Stressed junior here! I've been a pretty serious hockey player for the past few years and would like to keep it up in college but still focus on academics. I'm leaning towards DIII colleges, so does anyone know which ones are known for their hockey programs? TIA.
Sure, it's great that you want to continue playing hockey while also prioritizing your academics. There are a variety of Division III colleges known for their competitive hockey programs. Here are a couple:
1. Norwich University - Located in Northfield, Vermont, Norwich University boasts one of the strongest men's and women's ice hockey programs in the country with multiple NCAA championship titles to its name. Aside from hockey, Norwich has a strong academic program, with a reputation for STEM subjects and leadership development in particular.
2. Plattsburgh State University of New York also has a strong reputation, especially their women's hockey team which has won several NCAA championships. Plattsburgh offers a wide array of academic programs including Business Administration, Biochemistry, and Criminal Justice.
3. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire - Both men's and women's hockey teams have been very successful in recent years, with the men's team being multiple-time NCAA Division III champions and the women's team reaching the NCAA tournament. Academically, the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire has highly regarded programs in healthcare and scientific fields.
Remember that in addition to the strength of their hockey programs, you should consider factors such as the schools' academic strengths, campus culture, and location when making your decision. Contact the coaches to express your interest. Make sure to send them some footage of your games along with your stats.
From an academic angle, you'll want to look for whatever field you're interested in, then match those schools against your hockey list. Speak to some professors in the department, current students, or even alumni to get a feel for academic life. Lastly, remember to enjoy your last year of high school hockey!
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