Division 3 Women's Hockey Commitments
If you're a fan of women's hockey, you've probably heard of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The NCAA is a non-profit organization that regulates athletes and schools in the United States. Division 3 is the smallest of the NCAA's three divisions, but it's still home to some of the best athletes in the country. In this article, we'll be talking specifically about Division 3 women's hockey commitments.
What is a Division 3 Commitment?
A commitment is a verbal agreement between a student-athlete and a college coach. In Division 3, commitments don't come with athletic scholarships since schools in this division don't offer athletic scholarships. The commitment is a promise from the coach to support the athlete's academic career and provide opportunities for athletic success.
Division 3 schools prioritize the "student" in "student-athlete". Academics come first, and coaches want their athletes to succeed in the classroom as well as on the ice. Division 3 schools are also not allowed to offer any other forms of financial aid based on athletics. However, they can offer academic and need-based scholarships to help student-athletes pay for college.
How Do Division 3 Commitments Work?
Division 3 commitments are slightly different than those in other divisions. In Division 1 and 2, athletes can't sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) until their senior year of high school. In Division 3, there's no official signing period or NLI. Athletes can verbally commit to a school at any time, and coaches can offer spots on the team at any time.
Since Division 3 schools don't offer scholarships based on athletics, there's no financial incentive for coaches to secure verbal commitments from athletes early. However, athletes might still choose to commit early to ensure their spot on the team and to start building relationships with their future coaches.
Pros and Cons of Division 3 Commitments
Division 3 commitments come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the main ones:
Pros
- Academics come first: Division 3 schools prioritize academics over athletics, meaning that student-athletes will receive a well-rounded education.
- Less pressure: Without athletic scholarships on the line, there's often less pressure on Division 3 athletes to perform and win.
- More playing time: Since there are no athletic scholarships, coaches often have more flexibility in their roster and playing time decisions.
Cons
- No athletic scholarships: Division 3 schools can't offer athletic scholarships, so student-athletes will need to find other ways to fund their education.
- Lower level of competition: While there are still talented athletes in Division 3, the level of competition is generally lower than in Division 1 or 2.
- Less exposure: Without the same level of media coverage and attention as Division 1 or 2, Division 3 athletes might have a harder time getting noticed by professional scouts and teams.
How to Get Noticed by Division 3 Coaches
If you're interested in playing Division 3 hockey, there are a few things you can do to get noticed by coaches:
- Attend summer camps or showcases: Many Division 3 coaches attend these events to scout potential recruits.
- Reach out to coaches: Coaches are often willing to have conversations with potential recruits, so don't be afraid to send an email or make a phone call.
- Keep your grades up: Academics are a top priority in Division 3, so make sure you're excelling in the classroom.
Conclusion
Division 3 women's hockey commitments are a great opportunity for student-athletes who value academics and want to play at a high level. While there are some differences between Division 3 commitments and those in other divisions, the core of the commitment is the same: a promise from the coach to support the athlete's academic and athletic careers. If you're interested in playing Division 3 hockey, start reaching out to coaches and attending events to get noticed.
