Field Hockey Puts 15 on NFHCA National Academic Squad

Photo by: Greg Vasil

Field Hockey Puts 15 on NFHCA National Academic Squad

2/22/2024 11:07:00 AM | Field Hockey

NFHCA National Academic Squad NFHCA Scholars of Distinction NFHCA National Academic Team Award

Pios tie for national lead with nine Scholars of Distinction

By: Matthew Janik

MANAHAWKIN, N.J. (February 22, 2023) – The Sacred Heart University field hockey team has had 15 student-athletes named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I National Academic Squad, as announced last week by the NFHCA. Furthermore, the Pios had nine players selected as NFHCA Scholars of Distinction, which tied for the national lead, while the team earned the association's National Academic Team Award.

SHU's nine scholars of distinction were as follows: junior Megan Albert (Lansdale, Pa.); senior Isabelle Chamberlain (North Yorkshire, United Kingdom); senior Hannah Fawle (Collaroy, Australia); first year Madelyn Kidd (Hillsborough, N.J.); junior Samantha Maresca (Mamaroneck, N.Y.); sophomore Lizzie Mendrzycki (Hanover Township, Pa.); junior Mira Poelzer (Munich, Germany); senior Katie Rogers (Denville, N.J.); and graduate student Mikayla VanHorn (Old Bridge, N.J.).

In addition to those nine, the following six landed on the National Academic Squad: sophomore Cassie Chapjian (Cherry Hill, N.J.); first year Brianna Cooper (Watertown, Mass.); senior Ciera Fowler (Wilmington, Del.); sophomore Jaden Ray (Shrub Oak, N.Y.); senior Claire Skumurski (Niskayuna, N.Y.); and first year Kayla Weir (Newtown, Conn.).

To be eligible for selection to the National Academic Squad, a student-athlete must have posted a cumulative grade-point average of 3.30 or higher through the fall semester. In addition, the Scholars of Distinction program recognizes student-athletes carrying GPAs of 3.90 or higher.

SHU earned the National Academic Team Award – which requires a team GPA of 3.0 or higher – for the seventh time in the last eight years.

VanHorn was one of 181 student-athletes across the nation to earn National Academic Squad accolades for the fourth consecutive year.

SHU (9-11, 4-3 NEC) returned to the postseason this fall for the first time since 2019. The Pios then defeated Saint Francis, 1-0 (2 OT), and Wagner, 1-0 (OT), at the NEC Championship to claim the program's second NEC title. SHU made its first official appearance in the NCAA Championship and took on William & Mary in the opening round.