Lawrence, Burns and Sheffler Named NFHCA Scholars of Distinction

The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) announced that 321 NCAA Division III student-athletes have been recognized as Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III Scholars of Distinction in a press release March 25.

Three members of the Wells College field hockey team were among that group. Senior Caitlin Lawrence joined freshmen Sabrina Burns and Sadie Sheffler, who all achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 3.9 or higher through the first semester of the 2019-20 academic year, which was the criteria for the NFHCA's scholars of distinction.

"I am very proud of all that we have accomplished academically last semester, and am even happier for Caitlin, Sadie, and Sabrina to receive this high honor," Wells College head field hockey coach Jessica Galatioto said.

"Caitlin especially has worked very hard to maintain a 4.0 throughout her four years at Wells. To earn these high grades alone can be a challenge for many, but to achieve them while in season as a student-athlete is even more impressive," Galatioto added.

Lawrence, Burns and Sheffer joined six Wells College teammates on the NFHCA D-III National Academic Squad earlier in the month by obtaining a 3.3 GPA or higher that also included Abigail Gilson, Hannah Koerner, Chloe Marcus, Nikki Michaud, Cassandra Ninbi-Yobo and Danielle Radivoy.

Prior to that, the entire team was announced as the No. 4 ranked academic team in the nation for NCAA D-III field hockey teams that included - in addition to the names previously mentioned - Whitney Coleman and Alyssa Rocas, who combined for a team GPA of 3.69. Of the top-four recognized schools for academics at the D-III level, only one school had a higher number percentage of rostered players than Wells.

Wells finished its 2019 season in the championship game for the North Eastern Athletic Conference title.