Galloway, N.J. – Four Stockton University field hockey players were recognized as NFHCA Division III Scholars of Distinction by the
National Field Hockey Coaches Association. The requirement for the honor is a cumulative grade point average of 3.90 or higher through the Fall 2022 semester.
The quartet consisted of senior
Rhian Freire (Mays Landing/Cedar Creek), junior
Hannah McKensie (Mays Landing/Cedar Creek) and freshmen
Miana Alessandroni (Cinnaminson/Cinnaminson) and
Elizabeth Connors (Marlboro/Colts Neck).
Freire earned the NFHCA Scholar of Distinction status for the second consecutive year while McKensie, Alessandroni and Connors all qualified for the first time. The group of four headlined a list of 13 Ospreys who attained recognition on the NFHCA National Academic Squad, which was announced last week.
In addition to her two NFHCA Scholar of Distinction honors, Freire was a four-time NFHCA National Academic Squad qualifier. She started every game on defense for Stockton over the last three seasons, a total of 38 straight starts. Freire was voted NJAC Honorable Mention following the 2021 season.
McKensie added the NFHCA Scholar of Distinction accolade to three NFHCA National Academic Squad kudos, one at Stockton this year after two at Pace University in 2020-21. She joined the Ospreys this season as a transfer and saw action in 16 of the team's 17 games with eight starts.
Alessandroni played in all 17 matches with seven starts during her rookie season. The forward dished an assist versus Moravian on September 21 for her first career point. Connors served as Stockton's backup goalie in her freshman year.
