© Brian Beard/Creative Image Photography Liz Clegg (Hudson, OH)


High school players are busy sending e-mails to coaches, making visits to various campuses and attending hockey camps. There is a certain prestige that comes with a Division I status. You are at the top of the league, skill level. The athletic ability does not falter in Division III.


a scholarship to play is enticing, but there is also a sacrifice at the cost of the athlete when they make that commitment.”


College is time to grow academically, athletically and to formu- late into the person you strive to be. One thing is for sure, don’t


“I think that too often the opportunity to play DI is over empha- sized at a young age,” says Endicott College Head Field Hockey Jodi Cipolla. “That level is not for everyone in terms of ability, commitment, or quality of experience.”


YOU CAN’T BUY SWEAT AND BRUISES LIKE THESE. YOU EARN THEM. count out Division III universities in your college search.


Parents and players need to take a step back and recognize what is best in the long run. Some Division I colleges frown upon certain majors because the required practicals and labs take up too much practice time. While the Division I commitment is note- worthy, are you willing to sacrifice your desired career path for four years of hockey?


“While playing at that level is a great goal for many, it may not be the best fit,” Coach Cipolla says. “The possibility of earning


“Parents and players should be more open to DIII schools because the emphasis is not only on your ability as a player, there is also a huge emphasis for every single player to be successful in their studies,” Dickinson College junior Marybeth McCarthy says.


So keep the free turfs. Save the extra sweatpants and shirts for someone else. You can't buy sweat and bruises like these.


You earn them. fhlife@usafieldhockey.com 11


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