Four UMW field hockey players named to All-Region team

By IZZY BRIONES

Monday, Nov. 30, upon returning from Thanksgiving break, four fellow Eagles and members of the University of Mary Washington field hockey team were named by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association’s All-South Region Team (NFHCA).

Forward Jenna Steele and midfielder Haley Kane were appointed to the first team, while their two teammates, Kathleen Namey and Carlee Budd, who are also both defenders, were appointed to the second team.

Steele, Kane and Budd each earned All-Region honors this year. For Steele, the NFHCA honor was received for her fourth straight year, and marked her third time being on the first team. She finished her field hockey career this year as the team leader in goals, which was a total of 69, and points, at 163.

In addition to these recognitions, Steele was also named the 2015 CAC Player of the Year. She stands as only the eighth UMW player to achieve this esteemed recognition. Alongside her teammate, Kane also received all-region honors for the fourth straight time. Kane also finished third on the university’s all-time assists list; and ended her career at UMW with a total of 100 points.

For senior Carlee Budd, this year marks her first in which she gained All-Region honors. She scored 22 goals and achieved 19 assists this season to finish her senior year at UMW. In addition to these achievements, Namey finished her season repeating as an All-Region selection; and ended her three-year career this season as a part of the UMW field hockey team with 27 goals and 19 assists.

With an end to their season and to their senior year with the UMW field hockey team, these accomplishments show these women’s dedication to their team and how they have served as true leaders to their teammates.

“We are very proud of the accomplishments of this senior class,” said head coach Lindsey Elliot. “They have given the university and the athletic department recognition at the regional level. These four players have been instrumental to the success of our program and will greatly be missed next season.”

Not only have they been distinguished players in their league and served as key players to their coach, but they have, in a very short time, served as role models and inspirations to their newest teammates.

“They all worked very hard to earn their spot on the All-Region team and I am very proud of them,” said freshman Jordan Fam. “Learning from and playing with teammates as talented and hardworking as these four has really showed me what kind of player I want to me.”