Beginning the recruiting process can be intimidating but you can never start too early. Keep in mind that due to NCAA guidelines, college coaches can not be in contact with you until June 15th after your sophomore year, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't reach out to coaches earlier than that (you just won't get a reply)! And if you are well into your junior or senior year do not worry–it's not too late to start reaching out! Here's how you can kick off your recruiting process no matter where you are.

Get on some coaches' radars

You need to get your name out there and that starts with emails. Sending a coach of a team you are interested in some basic information about yourself, your schedule, and game footage if you have, helps coaches understand who you are as a player. Don't be afraid to reach out first, and don't think you have to limit who you are talking to. The more coaches you are in touch with, the more access to potential opportunities you may have. The most important aspect to include in this email is going to be what tournaments you are attending as well as camps.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Show off!

Tournaments are a huge factor in women's hockey–that's where coaches go to see all the players they are interested in! depending where you are from, there are a variety of holiday tournaments in the winter. This is going to be your time to shine, but don't forget to email the coaches you're interested in and let them know that you will be attending. This can be a great way to get a coach to come watch you play–they may be more inclined to go if they know a handful of players they want to recruit will be there.  

Related: https://nghlhockey.com/red-division/mlk-red/ 

Go Camping

Camps also play a vital role in starting your recruiting process and there are two types of camps that need to be on your radar if you are trying to get recruited. First, is the Regional Development Camp. If you try out for your state team you will most likely be invited to this regional camp regardless of skill level. The nice thing about these camps is that not only are your counselors actual college players, but the coaches are top level collegiate women's ice hockey coaches too. So, you are able to network and get insight from your counselors, and you have the chance to play in front of some coaches, which is a win-win. 

Related: Recruiting Advice: College Showcases vs. ID Camps

The second camp that will get you a ton of exposure is the National Development Camp. This camp is very selective and all top college prospects attend this, it is based on your performance at your state tryout. Essentially every year you have the chance to register for your state tryout. It will cost you a couple of hundred dollars depending where you are from, but it really is worth it. The try outs are usually over two days and then you hear back a couple weeks later with where you stand. Even if you are not selected for the camps, it's a great way to see how you compare to your age group and demographic. If you perform well and get invited, it's an amazing opportunity to play for tons of college coaches. 

If you are unable to attend these tournaments or camps there is no need to worry. College coaches are everywhere and chances are they will end up at one of your games or have watched your footage. Overall, just being transparent about your game schedule with coaches is crucial for being noticed. It is also important to note that when it comes to the world of women's ice hockey everyone knows everyone. So, it's important to set a good impression of how you carry yourself at any and all games, practices, camps, tournaments, etc. because you never know who could be there to watch. 

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* Originally published on July 19, 2022, by Casey Chizmazia