MANAHAWKIN, N.J.—After showcasing their dedication to both their academics and on-field play during the fall semester, 16 members of the William Smith field hockey team were named to the 2024 NFHCA National Academic Squad, sponsored by OPA Winning Teams. The Herons join more than 1,880 student-athletes representing 150 institutions across NCAA Division III.
To qualify for the distinction, student-athletes must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher through the 2024 fall semester.
The following Herons were named to this year's squad:
- Mia Batchelder, first-year forward, Undeclared
- Bella Diamandis, first-year goalkeeper, Undeclared
- Ana Dios Vidal, first-year midfielder, Undeclared
- Lily Gutch, junior forward, Management and Entrepreneurship
- Hannah Huston, senior defender, Sociology and Environmental Studies
- Baker Jeremiah, first-year goalkeeper, Undeclared
- Abby Jones, junior forward, Management and Entrepreneurship and Media & Society
- Kylee Knuschke, sophomore midfielder, Undeclared
- Caroline Kogut, first-year defender, Undeclared
- Rebecca Mantione, senior midfielder, Computer Science
- Grace McCormick, first-year midfielder, Undeclared
- Elle Oberfield, sophomore midfielder, Writing & Rhetoric
- Anneliese Oetsen, junior forward, International Relations and Media and Society
- Zoe Ugarteche, junior midfielder, Architectural Studies
- Sophia Weene, first-year midfielder, Undeclared
- Delaney Williams, junior defender, Biology
Mantione was named to the National Academic Squad in each of her four years as a Heron. Jones and Oetsen follow close behind, earning National Academic Squad honors for the third straight season.
The NFHCA will reveal its 2024 Scholars of Distinction on Feb. 14 and the National Academic Team award on Feb. 18.
William Smith concluded its season with a 9-10 overall record (4-3 Liberty League). The Herons finished fourth in the league standings, qualifying for the conference championship tournament for the third straight season.
