Best Division 2 Field Hockey Colleges
Field hockey is a popular sport across the United States, and many student-athletes aspire to play at the college level. For those considering Division 2 schools, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best Division 2 field hockey colleges and what sets them apart.
1. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Located in central Pennsylvania, Shippensburg University boasts a strong Division 2 field hockey program. The team has made several appearances in the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) tournament and has had numerous players earn All-Conference honors. The school also offers a top-notch education, with renowned programs in business, education, and engineering.
2. East Stroudsburg University
Another Pennsylvania school, East Stroudsburg University has a rich tradition in field hockey. The team has won multiple PSAC titles and made several NCAA tournament appearances. The school also has a strong commitment to community service, with over 50% of students participating in volunteer work.
3. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Yet another Pennsylvania school, Millersville University has a rapidly improving field hockey program. The team made its first-ever appearance in the PSAC tournament in 2019 and looks to build on that success in the coming years. The school also offers a wide range of majors, including popular programs like psychology, nursing, and biology.
4. Mercyhurst University
Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, Mercyhurst University has a competitive field hockey program that has qualified for the NCAA tournament multiple times. The team plays in the highly competitive PSAC conference and regularly faces off against top teams in the region. The school also has a variety of unique programs, including intelligence studies and archaeology.
5. Bentley University
Bentley University, located just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, is a small school with a growing field hockey program. The team competes in the NE-10 (Northeast-10 Conference) and has had several players earn All-Conference honors in recent years. The school is known for its business programs and has a strong network of alumni working in the finance and accounting industries.
6. Bellarmine University
Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Bellarmine University is a small school with a competitive field hockey program. The team has made several appearances in the NCAA tournament and plays in the highly competitive GLVC (Great Lakes Valley Conference). The school offers a wide range of majors, including strong programs in nursing and education.
7. Saint Michael's College
Saint Michael's College, located in Colchester, Vermont, has a Division 2 field hockey program that regularly competes in the Northeast-10 Conference. The team has had several players earn All-Conference honors in recent years and has made appearances in the NCAA tournament. The school emphasizes a well-rounded education with a strong liberal arts curriculum and small class sizes.
8. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, has a growing field hockey program that competes in the Northeast-10 Conference. The team has had several players earn All-Conference honors and looks to build on its success in the coming years. The school offers a wide range of majors, including popular programs like business, psychology, and nursing.
9. Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University, located in St. Charles, Missouri, is a small school with a competitive field hockey program. The team regularly competes in the GLVC and has made appearances in the NCAA tournament. The school offers over 120 majors, including unique programs like fashion design and digital cinema arts.
10. Merrimack College
Merrimack College, located in North Andover, Massachusetts, has a Division 2 field hockey program that competes in the Northeast-10 Conference. The team has had several players earn All-Conference honors and has made appearances in the NCAA tournament. The school has a strong focus on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships and research projects.
In conclusion, there are plenty of great Division 2 field hockey colleges across the United States. Whether you're looking for a strong athletic program, a top-notch education, or unique opportunities, there's a school out there for you. Consider the options on this list and do your research to find the best fit for your needs.