Ncaa Division 3 Women's Ice Hockey Rankings
For many years, women's ice hockey was not recognized as an official NCAA sport. However, in 2001, NCAA Division 3 women's ice hockey was officially recognized, and since then, it has grown in popularity, with more and more universities adding it to their list of varsity sports. Today, there are more than 60 colleges and universities that offer varsity women's ice hockey programs at the Division 3 level.
What is NCAA Division 3 Women's Ice Hockey?
NCAA Division 3 women's ice hockey is a college-level sport that allows female student-athletes to compete at a high level while also pursuing their academic goals. Division 3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, which means that student-athletes are not recruited based on their athletic abilities alone. Instead, they must meet the same academic admission requirements as any other student at the school.
Division 3 women's ice hockey teams typically play a 25-30 game schedule that runs from October to March. The season culminates in the NCAA Division 3 Women's Ice Hockey Championship, which is held annually in March.
How are NCAA Division 3 Women's Ice Hockey Rankings Determined?
Rankings for NCAA Division 3 women's ice hockey are determined by a national ranking committee, which consists of coaches from across the country. The committee meets weekly to discuss and vote on the rankings, which are based on the team's overall record, strength of schedule, and other factors such as injuries and player performance.
Rankings are important because they are used to determine postseason play, including the NCAA Division 3 Women's Ice Hockey Championship. The top-ranked teams in the country are typically awarded a higher seed in the tournament, which gives them a better chance of advancing to the later rounds.
Top NCAA Division 3 Women's Ice Hockey Programs
There are many talented Division 3 women's ice hockey programs across the country, but some stand out more than others. Here are a few of the top programs:
- Elmira College
- Plattsburgh State University
- Adrian College
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- Norwich University
- Amherst College
- St. Thomas University
- Endicott College
Conclusion
NCAA Division 3 women's ice hockey is a growing sport that offers female student-athletes the opportunity to pursue both their academic and athletic goals. Rankings are an important part of the sport, as they help determine postseason play and give teams an added incentive to perform at their best. With so many talented programs across the country, it will be exciting to see which teams rise to the top this season.
