University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Wrap Up Spring With Team Awards and Alumni Game
April 27, 2015 | Field Hockey
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The UNC field hockey program wrapped up its spring season on April 18 with the annual Alumni Game and the announcement of team awards for 2014. The alums, several of whom were members of last year's team, edged the current Tar Heels 6-5 on a late goal, but all of those in attendance had reason to celebrate afterward as the honors were announced.
Aside from the traditional awards, special recognition went to senior Loren Shealy, the most academically accomplished student-athlete in Carolina field hockey history. A three-time winner of the NCAA Elite 89 Award, Shealy received the 2014-15 Senior Scholar-Athlete Award as UNC's female senior student-athlete with the highest GPA. She has been honored as the ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for field hockey and also as the Sports Illustrated Female College Athlete of the Year. Shealy, a Robertson Scholar, will graduate in May with a degree in business administration.
Recipients of team awards for 2014-15 are:
Ken and Cheryl Williams Rookie of the Year: Gab Major
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, Gab Major, from Royersford, Pa., came off the bench to play in 21 of 23 games, scoring five goals.
Marjorie Moses Schwab Unsung Hero Award: Abby Frey
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, Abby Frey started all 23 games at back and served as vice-captain. She won this award for the second time in her career after also being honored following her sophomore year. Frey, from Lehighton, Pa., graduated from UNC in December after majoring in exercise and sport science.
Dawson Family Most Improved Player Award: Sam Night
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 redshirt freshman, Sam Night played in 21 games and started two. She scored four goals and also added an assist. A forward/midfielder from Houston, Night is majoring in public policy and is a member of the Honors Carolina program.
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.
Junior Emma Bozek won this award for the second year in a row and was recognized for setting an example of outstanding work ethic in practice. She led the team in scoring in 2014 with 42 points on a team-high 16 goals and 10 assists. A midfielder from Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., Bozek is majoring in business administration and is a member of the Honors Carolina program. In 2014, she was named to the All-ACC Academic team and also earned All-South Region and second-team All-ACC honors.
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.
Emily Wold, a junior from Freehold, N.J., earned the award for the second year in a row. In 2014, she started all 23 games and earned first-team All-America honors, All-ACC and All-ACC Academic honors.
Keller Award for Open-Play Assists: Nina Notman and Emma Bozek
This award is named in honor of Richard and Gail Keller, who sent all three of their daughters to play for the Tar Heels. 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.
Juniors Emma Bozek and Nina Notman tied for the award with nine open-play assists each.
Caitlin "Poppy" Van Sickle Defensive Player of the Year Award: Samantha Travers
The Carolina program has always taken great pride in its defensive strength and this award, new in 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).
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.
Anderson Mark of Excellence Most Valuable Player Award: Samantha Travers
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.
Samantha Travers, the 2014 team captain, anchored a Tar Heel defense that allowed just 23 goals in 23 games. She won the Leadership Award for the second year in a row and the other two awards for the first time.
In 2014, she earned second-team All-America honors in addition to All-ACC, All-ACC Tournament, All-NCAA Tournament and All-ACC Academic recognition. A back from Harare, Zimbabwe, she graduated from UNC in December with a double major in communication studies and sociology and a minor in business entrepreneurship.
