GILBERT, Ariz. – Simmons College field hockey senior Julie Kellndorfer (Amherst, N.H.), sophomores Meg Pereira (New Bedford, Mass.) and Hannah Scott (Claremont, N.H.) and first year Elizabeth Poteat (Westfield, Mass.) were all named Zag Field Hockey/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Scholars of Distinction it was announced by the NFHCA. 

The Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III Scholars of Distinction have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.90 or greater through the first semester of the 2017-18 academic year. Each representative was also placed on the Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad, with that list requiring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 or greater. 

The Sharks' total of four student-athletes receiving the honor was surpassed by only five other schools in the nation. 

In addition, Simmons was recognized for the 2017 Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Collegiate National Academic Team Award for the 17th consecutive year after posting a team GPA of 3.56. 

Kellndorfer has earned the scholar distinction honor all four years during her career, while Pereira and Scott have been named in each of their respective first two years for the Sharks. Kellndorfer and Poteat each posted a 4.0 GPA for the fall semester, as well, to contribute to their respective cumulative academic record. 

Kellndorfer finished her career with Simmons, having played in nine matches and was a part of two Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship teams. Scott started 16 of 19 contests in the midfield and tallied two assists in 2017, while Pereira and Poteat each saw action in six matches this past season.

The Sharks finished the season with a 12-7 record, including 5-2 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference play. Simmons advanced to the GNAC Semifinals before bowing to conference champion Saint Joseph's College (Maine).