From Canada to the NCAA: Amelia Van Vliet’s Experience

Amelia Van Vliet, Syracuse Orange Women's Hockey Goalie

With the current tensions between Canada and the U.S., some athletes may be hesitant about pursuing opportunities south of the border. But rather than shutting the door on playing in the States, Canadian athletes should focus on doing their research to find the best school and team for them. The NCAA still offers incredible opportunities for player development, competition, and education—it’s all about making the right choice for you. I sat down with Amelia Van Vliet, a former Syracuse goalie, to talk about what it was like to make the move, the hurdles she faced, and what future athletes should expect.

The Big Differences

Skate with the Orange

One of the first things Amelia noticed? The insane school spirit. Between packed arenas, mascots, and an entire campus backing the team, playing in the U.S. felt like being part of something much bigger than just hockey.

“There’s such a strong team identity,” she said. “Everyone supports each other—it’s an incredible atmosphere.”

Beyond the energy of game day, the structure of university athletics was a huge shift. In Canada, university sports don’t receive the same level of funding or attention, making the NCAA experience feel like a completely different world. Amelia mentioned that access to top-tier facilities, dedicated athletic trainers, and high-level coaching made a significant impact on her development as a player. She also highlighted the immense academic support available, with tutors within reach and a dedicated support staff helping student-athletes succeed both on and off the ice.

The Recruiting Process: What Canadians Need to Know

Unlike in the U.S., where scouts often attend games, Canadian athletes need to work harder to get noticed. The recruitment process isn’t as straightforward for those north of the border, and Amelia stressed the importance of taking initiative.

Scouting tournaments are not as easily accessible in Canada, so athletes have to be proactive. This means reaching out to schools, sending highlight reels, and making sure coaches know your name. For many Canadian athletes, getting to the NCAA level requires a lot of self-advocacy and persistence. It’s not just about skill—it’s about making sure you’re seen.

Life as a D1 Student-Athlete

Time management was one of the biggest challenges Amelia faced while playing Division 1 hockey. Every single weekend involved traveling for games, meaning schoolwork had to be done on bus rides and in between practices. Balancing the demands of being a high-level athlete while also keeping up academically required serious discipline.

It became tough for her to prioritize a strong social or typical college experience. Just days before graduating after four years of playing for the Orange, Amelia was walking past buildings on campus thinking, ‘I haven’t seen that before’ or ‘I’ve never been there.’

The commitment to hockey meant that free time was rare, and rest was hard to come by. Still, having a structured support system; tutors, academic advisors, and coaches all helped her stay on track and succeed both on and off the ice.

Advice for Future Athletes

If you’re a Canadian athlete considering the NCAA, here’s Amelia’s advice:

• Make a solid highlight reel and send it to schools early.

• Research programs to find the right fit—not just in your sport, but in academics and culture.

• Reach out to coaches directly—don’t wait to be noticed.

• Be ready to explain why you want to play at their school.

• Prepare for the challenges of moving to a new country—mentally, physically, and logistically.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Amelia’s story proves that making the jump to the NCAA is tough, but possible with the right mindset and preparation. The recruiting process takes effort, and adjusting to life in the U.S. comes with challenges, but for those committed to playing at the highest level, it’s worth it. With the current political and economic tensions between Canada and the U.S., now more than ever, athletes need to be informed about what it means to take this step.

Stay tuned for more athlete stories as we continue to explore the experiences of Canadian athletes.