University of Albany's Paula Heuser Wins Honda Sport Award For Field Hockey - UAlbany Sports 2014

Courtesy: UA Sports

ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany sophomore midfielder Paula Heuser was named the 2014-15 Honda Sport Award Winner for Field Hockey, Chris Voelz, Executive Director of THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards announced on Thursday.

“First, I would like to thank the committee for this recognition of my dedication on and off the field,” said Heuser. “I could not have won this award without the effort of the coaching staff everyday and my hard-working teammates. It is a fantastic honor for me, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to be part of such an amazing team this season.”

The sophomore becomes the first all-time Great Dane to earn the Honda Sport Award, after being named the NFHCA National Player of the Year. Heuser is the first underclassman all-time to be named D-I Player of the Year. She is also a two-time NFHCA All-American and America East Midfielder of the Year.

"Everyone at UAlbany is incredibly proud of Paula, and all that she has accomplished this season," said University at Albany Director of Athletics Mark Benson. "She was an instrumental part of UAlbany's first trip to the NCAA Final Four, and individually ranked among the best in the nation all year. Her accomplishments both on and off the field speak highly of her character, and we are honored to have her as part of the Great Dane family."

In 2014, Heuser broke the all-time single-season UAlbany record in goals (29) and points (69). She led the nation in total goals and points, ranking top-two in the nation in goals per game and points per game for six consecutive weeks to end the season. Heuser tallied an all-time league tournament best nine points in two games en route to the America East title, earning Most Outstanding Performer honors.

Heuser was selected by over 1,000 NCAA member institutions for the prestigious award, beating out Lauren Gebhart (Penn State), Kelsey Harbin (Stanford) and Roisin Upton (UConn).

“For all of the awards Paula’s won, she is particularly deserving of the Honda,” added head coach Phil Sykes. “Not only is she an incredible player, but her humility on the field sets a great example for the rest of our team. Paula’s skill level, work ethic and determination put her on another level in our sport.”

The CWSA presents the Honda Sports Award annually to top women student-athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports.  Honda Sports award winners will be presented with the honor during on-campus presentations throughout the year and all Honda Sports award winners become a finalist for the prestigious 2015 Honda Cup award presented in June.

THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards has honored the nation’s top NCAA women athletes for 38 years, recognizing superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service.   Since commencing its sponsorship in 1986, Honda has provided more than $2.8 million in institutional grants to the universities of the award winners and nominees to support women’s athletics programs at the institutions.