May 5, 2012
2012 Schedule
STANFORD, Calif.- The Stanford field hockey program hosted its second annual "Night of Merriment" on Friday evening at the Stanford Faculty Club, highlighted by individual awards and speeches from seniors Stephanie Byrne, Devon Holman and Ale Moss.
Additionally, Becky Dru was named team captain for the upcoming season while Emily Henriksson was named vice captain.
This year's award winners were as follows:
Promising Young Player of the Year Award - Alex McCawley
Given to a freshman or sophomore who has had a significant impact on the team's overall performance. This player demonstrates skillfulness, outstanding work ethic and a mature understanding of the game.
Putting together one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory, McCawley was tabbed an All-NorPac selection and NorPac All-Tournament Team honoree. McCawley tied for second on the squad with eight goals and ranked second in shots (54) and shots on goal (35). She also contributed five assists, for a total of 21 points, to rank fourth on the team. McCawley notched two game-winning goals and was a five-time NorPac Rookie of the Week.
Players' Player of the Year Award - Katie Mitchell
The players nominate a teammate they feel best represents Stanford field hockey. The winner is a teammate who exemplifies leadership, teamwork, dedication, commitment and intensity, while embodying what it means to wear a Stanford uniform.
One of 10 players to start all 21 games, Mitchell scored four goals and tallied one assist for a total of nine points. She attempted 21 shots, 15 of which were on target.
Cardinal of the Year Award - Becky Dru
Presented to the best performing player on the team. The recipient of this award demonstrates outstanding skill, character, competitive drive, leadership and devotion to team goals.
Dru was named a 2011 Longstreth/NFHCA First Team All-American, becoming the 14th player in school history to earn the national honor. Meanwhile, Dru was also honored as the Longstreth/NFHCA West Region Player of the Year. Honored as the NorPac Defensive Player of the Year and NorPac Co-Player of the Year, Dru started all 21 games and finished with team-leading totals in goals (16), points (39), shots (91) and shots on goal (50). A NorPac All-Tournament Team selection, Dru's 16 goals represented a career-high total and her 39 points were the most for a Cardinal player since Sara Hallock's 52 in 1993.
Super Fan Award - Cindy Byrne, mother of Stephanie Byrne
This fan-inspired award is not only a friend of the Stanford field hockey program but the ultimate super fan.
Dedicated to many hours aside the turf while committed to pregame and postgame tailgates showing remarkable support through wind, rain, sleet or snow. In honor of Stanford field hockey's most faithful fan(atic).
Meanwhile, Stanford was awarded team and individual honors as part of the 2011 SGI/NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad. The Cardinal was well-represented with 10 honorees: Hope Burke, Becky Dru, Kelsey Harbin, Emily Henriksson, Devon Holman, Katie Mitchell, Ale Moss, Maria Posa, Kasey Quon and Colleen Ryan. Academic Squad members must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.30 through the first semester of the 2011-12 academic year.
In addition, Stanford was honored for its collective team GPA as a 2011 National Academic squad. The National Academic Team Award recognizes those institutions that achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 during the first semester of the 2011-12 academic year.
Completing one of the most impressive seasons in school history in 2011, Stanford (17-4, 6-0 NorPac) tied a school record for victories, reached its highest-ever national ranking at No. 6 and sported a top-10 RPI for the entire season. Boasting six top-20 victories, the Cardinal earned an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.