St. Mary’s City, Md. – Brenna Ziegler, a senior forward from Newark, Delaware, cemented her place as St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s field hockey icon on September 28, 2025, scoring a hat trick against Wittenberg University to become the program’s all-time leading goal scorer with 46.
The 8-0 rout in North Carolina, marking SMCM’s fourth shutout of the season, capped a career that blends raw talent, clutch performances, and a deep connection to the Seahawks’ tight-knit community. At 5 feet 9 inches, Ziegler’s commanding presence has fueled 113 career points, another program record set earlier in September, earning her accolades from the United East Conference to national honors.
Ziegler’s path began at Newark Charter High School, where she starred in field hockey and lacrosse, earning three All-State field hockey nods, including First Team in 2021, and four First Team All-Diamond State Conference honors. A 2018 Athlete of Promise, she also shone in club play, securing a silver medal at the 2019 Disney Showcase and three NIT pool titles from 2019 to 2021. Her lacrosse resume included five All-Diamond State selections and two captaincies, showcasing her versatility. Off the field, Ziegler excelled in Health Occupations Students of America, placing at state and international levels in health education, community awareness, and epidemiology from 2019 to 2022. Her academic and athletic prowess drew her to SMCM for its biochemistry program, waterfront campus, and family-like team culture.
As a 2022 first-year, Ziegler erupted with 13 goals and five assists for 31 points, starting all 15 games and debuting against York (Pa.) on September 1. Her first goal came two days later at Stevenson, followed by a career-high seven points, including three assists, against Immaculata on October 26. She fired 65 shots, 40 on goal, with a career-best nine at Virginia Wesleyan. Named Atlantic East Rookie of the Year and First Team All-Conference, she also earned Second Team All-NFHCA Region IV and St. Mary’s Female Fall Rookie honors, helping the Seahawks to a 12-7 record and a conference semifinal berth.
In 2023, Ziegler’s sophomore year saw her lead SMCM to its first Atlantic East tournament title and an NCAA Division III berth. Starting all 19 games, she tallied 16 goals and nine assists for 41 points, ranking third in the conference in points, goals, and shots (73, with 43 on goal). Her .842 goals per game placed 40th nationally, and her .474 assists per game ranked 48th in Division III. Key moments included an overtime winner against Stevenson on September 11 and a career-high nine shots and seven points against Manhattanville on October 14. She earned First Team All-NFHCA Region IV, Atlantic East Player of the Year, and two Offensive Player of the Week nods (October 16, 23), solidifying her as a regional force.
Ziegler’s 2024 junior season was equally dominant, starting all 21 games and leading the United East with 31 points, nine assists, and five game-winning goals. Her 11 goals and 46 shots on goal ranked third in the conference, while her 60 shots placed fourth. She posted a career-high seven shots on goal against Randolph-Macon on September 11 and earned First Team All-United East, Second Team All-NFHCA Region IV, and United East Offensive Player of the Week on October 28. Her academic excellence landed her on the United East Fall All-Academic Team, balancing SMCM’s rigorous 3.28 team GPA.
In 2025, Ziegler’s senior campaign has been historic. She set the career points record (113) against Goucher on September 11 and the goals record (46) with her Wittenberg hat trick, earning United East Offensive Player of the Week on September 8. Her game-winner in a 2-0 shutout over Virginia Wesleyan on September 3 showcased her clutch ability. With 6-4 SMCM gearing up for road games against Immaculata on October 8 and Lancaster Bible on October 11, Ziegler’s leadership drives a squad eyeing another United East title.
Her records reflect SMCM’s rise under coach Jessica Lanham, who’s guided the Seahawks to 24 NFHCA All-Region honors. As a biochemistry major, Ziegler embodies the student-athlete ideal, contributing to clinics at local schools where field hockey participation has grown 15 percent since 2020. Her journey from Delaware to Southern Maryland’s turf mirrors the region’s blend of academic and athletic pride.
