2024 GNAC Field Hockey All-Conference Teams Announced

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Sydney Gonyea, Simmons

Gonyea was one of the catalysts for a high scoring Simmons offense that was one of the top scoring offenses in Division III. The Senior Forward led the GNAC with 26 goals and 62 points, which both were also good for placing her third in NCAA DIII in both categories. Gonyea collected 18 goals and 45 points in conference play, which she also lead the GNAC in those categories as well. She collected three hat tricks on the year with her best performance coming in a conference win over Elms, producing five-goals and an assist for 11 points. The forward was recognized this year by the conference as player of the week on Oct. 14 as well as the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 16.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Haley Budenas, Johnson & Wales

Budenas is the centerpiece of the Johnson & Wales defense, which finished the regular season as one of the top defensive units in the country. As a team, they produced a goals-against average of 0.90 and produced 11 shutouts, which was good for fourth in the nation. Budenas and her teammates made things easier on their goalkeepers, holding opponents to five shots or less 13 times on the year. Budenas . The senior defensive back also chipped in on the offensive side, producing 11 assists for the Wildcats, which was good for third in the conference.

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Makenzie Anderson, New England College

Anderson had herself a season to remember in net for the Pilgrims as she collected a league-leading 16 wins in 20 appearances, which was also among some of the top goalies in the nation. The junior led the league in goals against average at .077 (11th in DIII) and in save percentage at .849 (seventh in nation). Anderson only allowed 14 goals in 20 appearances for New England College and produced five shutouts (third in GNAC). Her leadership at the net only allowed nine goals in conference play, which was the second best in the league. The junior produced a season-best 14 saves against Keene State in non-conference play earlier this season. Anderson was tabbed Goalkeeper of the Week twice this season on Sept. 15 and Nov. 4.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Brooke Farquhar, Colby-Sawyer

Farquhar made her presence known in her freshman campaign in the GNAC. The first-year forward displayed an outstanding versatile offensive performance this past year for the Chargers, collecting 16 goals and 14 assists for 46 points, which led all rookies in each category. Farquhar's 16 goals were good for fourth in the GNAC and her 46 points were good for third in the GNAC (12th in nation). Her 14 assists led the GNAC and placed her in a five-way tie for second in the nation in that category. Farquhar produced two eight point games twice in GNAC play with one from a four goal performance and the other being a two goal/four assist performance. She was named rookie of the week three times (Oct. 7, Oct. 21, Nov. 4) and Player of the Week once (Oct. 7).

COACH OF THE YEAR

Tori Shaffer, Simmons

Shaffer led Simmons to a 10-3 GNAC (18-4 overall) record during the regular season to claim the third spot in the 2024 GNAC Field Hockey Championship Tournament. Her squad was among some of the best offenses in the country, scoring a total of 88 goals and collecting 233 total points as a team (both good for second in DIII). Shaffer's leadership produced seven all-GNAC honorees and led her team to the GNAC Championship game this past season.