MANAHAWKIN, N.J. – The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) has recognized the academic achievements of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland field hockey team, with 16 players named to the 2023 NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad. This announcement, made on February 14, highlights the team’s commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
The prestigious NFHCA National Academic Squad, sponsored by OPA Winning Teams, honors collegiate student-athletes who have maintained a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher through the first semester of the current academic year. The selection process requires nominations from NFHCA member coaches, emphasizing the academic dedication of these student-athletes.
St. Mary’s College’s representation in the National Academic Squad includes a broad spectrum of the team, from first-year students to senior captains, showcasing the depth of the team’s academic commitment. Senior captains Audrey Dickens and Anna Eaton, along with Hayden Kesner, Bryce Carlin, Charlotte Horn, and several others, have been recognized for their academic excellence. Eaton’s fourth-time selection to the squad underscores her academically and athletically consistent performance.
The Seahawks are part of a larger group of 1,783 student-athletes from 154 schools honored this year, reflecting the widespread commitment to academic excellence in collegiate field hockey. Connecticut College led the honors with 26 selections, followed closely by Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, Juniata College, and Shenandoah University.
This recognition follows a landmark year for the Seahawks, who claimed their first-ever Atlantic East Conference tournament championship and an inaugural berth in the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship Tournament. Their successful season ended with a 13-6 overall record, including a flawless 6-0 in the Atlantic East Conference, marking their third consecutive regular-season championship.
St. Mary’s College’s field hockey program has demonstrated a remarkable consistency in academic achievement, with 292 National Academic Squad selections since the year 2000. This year’s honorees continue the tradition of excellence that defines Seahawks athletics, blending competitive success with academic prowess.
The achievements of St. Mary’s College’s field hockey team extend beyond the athletic field, setting a standard for academic and athletic balance. Their success inspires student-athletes across the nation, proving that dedication to academics and athletics can lead to significant achievements and recognition.
