University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Wrap Up Spring With Alum Game, Team Awards
May 13, 2014 | Field Hockey
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The North Carolina field hockey team recently wrapped up its spring training with the annual Alumnae Game and announcement of team awards.
Spring workouts were a success, with intercollegiate competition against Duke, Louisville, Old Dominion, Virginia and Wake Forest, in addition to team practices and conditioning. The April 26 matchup with the former Tar Heels proved to be the toughest battle of the spring as the graduates jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the current Tar Heels closed the gap and made it a close game. In the end, the alums won 7-6. Those returning for the Alumnae Game were Katie Ardrey, Melanie Brill, Teryn Brill, Jesse Gey, Kim Knickerbocker Gey, Janne Grove, Sinead Loughran, Caitlin Powers, Katie Plyler, Elizabeth Stephens, Alli Tanner, Michelle Then and Caitlin Van Sickle.
After the game, the group gathered to announce team awards for 2013-14. Recipients are:
Ken and Cheryl Williams Rookie of the Year: Julia Young
This award, named for Tar Heel supporters Ken and Cheryl Williams, recognizes the individual's ability to play an early role and her potential to impact the future of the program.
As a freshman, Young played in all 24 games at back and started 10, improving steadily throughout the season. She also provided two assists.
Marjorie Moses Schwab Unsung Hero Award: Meghan Drake
Named for Marjorie Moses "Dee" Schwab, this award recognizes that individual who plays an integral part in the team's overall successes but receives little attention. This player is usually a defensive workhorse who quietly does what it takes on a consistent basis.
As a senior, Drake played in all 24 games and started 23. She helped the Tar Heels hold opponents to just seven shots per game and led the team with three defensive saves. A biology major who earned a 4.0 GPA in her final semester, she graduated from UNC in December, just a few weeks after the end of the season.
Dawson Family Most Improved Player Award: Casey Di Nardo
Named for the Dawson family, strong supporters of the program while watching three daughters playing for the Tar Heels, this award honors a player who has shown improvement throughout her career, putting in the work necessary to meet and surpass her potential.
As a sophomore, Di Nardo ranked second on the team in goals with 14, a huge jump from her freshman year total of two. Two of her goals were gamewinners, and she earned second-team All-South Region honors.
Laree Beans Practice Player of the Year: Emma Bozek
This award goes to the player who maintains the highest level of intensity in practice throughout the year, helping to make her teammates better by keeping workouts as competitive as possible. Players are awarded points for winning practice competitions and/or making exceptional plays. Tabulations are kept throughout the year.
Bozek played in every game for UNC and started 17. She scored five goals, two of them gamewinners, and added four assists. Throughout the season, she inspired teammates with her work ethic in practice.
Caitlin "Poppy" Van Sickle Defensive Player of the Year Award: Janne Grove
The Carolina program has always taken great pride in its defensive strength and this award, new for 2013-14, recognizes the player whose hard work and leadership has had the biggest impact on the Tar Heel defense. The award honors Caitlin Van Sickle, aka Poppy, a three-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2010-12).
Grove, the first winner of this award, made the most of her one season in a Carolina uniform. She started 23 of 24 games as a mainstay on the UNC defense. She also ranked second on the team with 11 assists and scored three goals.
Carmen and Michael Hooker Leadership Award: Samantha Travers
This award, established in honor of former chancellor Michael Hooker and his wife, Carmen, recognizes a Tar Heel who provides significant leadership throughout the season. Leadership by example is a Carolina tradition, and this individual inspires her teammates to perform at a higher level in practices and in games.
Travers anchored the UNC defense as the Tar Heels held opponents to seven shots per game and totaled seven shutouts. Her leadership in the backfield was a key component of Carolina's defensive success.
Lingo Award as the Players' Player of the Year: Emily Wold
For the selection of this award, named in honor of the Lingo family, the players vote for one of their peers. However, it's not simply a popularity contest. The winner is the player who represents Carolina with the most dedication, commitment and intensity, and embodies what it means to wear a Tar Heel uniform.
Keller Award for Open-Play Assists: Emily Wold
This award is named in honor of Richard and Gail Keller, who sent all three of their daughters to play for the Tar Heels and have been continuously involved in the program for more than a decade. This honor recognizes an unselfish player who sets up open-field goals for her teammates. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding skill, vision and decision-making in the offensive circle.
Anderson Mark of Excellence Most Valuable Player Award: Emily Wold
This award is named for Tar Heel supporter Gene Anderson and is presented to a player who demonstrates outstanding skill, character, competitive drive, leadership and devotion to team goals. These traits are embodied by the individual that the coaches deem most valuable to team success.
As a sophomore, Wold led the nation in assists with 23 and earned first-team All-America honors as well as All-ACC and All-ACC Tournament accolades. The team's vice-captain, she also had six goals, two of them gamewinners. She spent the spring semester training with the U.S. National Team and recently helped the U.S. to first place at the Champions Challenge in Scotland.
