American University is a Division I school however its athletic department houses a number of non-varsity, club sports. We're proud to be one of those teams.
The Lady Eagles compete locally in the DVCHC and nationally as members of the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association). Home to nearly 200 men's and women's teams, the league is recognized as the top level of hockey outside of the NCAA / varsity.
At the club sport level you'll get national, competitive hockey -- without owing your college years to an athletics department.
ACHA athletes don't get scholarships but they're also not on the ice every day or told when to go to bed like varsity players. You WILL have time to go abroad, be a student, take internships, and have fun training at an advanced level.
Each year as experienced players realize that DI and DIII schools might not be the best places to (a) live and (b) get their specific education, they come to us. The DVCHC offers an AHL sponsored All-Star game, games on NHL ice, bus trips, press coverage, loving fans and fast pace hockey.
We play every women's university team in the Mid-Atlantic including: * Univ. of Maryland * UVA * UPENN * Villanova * Univ. of Delaware
We also play colleges outside the region including: * Penn State * Rutgers Univ * Univ. of Buffalo * Notre Dame * NC State
Additionally our schedule makes room for U19, High School and Women's teams like: * Beltway Bandits * U19 Montgomery * Susquahanna Rapids * Lady Caps
Our team is made up of all types of AU students:
UNDERGARDS - minimum 6 credit hours
SENIORS - minimum 3 credit hours in final semester
GRAD / LAW - mimimum 6 credit hours
NON AU / AU ALUM - not allowed but we can help you find hockey around DC
In addition, players are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 by the beginning of their second year of eligibility.
No way jose! (...if that IS your real name).
Each year the Eagles take on lots of players who have little or no experience -- you won't be alone.
Our players and coaches are looking forward to teaching you. You'll be amazed at how quickly you pick it up!
The Eagles embrace many different levels of skill, from girls who have played years in travel leagues to girls who have never skated a day in their lives. We're a well-rounded team that wins games, not only though the skill but also teaching and teamwork.
Nearly all of the teams in our national league have players in this range although the DVCHC as a whole is very competitive.
We've been a home for players from Harvard (DI), Neumann College (DIII), Connecticut College (DIII), Team Illinois, Hershey Jr. Bears, Morristown-Beard, Princeton Day, Montgomery, San Jose Jr. Sharks, Northeastern U.
Hockey is an expensive sport to play, thankfully it doesn't have to be expensive for YOU to play.
Each player usually owes dues of $200 per semester. Travel is not included.
Those who have played hockey know this is amazingly cheap but we understand that money is not easy. AU hockey offers individual payment plans that are crafted around your needs and we ALL do our best to fundraise rather then pay out of pocket. Last season we raised over $10,000.
Full dues may not apply to incoming beginners who need to buy equpiment. Don't let finances stop you from becoming an Eagle, we can work with anything...
During the season you can expect hockey to get busy but never so much to get in the way of your studies. A typical week might look like this:
- Monday - 1 hr. workout on your own or with captains
- Tuesday - off
- Wednesday - 8:30pm - 12:00am: Chalk talk, on-ice practice
- Thursday - 8:30pm - 11:00pm: Chalk talk, on-ice practice
- Friday - off
- Saturday - 8:30pm - 10:30pm = Home game vs. UPenn
- Sunday - 10:00am = Dryland training
We're on the ice an average of 3 times a week including practices and games. We also hold dryland training, fundraising / recruiting events and team / public service events. Everything we do is designed to improve your play, your studies and friendships.
Like picking up a 2 credit class at AU, hockey can be time consuming but never overwhelming. With adequate planning it won't interfere with your academic, social, holiday or work calendar.
Joining the team isn't a harping demand. It's fun and supportive, a great physical and mental challenge that will improve your time at AU, not detract from it. ...Hey, if graduate and LAW students can pull it off without a problem, you can too.
Ice hockey can be a dangerous sport so safety is always first in the minds of coaches and staff.
All women's hockey leagues are non-checking. We also play near a number of major hospitals and have team staff who are trained in medical care and physical training.
Full gear includes:
- Ice hockey skates
- Leg pads
- Hockey socks (provided)
- Hockey pants
- Chest protector
- Elbow pads
- Hockey gloves
- Hockey stick
- Mouth guard
- Helmet with full face shield
- Jersey (provided)
- Neck guard (optional)
If you are missing items or are buying equipment for the first time we'll be happy to help you find the best deal on your purchase. Expect to pay anywhere from $400- $600 for a full set. Until that time we also have some equipment we can lend out.
Sure thing! We play a lot of hockey around here and can point you to some ice pick-up, leagues, travel teams or even roller hockey leagues. Send an email to us by clicking HERE
