"This just feels right."
That's what players often say when they've found their school.
But feelings can be misleading. Campuses are designed to impress. Teams put their best foot forward. Coaches are skilled at selling their programs.
How do you know when you've truly found the right fit?
Beyond The Feeling
Most players make decisions based on:
- Campus aesthetics
- Team success
- Coach personality
- Program reputation
But these surface-level factors can mask deeper misalignments.
The real indicators of fit go deeper:
- Academic program strength in your area
- Financial sustainability for four years
- Daily life realities
- Development opportunities
- Culture compatibility
The Alignment Test
After every interaction with a program, ask yourself these questions:
- Can I picture my daily life here? Not just gamedays. Not just team events. Your actual Monday-to-Sunday existence for four years.
- Would I be happy here if I couldn't play? Injuries happen. Teams change more than ever in the transfer portal era. Make sure the school works for all of you, not just the athlete part.
- Does this align with my true priorities? Will I be proud to be an alum of this institution?
Signs You've Found It
The right fit often reveals itself when:
- You can describe specific aspects beyond "great program"
- You've asked tough questions and liked the answers
- You've seen the team in challenging moments, not just victories
- You can picture yourself there even on ordinary days
- The thought of committing brings excitement, not just relief
One Thing That Works
Put the decision on a coin flip. Heads I commit, tails I don't.
Then flip the coin.
You're not *actually* using this to make your decision, but you should pay attention to how the outcome makes you feel.
For example, if it's tails and you feel relieved, that's useful feedback!
Reality Check
The right fit isn't about perfection. It's about alignment with what really matters to YOU.
Want my complete framework for finding your true fit? The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook includes my "Five to Find the Fit" system that helps you discover and analyze your priorities, plus specific tools for evaluating every aspect of program alignment.
