Athletically, many girls are now choosing to take an extra year to develop. Taking a "PG" year has been very common for boys, and is becoming more popular for girls. At NAHA, PG's are able to commit themselves to a rigorous training program, to include being on the ice six days a week. Training and practicing at the highest possible level will pay off in a PG'S development as an athlete. It is critical that any athlete prepare for the season at NAHA during the summer before arriving.

It is also important to continue academics during the PG year. We can provide SAT/ACT prep programs during the first half of the season for those looking to improve test scores. We also require that PG's take two college level courses. These are available on-line through many colleges and universities. PG's begin these courses in early September.  We recommend taking a freshman math or English class, or another freshman level course such as psychology. These credits can be transferred to most colleges, and will not affect your NCAA eligibility. While staying with us, PG's will have meet with our teachers one-on-one to insure they have the support and do as well as possible in these courses.

College admissions departments look favorably upon girls who take an extra year, and who have an experience such as NAHA on their application. College hockey coaches recognize the growth that a player will undergo while at NAHA, both on and off the ice. By being part of NAHA, players are looked at differently than players participating in other programs, as those coaches recognize our students' commitment, the quality and intensity of NAHA and how this experience will prepare them for college academics and athletics. Our PG's will be more heavily scouted than students in any other program and also play against many of the universities that may eventually recruit them.

The NAHA experience is an excellent steppingstone to college. Students learn time management, as well as skills to learn to work and live independently. The experience assists our students in becoming mature, responsible and to make good decisions.

POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Taking an extra year before going to college has become more common for female student-athletes. We have noticed this trend over the past few years, and have a structured program to assist these student-athletes to be the best possible candidates for college athletically and academically.

All PG's are required to participate in our academic program. Without this program there is too much free time, and it is difficult to fit into the daily routine at NAHA. The PG Academic Program is as follows:

Courses: PG's must take a minimum of two courses while at NAHA. Depending on which University they sign up for courses with, these can be one or two courses first semester (Sept.-Dec.) and one or two courses (Jan.-May) or two courses over the course of their participation in NAHA (Nov.-March). Some institutions require enrollment during the traditional semester periods that correspond to their residential student body, and some others allow students to begin and end a course on their own schedule within a designated time period (usually a maximum of six months). These are college level courses through accredited and well-known academic institutions. They may be transferred to the college that you eventually attend, at the discretion of that college. These will not affect your NCAA eligibility.

There are many sources for on line or distance learning. You will find there are on-line courses, correspondence courses or a combination of the two. Check these sites carefully to investigate your options. We suggest the following:

University of California, Berkeley: http://learn.berkeley.edu
Some courses have opening and closing dates, others you can customize to your own schedule.
Brigham Young University: http://ce.byu.edu/is/site/index.cfm
Some courses have opening and closing dates, others you can customize to your own schedule. Courses are economical.

General information:

• Because of the perpetually rolling start dates most courses don't fill up.
• Read the course descriptions i.e. you can't get credit for both Physical Geography 150 and Elements of Physical Geography 155; you should take 100 and 200 level courses; do not take non-credit courses as these are not transferable for college credit (unless your math or English skills need remediation before taking a college level course).
• DO NOT sign up for more than 2 courses per semester otherwise you will be considered a full-time student--two is a good load. If you are a full time student your NCAA clock will start ticking.

When you sign up for courses you will be required to choose a proctor, and forward his credentials. Your choice is: Robert Titterton, Head of School, North American Hockey Academy. Email him directly to obtain any additional information for your particular application (such as qualifications, etc.) or with questions about setting up your courses. feel free to email our Headmaster at jaymorris@winterhawks.org.

Advisor: Both UC-B and BYU have on-line advisors to help guide choices for PG's who haven't yet made their college choice. If you have made a college decision, you should check with an advisor at that college about courses, choices and transferring credit. While at NAHA, Jay Morris, the school's Headmaster is your academic advisor and Bill Driscoll, the Academy Director will be your college counselor.

Academic Support: While at NAHA each PG will have a teacher assigned to assist with studies. They will meet on a regularly scheduled basis, just as our undergraduates do. The intent of taking college level courses is to demonstrate to college admissions departments your ability to do well with college level work. This success will assist you during your admissions review. To help insure your success, we support your on-line studies with our teaching faculty.

Test Prep Course: Each PG will also participate in a regularly scheduled Test Prep Course that will assist the student to prepare for SAT or ACT tests. Be aware if colleges you might be interested in require the SAT and II; if so, that should be done in your senior (gr. 12) year. Students should have taken these tests during their high school years, but should also sign up for the November or December test while at NAHA. Should additional testing be required, you may also sign up for the January test. Students with learning disabilities should make the necessary preparations in the spring prior to taking the tests in the fall for accommodations for time and/or test administration methods.