SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (February 12, 2026) – Eight members of the Western New England field hockey team picked up honors from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) on the 2026 Division III National Academic Squad. Two of those Golden Bears, Kara Edwards and Paige Remington, earn honors for the fourth time in their careers. 

The NFHCA recognizes more than 1,800 outstanding undergraduate student-athletes from 147 institutions on the 2025 Division III National Academic Squad. The NFHCA honors student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher through the fall semester, nominated by their NFHCA member coach.

This year's eight Golden Bears include Kayla Antonelli (Upton, Mass.), Mackenna Cooke (Old Saybrook, Conn.), Tessa Ebreo (Agawam, Mass.), Kara Edwards (Enfield, Conn.), Olivia Lugo (Sandy Hook, Conn.), Paige Remington (Suffield, Conn.), Kayla Surprenant (Enfield, Conn.), and Alex Tardugno (Methuen, Mass.). 

The Golden Bears finished the 2025 season with a 12-9 record, marking a 10-3 record on home turf. The Golden Bears advanced to the Conference of New England semifinals, falling to eventual CNE champion Endicott College in double overtime, 3-2. 

The NFHCA will continue to release postseason awards over the coming weeks, which include the NFHCA Scholars of Distinction on February 13, the NFHCA National Academic Team on February 17, and the National Scholar-Athlete on February 19.