17 Field Hockey Players Earn Top Academic Honors

Washington College's field hockey team just proved that champions exist both on the field and in the classroom. Seventeen student-athletes earned national academic recognition from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, with eight achieving the highest distinction for maintaining GPAs above 3.90.

The Shorewomen program also received the National Academic Team Award, recognizing their collective team GPA of 3.0 or higher. They joined just 79 Division III programs nationwide to achieve this honor.

Four seniors stood out for their remarkable consistency. MaryCate Anson and Kendal Thomson earned both National Academic Squad and Scholar of Distinction honors for the fourth year in a row, maintaining their excellence throughout their entire college careers.

The achievement spans the entire roster, from seasoned veterans to fresh talent. Freshman Colleen Anson made an immediate impact, earning both honors in her first semester alongside seven upperclassmen who also achieved Scholar of Distinction status.

Nine additional players secured spots on the National Academic Squad with GPAs above 3.50. The recognition includes athletes at every position, from goalkeepers to forwards, showing that academic excellence spreads across the entire team culture.

The Ripple Effect

This kind of achievement shows how athletic programs can foster academic success rather than compete with it. When 17 out of a single roster maintain GPAs high enough for national recognition, it signals a team culture where studying together and supporting each other's goals becomes the norm.

These students balance early morning practices, afternoon games, travel schedules, and rigorous coursework at a competitive liberal arts college. Their success sends a powerful message to younger athletes that excelling in sports and academics aren't opposing choices.

The team's collective achievement also strengthens Washington College's reputation and creates opportunities for future student-athletes seeking programs that value both athletic and academic development.

Programs like Washington College's prove that the student truly can come first in student-athlete, creating environments where young people develop skills that extend far beyond their playing years.