BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont field hockey program recognized the individual accomplishments of the 2018 season and welcomed over a dozen Alumnae to Moulton Winder Field for the 12th Alumnae Game on Saturday (Apr. 27).
On Sunday, several Catamounts were recognized at the Team 40 Banquet and Celebration at the UVM Alumni House.
Rachel Phillips,
Bailey Matthews,
Olivia Hurd, and
Carla Godsman received the team's four major awards.
RELATED LINKS
NFHCA Academic Honors
America East All-Conference Selections
"It was a special celebration this year, as we looked back on a season that began in Scotland and finished at the America East Championship in California," head coach
Kate Pfeifer said. "We recognized our five seniors, four award-winners and other significant performances in the classroom and on the pitch. We also enjoyed welcoming home our alums and creating connections between them and the current players. Thanks to my staff for helping to put together such a wonderful weekend!"
The 2018 Catamounts finished the season with an 8-11 record and placed third in the East Division of America East. UVM defeated 17th-ranked Maine in Orono for the program's first win over the Black Bears since 2007. Five Catamounts earned America East postseason honors and 15 Cats were named to the NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER | Rachel Phillips
The MVP award is given to the athlete who exhibited outstanding, self-less, and consistent on-field contribution to the team's success. Phillips was voted the 2018 team MVP after a breakout junior season. She finished second on the team in goals (5) and points (12). She tallied the lone goal in Vermont's 1-0 win over UMass Lowell on Moulton Winder Field (Sept. 28). Phillips was an America East All-Conference selection and earned a spot on the NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad for the third straight season.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER | Bailey Matthews
The Most Improved Player award is given to the athlete who exemplifies notable coachability and growth to help the team be successful. Matthews earns the award after
playing in 14 games as a sophomore in 2018. She tallied her first career goal at Monmouth (Sept. 21) and added her second in Vermont's 3-0 road win over 17th-ranked Maine (Oct. 26).
CATAMOUNT GRIT AWARD | Olivia Hurd
The Catamount Grit Award is given to the athlete who demonstrated remarkable work ethic and commitment to being mentally and physically tough. Hurd receives the honor after starting every game in 2018, her third year captaining the team. She finished her Catamount career without missing a single game and was named to the 2018 America East All-Academic team and was an NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad selection for the fourth consecutive season and an NFHCA Scholar of Distinction for the third consecutive season.
STIRLING WINDER AWARD | Carla Godsman
The Stirling Winder Award honors the athlete who embodies the qualities of strength, perseverance, and resiliency in the face of hardship. Godsman earns the award after playing in 17 games while battling injuries in 2018. She finished third on the team in scoring with nine points and tied for third on the team with three goals. She scored the game-winning goal in Vermont's 2-1 non-conference win over Colgate (Oct. 19).
The Catamount seniors will be honored at the 2019 Rally Awards, hosted at the historic Flynn Theater in downtown Burlington on Thursday, May 7. The event is free and open to the public. The Rally Awards is an all-sports celebration highlighting the accomplishments of student-athletes at the University of Vermont.
