GILBERT, Ariz. – Simmons University field hockey junior Hannah Scott (Claremont, N.H.), sophomore Liz Poteat (Westfield, Mass.) and first years Brianna Desharnais (Freedom, N.H.) and Michela Platt (Waltham, 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 2018-19 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 nine other schools in the nation. 

In addition, Simmons was recognized for the 2018 Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Collegiate National Academic Team Award for the 18th consecutive year after posting a team GPA of 3.55. 

Scott has earned the honor in each of her first three seasons at Simmons, while Poteat was also named last year. Poteat posted a perfect 4.0 GPA to repeat her achievement from a year ago.

Scott has started 39 of 52 matches during her career and scored a career-high four goals in 2018, while Poteat enjoyed a breakout campaign that saw her tally seven goals, including a school-record tying five at Albertus Magnus College on September 12. Desharnais saw action in five contests and scored a goal to go with an assist, while Platt played in eight matches.

Simmons finished the season with a 7-12 record, including 4-3 in conference play and earned the number four seed in the GNAC Championship Tournament, before bowing out in the semifinals.