COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Haverford College field hockey team has once again taken home an honor exemplifying its sustained excellence in the classroom, earning the National Academic Team Award from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) for the 20th consecutive season. The annual honor is awarded to programs that achieve a cumulative team grade-point average of 3.5 or higher during the fall semester, underscoring the Fords' long-standing commitment to academic achievement alongside athletic success.
Haverford's academic success extended well beyond the team accolade, as five student-athletes were recognized as 2025 Collegiate National Scholars of Distinction. Louisa Coughlin, Ava Giardino, Lily Gover, and Carolina Sanchez each earned the distinction for the second consecutive year, while Erica Pardón secured the honor once again after previously earning the recognition in 2023. The National Scholars of Distinction program celebrates undergraduate student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.90 or higher through the fall semester, as nominated by their NFHCA member coaches.
In addition, a remarkable 21 Fords were named to the 2025 Division III National Academic Squad. Sponsored by OPA Winning Teams, the National Academic Squad recognizes undergraduate student-athletes who have posted a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher through the fall semester. Representing Haverford on this year's squad are Alya Bakir, Brynn Bickel, Louisa Coughlin, Lindsey Darby, Reese Dewhirst, Kendall Fleet, Caroline Frost, Ava Giardino, Lily Gover, Steph Ionescu, Talie Kaag, Mena Kazista, Anna Keneally, Erica Pardón, Carolina Sanchez, Alice Stein, Poppy Swallow, Abigail Trapp, Lindsey Turner, Holly Vincent, and Naomi York.
Caroline Frost, Anna Keneally, Abigail Trapp, Holly Vincent, and Naomi York each earned National Academic Squad honors for the fourth consecutive season, highlighting sustained excellence throughout their collegiate careers.
The academic recognitions follows a historic 2025 campaign for the Fords. Haverford broke into the national rankings for the first time since 2021 on Oct. 7 and climbed as high as No. 16 in the nation on Oct. 21. The Fords recorded three ranked victories for the first time in program history and advanced to the Centennial Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2017, matching a program record with 14 wins and capping a milestone-filled season.
The NFHCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving field hockey coaches and supporters across the United States, championing and strengthening the sport while fostering its growth at both the interscholastic and intercollegiate levels.
