Field Hockey Celebrates the 2019 Season with Team Awards

The University of Louisville field hockey team celebrated the success of the 2019 season with its annual year-end banquet, albeit in a different fashion than years past.

"Due to the unfortunate circumstances, we were unable to celebrate our season at our annual banquet," said UofL head coach Justine Sowry. "We felt it was important to 'virtually' come together and announce our season award winners and acknowledge our seniors."

The 2019 Cardinals posted a 16-6 overall record, tying a program mark for wins and earned the overall No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament, serving as a host site for the first time in program history. Louisville also made its first foray into the NCAA quarterfinals after defeating Michigan 2-1 in double-overtime in its first-round matchup.

The Cardinals spent the last 10 weeks of the season ranked among the top 10 in the nation and finished the year at No. 5, the highest-ever final ranking.

The year-end banquet typically honors the departing senior class and recognizes the winners of five team awards which were determined by a player vote.

"We had worthy recipients in each category and each athlete contributed immensely to a historic season for our field hockey program," said Sowry. "Our coaching staff is proud of the senior class who represented the program with class and integrity both on and off the hockey field throughout their four years. I hope that we are able to come together soon to give them the farewell that they deserve."

Cards Freshman Essence Award – Mattie Tabor
Given to the first-year team member who best aligns with the direction and direction of the championship culture of excellence of Louisville Field Hockey
• Played in 19 games with two starts
• Scored a goal and dished out two assists, totaling four points

Most Improved Player of the Year – Madison Walsh
Awarded to the player who worked hard every day and showed considerable improvement from the first day of preseason to the last day of competition in season 2019.
• Stood third on the team with a career-high eight goals, and added two assists for 19 points, also a career high
• Played in all 22 games with 20 starts

Non-Glam Player of the Year – Alli Bitting
Non-Glamourous, nothing pretty about it, nothing to do with stats. The player who hustled, chased, dived, pressured, fought, never gave up, recovered consistently, produced turnovers.
• Earns the award for the second straight year
• Earned all-ACC honors after helping the Cardinals to eight shutouts on the season and registering one goal and four assists
• Two-time NFHCA All-West Region selection (2018, 2019)

Players' Player of the Year - Carter Ayars
Most Valuable Player for season 2019
• Registered a career-best senior season in which she earned National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-America honors after tallying five goals and 12 points
• The three-time NFHCA All-Region honoree and 2019 All-ACC selection was a valuable part of the Cardinals' defense which produced eight shutouts
• Earned ACC Co-Player of the Week honors on Oct. 8 and represented the Cardinals in the NFHCA Senior All-Star game

Cardinal Heart & Soul Player of the Year – Isabella Leeker
Awarded to the athlete whose determination, attitude, hard work, consistency and reliability are the 'pulse' of the program. With a relentless work ethic, an unyielding desire and a huge heart, this leader by example demonstrates the tremendous difference one individual can make.
• Team co-captain (2018, 2019)
• Valuable member of the team both on and off the field
• Helped the Cardinals to 21 shutouts over the past four years

University of Louisville Athletics

Field Hockey Celebrates the 2019 Season with Team Awards

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Players Mentioned

Carter Ayars

Alli Bitting

Isabella Leeker

Mattie Tabor

Madison Walsh

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