about improvement, collect concrete evidence:
- Video clips showing skill progression over time
- New responsibilities you've taken on (captain, taking corners, etc.)
- Higher-level playing opportunities you've recently earned that you were overlooked for in the past
- Tactical understanding you've developed
Then weave these specific examples into your communications with coaches.
The story of where you're going can be more compelling than where you've been.
Reality Check
Yes, early recruiting happens. Yes, some doors close sooner than others.
But every year, thousands of athletes find their college homes later in the process.
The key isn't when you bloom. It's what you do when you do.
My newsletters share key insights for the recruiting process. But there's only so much I can cover in these brief emails. The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook dives much deeper into all aspects of the recruiting journey - from building your target list to making your final decision. If you're serious about finding your perfect college fit, this comprehensive course will help you navigate the entire process with confidence.
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