COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Recognized for their support during adverse circumstances, Stanford field hockey's alumni, family and friends have been given the USA Field Hockey Grow the Game Award. This marks the first time in the award's history that Stanford was the recipient.
The Grow the Game Award is presented to a USA Field Hockey Member that has help lay a foundation, build a lasting program and impacted their community through field hockey. They have provided opportunities to countless field hockey players in their region that would not exist without their efforts.
"This award is absolutely deserved for everyone that came together and fought for Stanford Field Hockey," said head coach Roz Ellis. "Impressive does not begin to describe the united movement behind the scenes. The staff and team are lucky to be a part of such a unique and passionate group. We will continue the efforts and help support the growth of field hockey in the state of California."
Stanford's supporters passionately backed the program during the 2020-21 academic year, when field hockey was one of 11 teams slated to be discontinued. The remarkable level of encouragement did not wane once the program was continued, which kept Stanford as one of three Division I programs on the West Coast.
Showcasing the dedication by the student-athletes and staff, Stanford played without a goalkeeper for a majority of the season, and had only two subs. Despite the obstacles, the Cardinal's streak of qualifying for every America East Tournament in program history remained intact.
Three Cardinal student-athletes earned All-America East accolades. Junior Megan Frost and freshman Cara Sambeth were named to the all-conference second team, while Sambeth was chosen to the All-Rookie squad. Frost and senior Isabelle Pilson earned nods to the All-Academic team.