Division 3 Women's Ice Hockey Colleges
Ice hockey is a popular sport in the United States, especially among college students. There are several college divisions for ice hockey, including Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. In this article, we will focus on Division 3 women's ice hockey colleges.
What is Division 3?
Division 3 is the largest division in the NCAA and is made up of more than 400 institutions. The Division 3 philosophy is that the student-athlete is a student first and an athlete second, and that athletics should be an integral part of the educational experience. Division 3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they do offer other forms of financial aid.
Top Division 3 Women's Ice Hockey Colleges
Here are some of the top Division 3 women's ice hockey colleges in the United States:
1. Middlebury College
Middlebury College is located in Vermont and has a strong women's ice hockey program. The team has won seven NCAA championships and has been the runner-up five times. The college also has a strong academic reputation and is consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.
2. Williams College
Williams College is located in Massachusetts and has a successful women's ice hockey program. The team has reached the NCAA semifinals three times and has won two NESCAC championships. The college is also known for its strong academic programs and is consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.
3. Amherst College
Amherst College is located in Massachusetts and has a competitive women's ice hockey program. The team has reached the NCAA quarterfinals four times and has won three NESCAC championships. The college is also known for its strong academic programs and is consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.
4. St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University is located in Minnesota and has a successful women's ice hockey program. The team has reached the NCAA quarterfinals four times and has won six MIAC championships. The university is also known for its strong academic programs and is consistently ranked as one of the top regional universities in the Midwest.
5. Norwich University
Norwich University is located in Vermont and has a competitive women's ice hockey program. The team has won four NCAA championships and has been the runner-up four times. The university is also known for its strong academic programs and is consistently ranked as one of the top regional universities in the Northeast.
Other Division 3 Women's Ice Hockey Colleges
Here are some other Division 3 women's ice hockey colleges to consider:
- Adrian College
- Bowdoin College
- Hamilton College
- Manhattanville College
- St. Anselm College
- St. Mary's College of Maryland
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- Wesleyan University
Conclusion
Division 3 women's ice hockey colleges offer a great opportunity for student-athletes who want to pursue both their athletic and academic goals. These colleges place a strong emphasis on academics and offer a supportive environment for student-athletes to excel both on and off the ice. Whether you're looking for a top-ranked program or a smaller college experience, Division 3 women's ice hockey colleges have something to offer.