The College Hockey Recruiting Journey: A Timeline for Female Hockey Players

At Girls & Women's Hockey Academy, we understand that starting the recruiting process can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Knowing when to begin and how to prepare makes a huge difference in your success. We've outlined a clear timeline to help you move confidently from your freshman year to your college commitment.

Freshman & Sophomore Years: Build Your Foundation

These early high school years are your opportunity to lay the groundwork for future recruiting success—on and off the ice.

✅ Academics First: Your GPA from freshman and sophomore year matters, especially if you're aiming for NCAA Division III schools, which offer academic—not athletic—scholarships. A strong academic record opens doors and makes you a more attractive recruit across the board.

✅ Skill Development: Now is the time to level up your game. Join a competitive travel team, gain exposure at showcases and tournaments, and start compiling game footage that highlights your skills, decision-making, and hockey IQ. This is also when you start to understand what it takes to compete at the next level.

✅ Start Light Recruiting Prep: Even though NCAA rules limit coach contact early on, you can still begin building your recruiting toolkit—research schools, begin your highlight reel, and learn how to write professional emails. Laying this foundation now makes things much smoother when the process kicks into high gear.

Before June 15th of Sophomore Year

This is a critical turning point. As of June 15th after your sophomore year, NCAA Division I coaches can legally begin reaching out to you via email, phone, and text. But don’t wait until then to get ready.

Here’s what to do before June 15th:

• Write your email templates

• Identify target schools that align with your academic and athletic goals

• Put together highlight footage and stats sheet

• Organize your GPA and transcripts

• Build a list of coaching contacts

Pro tip: Be prepared before June 15th so you’re ready to hit “send” and start real conversations with programs that fit you.

NCAA Division III: A More Flexible Path

If you’re targeting NCAA Division III, the timeline is more relaxed. DIII coaches can respond to you even before June 15th—if you initiate the conversation. After June 15th, they can reach out proactively.

However, while they can respond earlier, most DIII coaches focus on juniors and seniors who are closer to making decisions. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately—it’s all part of the process.

Summer After Sophomore Year: Time to Reach Out

Once June 15th arrives, it’s go time. This is when the real relationship-building begins.

• Start your email campaign with personalized messages to your target schools

• Be consistent in following up with updates on your season, grades, and development

• Get on coaches’ radars early so they can track your progress over time

Relationships matter. Coaches want to get to know you, not just your stats. They’re looking for players who will be a great fit for their team culture, both on and off the ice. Stay professional, be responsive, and show that you're serious about their program.

Coaches Want to See Growth Over Time

One of the biggest advantages of starting early is that coaches get to watch you develop. They’ll see how you handle feedback, how your game evolves, and whether you’re coachable—a huge factor in recruiting.

Consistent improvement is just as important as raw skill. If you show dedication, work ethic, and the ability to grow over multiple seasons, that makes a lasting impression.

Keep the Momentum Going

Don’t just send one email and stop. Coaches receive hundreds of messages—staying visible is key.

• Send regular updates about tournaments, game results, and academic achievements

• Share new highlight videos and notify coaches when you're playing in their area

• Always include exact game times, locations, jersey number, and any livestream info

• Make it easy for them to scout you—whether in-person or virtually

Being proactive and organized makes a coach’s job easier—and shows that you’re a serious recruit.

Campus Visits: What You Need to Know

Here’s when you can take unofficial and official visits:

NCAA Division I

• Unofficial visits: Anytime after August 1st of your junior year

• Official visits: Also begin August 1st of junior year

NCAA Division III

• Unofficial visits: Available anytime

• Official visits: Begin January 1st of junior year

Visiting schools is a great way to get a feel for campus life, team culture, and academic offerings. Plan strategically and make the most of each visit.

Final Thoughts from GWHA

Every recruiting journey is unique. Some players commit as sophomores. Others find their perfect fit senior year. That’s not only okay—it’s normal. Division III commitments often happen later, while Division I timelines can vary greatly depending on a coach’s recruiting needs.

Never compare your journey to someone else’s. Focus on your growth, your goals, and your long-term fit. The right program is out there—and you’ll find it by staying focused, persistent, and true to yourself.

The biggest mistake we see? Waiting until you feel “ready enough.”

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. The key is to start early, stay consistent, and grow throughout the process. Coaches aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for potential, character, and commitment.

At Girls & Women’s Hockey Academy, we’re here to support you on this journey. Whether you’re just starting to explore options or are deep into the recruiting process, remember:

✅ Start early

✅ Build relationships

✅ Stay consistent

✅ Trust the process

You've got this—and we're here to help you every stride of the way.