Six UAlbany Field Hockey Players Named to NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad

Jess Lindsey and Sarah Deane were named to the 2009 NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad for the second straight season, as announced by the organization. The pair was joined by sophomore Megan Springmeyer and freshmen Taylor Luke, Brianna Schwoyer and Kristi Troch.

UAlbany's six student-athletes were six of almost 700 field hockey players from across the nation named to the team. The National Academic Squad recognizes those student-athletes from 77 Division I programs from around the country who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher through the first semester of the 2009-10 academic year.

Lindsey, a senior defender from Norristown, Pa., helped anchor a defense that allowed just 13 goals in 18 games this season. Lindsey is UAlbany's all-time career assists leader with 50 helpers and is tied for sixth in career points with 78. She has been a member of the America East Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll and the UAlbany Athletics Honor Roll. She was an all-conference first team and all-rookie team honoree as a freshman. Lindsey has maintained a 3.50 cumulative grade point average while majoring in psychology.

Deane, a junior from Orefield, Pa., started all 18 games for the Great Danes this season in the defensive midfield, recording one goal. Deane is now a three-time NFHCA Division I National Academic Team honoree, and is also a member of the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll and the UAlbany Athletic Director's Honor Roll. A psychology major, Deane holds a 3.88 cumulative GPA. Springmeyer, a sophomore midfielder, played in 14 games in 2009, scoring two goals. A business administration major, Springmeyer posted a 3.43 GPA.

Luke, Schwoyer and Troch all earned spots on the America East Conference Rookie Team last fall. Luke (3.61 GPA, human biology), a freshman defender, made an immediate impact in the backfield, anchoring a defense that led all Division I team in goals allowed at 0.56 per game. Schwoyer (3.77 GPA, occupational therapy), a defender, and Troch (3.70 GPA, human biology), a goalkeeper, both saw action in all 16 contests. Troch recorded a 0.88 goals against average in the cage, splitting time with Christine Hoffman. The duo of goalkeepers allowed just nine goals in 16 games, and Hoffman's 0.25 goals against average and .935 save percentage led the nation.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information