Three Pioneers Earn All-NEC Honors; Cooper Named Co-Goalkeeper of the Year
11/5/2025 3:59:00 PM | Field Hockey
Brianna Cooper, Celia Benson, and Emma Brayford earn postseason recognition
SOMERSET, N.J. – Three members of the Sacred Heart University field hockey team were honored with All-NEC postseason awards, the league announced Wednesday. Junior Brianna Cooper was named Co-Goalkeeper of the Year and earned a spot on the All-NEC First Team, joined by sophomore Celia Benson. Senior Emma Brayford rounded out the Pioneers' selections with a place on the All-NEC Second Team.
Cooper, a native of Watertown, Mass., shared the league's top goalkeeping honor with Mercyhurst's Louise Pert. The junior standout anchored the Pioneers' defense all season, ranking among the NEC leaders in both save percentage (0.727) and goals-against average (1.52). The Pios allowed the third fewest goals in the league. Cooper had one shutout and made 56 saves throughout the year. She provided a steady presence in goal, earning her first All-NEC nod and major conference award.
Benson, from Scituate, Mass., earned her first career All-NEC first team recognition following a strong sophomore campaign in the midfield. A consistent playmaker and key part of the Pioneers' transition game, Benson tallied 10 points on the season, coming from four goals and two assists.
Brayford, a senior defender from Breiningsville, Pa., capped her Sacred Heart career with her second All-NEC second-team honor. A four-year contributor and team co-captain, Brayford's defensive awareness and composure were instrumental in guiding the backline. She also had numerous offensive opportunities, tallying four goals, including one game-winner. Making 16 appearances during the season with 14 starts, Brayford also had a defensive save.
"I'm incredibly proud of Bri, Celia, and Emma for the recognition they've earned," said head coach Sydney Van Der Merwe. "All three have been vital to our success this season, Bri was outstanding in goal, Celia brought energy and control to the midfield, and Emma's leadership anchored our defense. These honors are a reflection of their hard work and the growth of our entire program."
Sacred Heart finished the season 7-11 and 5-4 in conference play.
Cooper, a native of Watertown, Mass., shared the league's top goalkeeping honor with Mercyhurst's Louise Pert. The junior standout anchored the Pioneers' defense all season, ranking among the NEC leaders in both save percentage (0.727) and goals-against average (1.52). The Pios allowed the third fewest goals in the league. Cooper had one shutout and made 56 saves throughout the year. She provided a steady presence in goal, earning her first All-NEC nod and major conference award.
Benson, from Scituate, Mass., earned her first career All-NEC first team recognition following a strong sophomore campaign in the midfield. A consistent playmaker and key part of the Pioneers' transition game, Benson tallied 10 points on the season, coming from four goals and two assists.
Brayford, a senior defender from Breiningsville, Pa., capped her Sacred Heart career with her second All-NEC second-team honor. A four-year contributor and team co-captain, Brayford's defensive awareness and composure were instrumental in guiding the backline. She also had numerous offensive opportunities, tallying four goals, including one game-winner. Making 16 appearances during the season with 14 starts, Brayford also had a defensive save.
"I'm incredibly proud of Bri, Celia, and Emma for the recognition they've earned," said head coach Sydney Van Der Merwe. "All three have been vital to our success this season, Bri was outstanding in goal, Celia brought energy and control to the midfield, and Emma's leadership anchored our defense. These honors are a reflection of their hard work and the growth of our entire program."
Sacred Heart finished the season 7-11 and 5-4 in conference play.
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