RELEASE DATE: 3/9/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mansfield Field Hockey Team Earns National Field Hockey Coaches Association National Academic Team Honors

The Mansfield University Field Hockey team was one of only 15 schools in the NCAA Division II to earn Academic Team Honors from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association . In order to earn this honor, a team must have a combined GPA of over 3.0.

Mansfield joins Kutztown, Bloomsburg, IUP, Millersville, and Shippensburg on the list as the PSAC was well represented this season.

Amongst this seasons National Academic Squad chosen by the NFHCA, are:

Senior Holly Frederickson - Holly was the captain of the Field Hockey team this season and also earned the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Academic honors last season as well. She is an MU Presidential and PSAC Scholar Athlete majoring in elementary and music education.

Nicole Dann is the sole junior representative on this years Academic squad. Nicole, who also captains the women's track and field team at Mansfield, earned this academic honor last year as well. The sports nutrition major is also an MU Presidential Scholar and PSAC Scholar Athlete.

Three sophomores have made their way to this years academic team:

Keely Jarret led the Mounties this season in scoring with 25 points including 12 goals and one assist. She earned this academic honor last year as well. Keely majors in secondary education and is an MU Presidential and PSAC Scholar Athlete.

Ryanne Higgins recorded the second most points for the Mounties this season with 23, including seven goals and nine assists. Like Jarret, Dann, and Frederickson, Ryanne earned this national academic honor last year as well. She is a criminal justice major and is also an MU Presidential and PSAC Scholar Athlete.

Shana Markwis is the third sophomore to earn this prestigious honor. Shana, who also plays softball for Mansfield, scored the third highest amount of points for the Mounties this season. Shana is also an MU Presidential Scholar Athlete.

The future looks bright for Mountie Field Hockey as four freshman made the NFHCA academic squad this season.

Laura Carden appeared in nine games this season as a freshman. Laura is an education major.

Christi Carter appeared in 11 games and started six in her first year at Mansfield. Christi is a social work major.

Shantee Proctor appeared in 15 games and started 12 in her freshman season. Shantee is a public relations major.

Ashly Weidner appeared in 16 games and started four this season. Weidner finished the season with the fourth highest number of total points with eight as she scored four goals. Ashly is an elementary education major.

All of the above listed student-athletes carry above a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.