BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Four Patriot League student-athletes were selected to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division I Senior Team when it was announced by the organization.
American goalkeeper Bryn Underwood, Boston University defender Payton Anderson, Bucknell forward Lily Neilson and Lafayette midfielder Lineke Spaans were recognized among the 38 student-athletes from 32 different NCAA Division I programs for their performance and enduring impact both on and off the field.
The four Patriot League selections are the most since the League had six student-athletes recognized in 2017. The League’s 2024 class is among its most decorated, as Bucknell’s Neilson became the first student-athlete to earn Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year honors three times. American’s Underwood is the second to collect the League’s Goalkeeper of the Year three times and fourth to earn Patriot League Field Hockey Scholar-Athlete of the Year in consecutive seasons. Spaans claimed 2024 Patriot League Championship MVP honors to lead the Leopards to its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2012.
Anderson, Neilson, Spaans and Underwood are among the 27 student-athletes in Patriot League history to earn All-League accolades at least four times.
Patriot League Selections to NFHCA Division I Senior Team
Bryn Underwood, American, Goalkeeper
Payton Anderson, Boston University, Defender
Lily Neilson, Bucknell, Forward
Lineke Spaans, Lafayette, Midfielder
ABOUT THE PATRIOT LEAGUE
The Patriot League is in its fourth decade of academic and athletic achievement, continually demonstrating that student-athletes can excel at both academics and athletics without sacrificing high standards. The Patriot League’s athletic success is achieved while its member institutions remain committed to its founding principle of admitting and graduating student-athletes who are academically representative of their class. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education.