ST. MARY’S CITY, MD (September 17, 2025) – Sophia Kent, a sophomore goalkeeper from Chestertown, Maryland, representing St. Mary’s College of Maryland, was named the United East Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week on September 15. This marks the third time in her career that Kent has received this honor, highlighting her pivotal role in the Seahawks’ field hockey team’s strong start to the 2025 season.
Kent’s standout performance came during a 1-1 week for St. Mary’s (4-1), which included an 8-0 shutout victory over Goucher College on September 10 and a 3-0 loss to No. 2-ranked Salisbury University on September 13. The 5-foot-5 goalkeeper posted a 1.71 goals against average and an .885 save percentage for the week. Against Goucher, she played 45 minutes of scoreless action, contributing to the team’s second shutout of the season. At Salisbury, Kent delivered a career-high 23 saves, falling just four short of the program’s single-game record of 26.
Currently, Kent leads all United East Conference goalkeepers with a 1.05 goals against average and an .875 save percentage. She ranks second in the conference with 7.00 saves per game and is tied for second with one shutout. Her consistent excellence in net has been a cornerstone for the Seahawks, who are off to a 4-1 start in 2025, a marked improvement from their 6-10 record last season.
The St. Mary’s College field hockey team, based in St. Mary’s City, is a key part of the local sports scene, drawing support from students and residents alike. The team plays its home games at the Jamie L. Roberts Stadium, a familiar venue for Southern Maryland sports fans. Kent, a product of The Gunston School in Centreville, Maryland, has quickly become a standout athlete in the region, representing the talent pipeline from local high schools to St. Mary’s College.
This week’s recognition follows Kent’s Defensive Player of the Week award on September 8, making her the only St. Mary’s player honored so far this season. The United East Conference, which includes schools like Penn State Harrisburg and Goucher College, announced its first weekly award of 2025 on September 1, recognizing Sara Yeselavage of Penn State Harrisburg.
St. Mary’s College will return to action tonight, September 17, traveling to Ashland, Virginia, to face Randolph-Macon College (4-1) in a non-conference matchup at 7:00 p.m. The game pits two teams with identical records against each other, promising a competitive clash. Randolph-Macon, a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, has been a consistent challenge for St. Mary’s in past meetings, with the Seahawks looking to build on their early-season momentum.
For local fans, St. Mary’s College athletics are a point of pride, with the field hockey team’s success reflecting the growing prominence of women’s sports in the region. The team’s next home game is scheduled for September 21 against Stevenson University, offering Southern Maryland residents a chance to see Kent and the Seahawks in action at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium.
The United East Conference continues to monitor team and individual performances, with weekly awards announced every Monday. Kent’s back-to-back honors position her as a contender for further recognition as the season progresses.
