Union Field Hockey: 11 Athletes Excel in Classroom

Eleven Union College field hockey players just earned national recognition for their outstanding academic performance, proving that championship-level dedication applies both on and off the field.

The National Field Hockey Coaches Association honored the Schenectady, New York students for their impressive grades during the Fall 2025 trimester. Three players stood out with exceptional achievement: junior Molly Halliday, sophomore Francesca Sullivan, and first-year Lily Durivage all earned Scholar of Distinction honors for maintaining cumulative GPAs of 3.90 or higher.

Halliday and Sullivan are now two-time honorees, while Durivage earned the distinction in her very first year. The trio joins an elite group, making Union one of just 543 Division III student-athletes nationwide to receive this recognition in 2025.

Eight additional teammates made the NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad for maintaining GPAs of 3.50 or higher. Marion Stuntz and Halliday earned the honor for their third consecutive season, while Sullivan and Tess Parker received it for the second year running.

The academic success mirrors the team's performance on the field. Union shared the Liberty League regular season title for the second straight year and made program history with their first conference tournament win and first championship game appearance.

The Ripple Effect

These student-athletes are rewriting what it means to be successful in college sports. By excelling in both academics and athletics, they're showing younger players that dedication to education enhances rather than conflicts with athletic achievement.

Union's 20 Scholar of Distinction honorees since 2012 demonstrate a lasting culture of academic excellence within the program. When student-athletes prioritize learning alongside competition, they build skills and habits that extend far beyond graduation day.

Their success creates a positive cycle: academic achievement reinforces the discipline needed for athletic success, while the teamwork and time management skills from sports strengthen academic performance. Other programs are taking notice of this winning combination.

These 11 women are building futures that extend well past their playing careers, one excellent grade at a time.