How competitive are Division 3 women's hockey teams?

As a high school junior, I've been playing hockey for years and I'm considering playing for a Division 3 women's team in college. How competitive are these teams, and where can I find the latest rankings? Thanks for the help!

Division 3 women's hockey teams can be quite competitive, depending on the school, although they may not be as competitive as Division 1 or Division 2 programs. D3 hockey typically emphasizes a balance between academics and athletics, so you'll find a strong emphasis on both aspects at these schools. While D3 teams don't offer athletic scholarships, there could still be plenty of non-athletic financial aid available to you.

To get an idea of the level of competition, check out the USCHO (United States College Hockey Online) Division 3 Women's Hockey Poll or the D3hockey.com Women's Top 10 Poll. Both of these resources provide rankings for Division 3 women's hockey teams, and they are updated regularly during the season. By comparing the rankings, you'll gain a sense of which teams have been strong performers in recent years.

Keep in mind that the competition level can vary greatly from school to school. I would recommend researching the colleges you are interested in, looking at their rosters, game schedules, and team statistics to get a better sense of the specific competition level. You may want to reach out to the coaches to express your interest and gather additional information about their programs. This can provide helpful insight into the team dynamics and coaching styles.

Lastly, if possible, try attending a few Division 3 women's hockey games to see the level of play for yourself. This will help you determine if competing on a D3 team is the right fit for you and your college experience. Good luck!