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The University of Maine field hockey team was nationally acclaimed for their academic excellence. The squad was the recipient of the ZAG/NFHCA Division I National Academic Team Award. UMaine was recognized as one of the top five performers in the country for team grade point average.
UMaine was honored in both categories for their combined team GPA of 3.50.
“This is definitely a huge honor, and it speaks volumes about the support we receive from our academic advisors, our coaching staff and the university as a whole,” first-year midfielder Mallory Anderson said.
The Black Bears’ team GPA finished a commendable 4th in the nation, falling behind Old Dominion, American University and Indiana University. They were one of 48 teams in the nation to earn a GPA higher than 3.0.
Members credit the success to the effectiveness of team policy on academic matters. According to the policy, all first-years and those with a GPA lower than 3.0 must complete eight hours of monitored study per week.
“Our academic support staff does a great job setting us up with tutors if needed and keeps in constant contact with our professors to get progress reports throughout the semester,” Anderson said.
Above and beyond the team award, UMaine had 10 student athletes individually recognized for their academic efforts. Kristen Healy, Christie Mosley and Erin Reusch were each named to the NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad for the fourth time. The group is for student-athletes who have maintained a GPA above 3.30. Nicole Emery and Rebecca Giroux earned recognition for the third time, while Mallory Anderson and Mallory Shute were each honored for the second time. Britney Cummings, Maire Dineen and Cassandra Mendonca received the award for the first time in their careers.
“Most of the time, all that’s heard about student athletes at universities is when they do something wrong,” Anderson said. “It’s important to recognize that we work just as hard in the classroom as on the field, and that student athletes are doing great things for the University of Maine.”
The National Field Hockey Coaches Association is a non-profit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. One of their prime points of emphasis is to recognize those student athletes who excel in the classroom and they offer individual and team awards for achieving a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Bangor Daily News