Here’s what a handful of NCAA Division II field hockey coaches and student-athletes have to say about the division: TheLineUP
TheLineUP is offering a free webinar about NCAA Division II field hockey at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. Photo: submitted
When parents and student-athletes start thinking about the college sports recruiting process, various ideas of what it should look like, what it means to be recruited, and how to go about committing are all intertwined with feelings of confidence and uncertainty all at the same time.
Each NCAA division — I, II, and III — has its own set of recruiting rules and academic standards. Not only are athletes tasked with deciding the kind of college experience they want, but they also are examining their own overall personal and professional goals.
TheLineUp, a female-led family-run business, hosts annual events for prospective female athletes, who play high school field hockey. The clinics are a one-stop shop, where a handful of the best coaches in college field hockey are invited to provide one day of instruction.
‘DII, Who Knew?’ campaign aims to educate, spread awareness about Division II field hockey
The day offers athletes exposure and an opportunity for them to be seen. This week, TheLineUp is highlighting Division II and what it has to offer student-athletes.
To learn more about DII, join TheLineUp at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. Play College Field Hockey, a recruiting resource for field hockey players, and three Division II field hockey coaches will be part of the discussion.
The following are DII coaches and student-athletes takeaways on playing college field hockey in this division provided by TheLineUP.
Marissa Butler, head coach at Franklin Pierce University
“Division II allows me to develop student-athletes not just as competitors, but as leaders and responsible young adults. It’s about preparing them for success on and off the field.”
Shelly Behrens, head coach at Millersville University
“Why DII? Well, why not DII? Our student-athletes get to live a life of education and sport where the focus is living, learning, growing and thriving!”
Carolyn King-Robitaille, head coach at Saint Anselm College
“On our National Championship team this season, we had seven nursing majors including two of our captains, five health science majors with multiple lab classes, a social work major who was completing more than 100 hours at her community engaged learning site, and countless other academic and pre-professional pursuits that were only made possible because DII allows for and encourages a deep commitment to a competitive academic and athletic experience.”
Colleen Cassada, head coach at Barton College
“Division II offers a championship-level athletic experience without sacrificing balance. It’s where passion meets perspective — and where student-athletes are given the chance to compete at a high level, pursue academic excellence, and enjoy a full college experience beyond the field. You get to chase excellence in your sport without giving up the rest of your college story.”
Annie Lahey, head coach at Assumption University
“Division II really is the chance to have it all. You are choosing an opportunity to compete at an extraordinarily high level while being able to focus on your education in a meaningful way. You have the ability to be involved in your school’s community in more ways than athletics. At many institutions, study abroad is an option. At DII, we have the ability to have a significant Spring season so our athletes can develop their skills and play the game they love. And at DII, you are never that far away from competing for a National Championship.”
Jess Spencer, head coach at Bentley University
“Division II offers a unique opportunity for players to balance their education with a high level of field hockey. Many schools still offer student-athletes the opportunity to study abroad and experience a more typical college life in the off season. Some student-athletes are even able to play two sports at the DII level! As a former DII student-athlete, I was able to study abroad, play two sports and get an amazing education. Division II can be a great option for top performing student-athletes who are looking for a balance in their college experience. Colleges and Universities offer so many opportunities to grow and learn off the field. If you choose Division II, you will have more access to those experiences while competing at a high level.”
Nicole Bocox, head coach at D’Youville University
“Division II is the perfect balance of athletics and academics. It gives student-athletes a chance to shape their experiences on the field and in the classroom with time to get involved in internships, clubs, or even other sports. I also love the focus on community engagement. Our team has loved getting involved in the community and having opportunities to give back.”
Erickson Richard, former student-athlete at Saint Michael’s College (current Graduate Assistant Coach at Franklin Pierce University)
“Division II gave me the perfect balance with challenging competition, the chance to do well in the classroom, and engage with my community. It’s where I grew as both an athlete and a person, building great relationships with my coaches, teammates, and other student-athletes on my tight knit DII campus.”
Sarah Bagley, former student-athlete at Saint Anselm College
“I chose DII because it was a highly competitive field hockey environment that allowed me to complete my clinical rotation and become a nurse.”
Elizabeth Alie, former student-athlete (All-American and NE10 Defensive Player of the Year) at Saint Anselm College
“DII allowed me to pursue a nursing career while also playing field hockey at a competitive level. I felt encouraged to focus on both academics and athletics equally. I was able to receive an athletic scholarship which also helped with the decision. Go DII, best decision I ever made!”
Elizabeth Baraldi Weber, former student-athlete at Saint Anselm College
“I chose DII because of the balance between academics and athletics. It was helpful to be able to receive outright athletic scholarship aid as well.”
Natalee Lawrence, current student-athlete at Roberts Wesleyan University
“I feel Division II is unique because it allows you to have a balance in college between the high intensity and commitment of the sport and your social life and encourages athletes to excel not only in the sport they love but also in academics and community. It allows you to have the personal connections to your teammates that are there to get better and push you to perform your best!”
Justine Laverty, current student-athlete at Roberts Wesleyan University
“Division II offers the perfect balance between academics, athletics, and social life. As a student athlete you are able to compete at a high level while still having time and flexibility to excel in the classroom and build meaningful relationships. It’s a competitive environment that challenges you to grow both as a player and person.”
Ryen Lago, current student-athlete at Roberts Wesleyan University
“Division II athletes often have more manageable schedules making it easier to balance school, work, sports, and campus life. It supports having strong athletics, but not at the expense of other college experiences. It also helps with college expenses. DII is perfect for athletes who want to compete seriously but not sacrifice everything else that college has to offer.”
Makena Tooley, current student-athlete at Roberts Wesleyan University
“Division II is the perfect balance. I am able to compete at a higher level with high competition and commitment, while also being able to excel and focus on my academics. It allows me to play the game I love against tough competition and grow my knowledge of the game along with learning things that I will take with me into the future. I am also able to prioritize academics and make sure I am on track with my goals for the future. I am able to balance my time.”
Thank you for reading Female Athlete News.
