Seven members of the Carolina field hockey team have achieved All-ACC Academic honors, as announced recently. This recognition celebrates their hard work both on the field and in the classroom.
The award winners are Sietske Brüning, Molly Catchpole, Coco Courtright, Sanne Hak, Hope Haynes, Dani Mendez, and Grace Pottebaum. They all played key roles in helping UNC secure its ninth consecutive ACC title in 2025.
Sietske Brüning stands out with her remarkable achievement of four career honors, becoming only the seventh player in the program’s history to do so. Sanne Hak and Grace Pottebaum have each earned this honor three times, while Molly Catchpole has received it for the second year in a row.
To make the All-ACC Academic Team, student-athletes must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 for the past two semesters and their cumulative academic career. They also need to compete in at least 50% of their team’s games and be enrolled at the institution for at least one year.
Here’s a quick look at the award winners and their majors:
- Sietske Brüning – M, Economics
- Molly Catchpole – F, Exercise and Sport Science
- Coco Courtright – D, Exercise and Sport Science
- Sanne Hak – M, Exercise and Sport Science
- Hope Haynes – D, Business Administration
- Dani Mendez – F, Biology
- Grace Pottebaum – D, Business Administration
In today’s competitive environment, balancing academics and sports is a tough challenge. Many experts believe that academic performance can greatly impact an athlete’s future. A study by the NCAA noted that student-athletes with higher GPAs tend to have better opportunities after graduation, including job prospects and higher earning potential. It’s clear that these athletes are not just stellar players but also dedicated students.
In conclusion, the achievements of the Carolina field hockey players showcase a commendable balance between athletics and academics, setting a positive example for future athletes.
