MANAHAWKIN, N.J. -- Wheaton College (Mass.) seniors Kate Anzidei (Wethersfield, Conn.) and Delia Knox (Cumberland, Maine), junior Maddie Hatch (Gorham, Maine) and first years Ava Audette (Essex Junction, Vt.), Aubrey Collier (Yarmouth, Maine), Kelsey Thompson (North Attleboro, Mass.) and Kayla Wilonski (Wallingford, Conn.) were all named National Field Hockey Coaches Association Scholars of Distinction, it was announced by the NFHCA.
The NFHCA Division III Scholars of Distinction have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.90 or greater through the first semester of the 2024-25 academic year. Each representative was also placed on the NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad, with that list requiring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 or greater.
The Lyons total of seven is a school record. Wheaton has boasted multiple honorees in each of the last six years and only 10 other institutions claimed more honorees this year than the Lyons.
Knox is one of the very few to receive the honor in all four years of her eligibility. The senior started all 18 games for Wheaton. The Biology major put together the best season of her career with seven goals and a team-high five assists to rank 15th in the NEWMAC with 19 points. Anzidei gets the nod for the third straight season. The senior is a History of Art major and started all 18 contests in the backfield for the Lyons. She led all field players with 1076 minutes played and made a defensive save. Hatch earned the accolade following the 2022 campaign as well. She is a junior Biology major and also started all 18 contests for the Lyons in the backfield, while recording three defensive saves.
The Lyons total of four first years is the highest rookie total to be honored as well for Wheaton. Audette saw action in three matches for the Lyons. The Nursing major is a forward for the squad, while Collier was hampered by injury during the season. Thompson was tied for first among newcomers and third overall on the team with three assists, while adding three goals. The Elementary Education and Psychology major saw action in all 18 matches in the midfield. Wilonski joined her as one of the team's top offensive players, with 11 points to place third on the team, including four goals and three assists. The Biochemistry major started seven of 18 contests.
Wheaton finished the season with a 9-9 mark for its highest win total since 2015, while posting a 2-7 record in conference play.
