ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — Jena Vanskiver ’26 of Fallston has been selected to the 2026 Academic All-America® Women’s At-Large Third Team by College Sports Communicators (CSC), the organization announced July 7. The honor recognizes her exceptional achievements both academically and athletically as a standout defender and captain for the St. Mary’s College of Maryland field hockey team.
Vanskiver, a 5-3 senior, was one of 46 women’s at-large athletes named across the three Academic All-America teams. This marks the 13th such honor for a Seahawk and the first since Hannah Gorel ’23 earned First Team honors in women’s tennis in 2023. She is the first field hockey player in program history to receive Academic All-America recognition.
A political science and public policy studies double major with a Spanish minor, Vanskiver maintained a stellar 3.99 cumulative GPA. She earned Dean’s List recognition every semester, requiring at least a 3.50 GPA over 12 or more credit hours. Her academic excellence earned her membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, and Chi Alpha Sigma, the national college athlete honor society. She also received the SMCM Female Scholar-Athlete Award at the 2026 Awards Convocation and the 2024 Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship for excellence in social sciences.
On the field, Vanskiver anchored the Seahawk defense as a four-time All-Conference selection, earning First Team honors as a senior and United East Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. She concluded her career as the program’s all-time leader in defensive saves with 21 and earned NFHCA All-Region IV First Team honors. She was also a four-time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and National Academic Squad member, plus a four-time conference Fall Academic Team honoree.
Beyond athletics and academics, Vanskiver demonstrated strong leadership. She served as field hockey team captain, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President (after serving as secretary), and Class of 2026 Vice President. In the community, she tutored English as a Second Language students and volunteered at local elementary schools promoting fitness and wellbeing.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a public liberal arts institution in Southern Maryland, consistently produces student-athletes who excel in the United East Conference. The Seahawks field hockey program has seen significant success, including multiple conference titles and NCAA Division III Championship appearances in recent years. Vanskiver’s honor underscores the college’s commitment to the scholar-athlete ideal.
Her selection adds to a growing list of Academic All-Americans from St. Mary’s, highlighting the balance of rigorous academics and competitive athletics at the institution. Vanskiver’s achievements reflect dedication that extends well beyond the field, positioning her as a role model for future Seahawks
