BURLINGTON, Vt. –  The University of Vermont field hockey program recognized the individual accomplishments of the 2019 season on Thursday announcing major team award winners.  
 
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Incoming Recruiting Class
NFHCA Academic Honors
America East All-Conference Selections
 
"I'm so proud of the way these women represent our program," head coach Kate Pfeifer said. "Each demonstrates an unyielding commitment to the team and each pursues excellence with a persistence that is admirable. I am thrilled they are being recognized for their exceptional contributions. Congratulations Lydia, Claudia and Taryn!"
 
The 2019 Catamounts finished the season with a 6-11 record and placed fifth in the East Division of America East. UVM posted a road shutout for the second straight year and held opponents to just 2.12 goals per game. Three Catamounts earned America East postseason honors and 15 Cats were named to the NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad.
 
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER | Lydia Maitland
The Most Improved Player award is given to the athlete who exemplifies notable coachability and growth to help the team be successful. Maitland appeared in 16 games as a sophomore in 2019 and started six after playing in just five during her true-freshman season. She also recorded her first two career shots on goal.
 
CATAMOUNT GRIT AWARD | Claudia Cotter
The Catamount Grit Award is given to the athlete who demonstrated remarkable work ethic and commitment to being mentally and physically tough. Cotter earns the award after starting all 17 games as a junior. She recorded a career-best five points and scored her first-career goal with a tally at Colgate on Oct. 27. Cotter also earned team Most Valuable Player honors and was recognized as such during the virtual presentation of the Rally Awards.
 
STIRLING WINDER AWARD | Taryn Marra
The Stirling Winder Award honors the athlete who embodies the qualities of strength, perseverance and resiliency in the face of hardship. Marra saw action in 11 contests during the 2019 season while battling numerous injuries. She was named a NFHCA Division I Scholar of Distinction for the second straight season finishing the year with a 3.92 cumulative GPA as an Elementary Education K-6 major.