The Women's Hockey Recruiting Timeline: When to Start and What to Do

Starting the recruiting process can feel overwhelming, but knowing when to begin makes all the difference. Here’s a clear roadmap from The Ultimate 101 Guide to Recruiting for Female Hockey Players to help you navigate your journey from freshman year to college commitment.

Freshman & Sophomore Years — Build Your Base

Use your first two years of high school to build your academic and athletic foundation. Your GPA from these early years matters—especially for NCAA Division III programs, where academic scholarships are often key. Strong grades keep doors open and make you a more attractive recruit.

On the ice, focus on developing your skills and hockey IQ. Join a competitive travel team, gain valuable game experience, and start collecting game footage that highlights your strengths. Participate in tournaments and showcases to gain exposure and challenge yourself against stronger competition.

Think of this as your prep phase. You can start reaching out to coaches, but don’t expect many replies yet. Focus on building the tools and foundation you’ll need to stand out later.

The Key Date — June 15th of Sophomore Year

This is the moment NCAA Division I coaches can begin contacting you directly by email, phone, or text. To make that date count, you need to be ready before it arrives.

Use your sophomore year to:

• Research target schools and programs

• Write your first email templates

• Compile your academic and athletic info

• Build your list of college coaches to contact

Being prepared ahead of time ensures you can make a strong first impression when communication officially opens.

Division III Recruiting — The Early Opportunity Window

Division III programs follow more relaxed communication rules. Coaches can reply to your emails before June 15th, giving you a chance to connect early. However, most DIII coaches still focus their recruiting on juniors and seniors. Early outreach can still help you stand out and show initiative.

Summer After Sophomore Year — Time to Go All In

Once June 15th passes, it’s time to launch your recruiting campaign. Begin building real relationships with coaches—it’s not just about highlight videos; it’s about showing your personality, values, and potential fit for their program.

Be consistent and genuine. Follow up regularly. Coaches value players who demonstrate growth, maturity, and drive. Show steady improvement in your skill level, hockey IQ, and leadership on and off the ice.

Staying Visible — Consistency Wins

Don’t stop after your first email. Coaches receive hundreds of messages, so you need to stay on their radar by sending regular, meaningful updates:

• Upcoming game and tournament schedules (with times, locations, and jersey number)

• Highlight clips showing your progress

• Academic or leadership achievements

If your games are streamed, include the links. The easier you make it for coaches to evaluate you, the better your chances of being seen.

Visiting Schools — What’s Allowed and When

NCAA Division I

• Unofficial visits: After August 1st of Junior year

• Official visits: After August 1st of Junior year

NCAA Division III

• Unofficial visits: Anytime

• Official visits: After January 1st of Junior year

These visits help you experience the program’s environment, meet coaches, and understand if it’s the right fit both athletically and academically.

Every Path Is Different — Trust Your Process

There’s no single “perfect” recruiting timeline. Some players commit as sophomores, while others find their match during senior year. Division III commitments often happen later, once players and coaches both have a clear picture of fit and goals.

Don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. What matters most is finding the right program—academically, athletically, and personally. The biggest mistake? Waiting until you feel ready. Start early, stay proactive, and grow through the process. Coaches value development and consistency over perfection.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Want expert help finding a Prep, Junior, or NCAA team?Visit www.importsports.ca to connect with an advisor who can guide your recruiting journey and help you find the best fit for your goals.