The Stockton University field hockey team is not only making waves on the field but also excelling in the classroom, with twelve players earning recognition from the NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad for their outstanding academic achievements during the Fall 2023 semester.

These twelve Ospreys distinguished themselves by maintaining cumulative grade point averages of 3.50 or higher, joining a prestigious cohort of over 1,700 qualifiers from 154 Division III teams acknowledged by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

Leading the pack is senior, Kylie Mitchell (Shamong/Seneca), who secured her fourth consecutive appearance on the NFHCA National Academic Squad, demonstrating a consistent commitment to academic excellence throughout her collegiate career. Junior Dakota Ludman (Cape May CH/Middle Twp.) follows closely, earning the academic honor for the third consecutive year, showcasing enduring dedication both on and off the field.

Among the group of distinguished scholars are sophomores, Miana Alessandroni (Cinnaminson/Cinnaminson), MaKenzie Baggstrom (Mays Landing/Cedar Creek), Alyssa Greiner (Pottstown, Pa./Owen J. Roberts), and EB Rafferty (Morrisville, Pa./Pennsbury), all of whom have secured their place on the National Academic Squad for the second year in a row, reflecting their unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

Five freshmen and one sophomore also earned a well-deserved place on the National Academic Squad for the first time, marking an impressive debut in their academic endeavors. Notably, sophomore transfer Makayla Alessi (Manahawkin/Southern Regional) made a notable entry in her first season at Stockton, underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering academic growth and success among its student-athletes.

The six rookie honorees for Stockton include Jordan Czaczkowski (Jackson/Jackson Memorial), Kaelin Drey (Boyertown, Pa./Boyertown), Payton Koenig (Bayville/Central Regional), Olivia Marino (Cedar Knolls/Whippany Park), and Ava Smock (Jackson/Jackson Memorial), all of whom have demonstrated exceptional promise both academically and athletically.

While the Ospreys’ achievements on the field are commendable, their success in the academic arena further solidifies their reputation as well-rounded student-athletes. In 2023, the team produced one of its best seasons to date, tying the school record with 15 victories and concluding the season with an impressive 15-5 mark, including a remarkable nine-game winning streak. Additionally, the Ospreys attained their highest NCAA regional ranking ever, securing fourth place in Region IV.

The remarkable accomplishments of these twelve Ospreys exemplify the university’s commitment to fostering excellence in both academics and athletics, underscoring the invaluable role of discipline, dedication, and determination in achieving success both on and off the field.