MANAHAWKIN, NJ (February 12, 2026) -- On Wednesday, the NFHCA recognized more than 1,800 outstanding undergraduate student-athletes from 147 institutions on the 2025 Division III National Academic Squad. Among this year's honorees were 188 from the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), including 11 from the King's College field hockey team.

Sponsored by OPA Winning Teams, the NFHCA National Academic Squad program honors undergraduate student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher through the fall semester, nominated by their NFHCA member coaches.

The 11 Monarchs named to the 2025 Division III National Academic Squad include seniors Rowan Murray and Katelyn Shoemaker; juniors Emily Bollinger, Allison Chocallo, Shaylee Heffron, Reagan Joiner, Davina Krappa, and Melanie Tlatenchi; sophomores Abbey Grulke and Ella Hughes; and first year Sophia Pettinelli.

Impressively, just over 250 honorees earned this distinction for the fourth consecutive year.

Three prestigious Division III academic awards are yet to be unveiled — the NFHCA Scholars of Distinction will be announced on February 13, the NFHCA National Academic Team awards on February 17, and concluding with the announcement of the National Scholar-Athlete on February 19.

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ABOUT OPA WINNING TEAMS
OPA Winning Teams is the official sponsor of the NFHCA National Academic Squad. For over 20 years, Optimal Performance Associates has been dedicated to providing innovative and exciting team building workshops, seminars, and retreats that meet specific objectives and goals. Their mission is to provide your organization with a dynamic learning experience that will promote the enhancement of relationships and the building of tangible skills that will produce positive results.

ABOUT THE NFHCA
The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game. The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.

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