Four Maryland field hockey players earn Big Ten honors

Four Maryland field hockey players were honored with all-conference selections by the Big Ten Monday afternoon.

The awards are highlighted by senior midfielder Brooke DeBerdine and junior defender Riley Donnelly being tabbed as First Team All-Big Ten selections.

In addition, junior forward Bibi Donraadt made the All-Big Ten Second Team. The honors are capped off with senior midfielder Kyler Greenwalt being named one of nine Sportsmanship Award honorees.

Donnelly, despite being a defender, was arguably the Terps’ best and most important offensive player throughout the entire regular season. Her six goals not only led the team but were tied for the fourth-most in the entire conference.

In March, Donnelly picked up both weekly awards just two weeks apart. On March 8, she was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for her performances against Ohio State and Northwestern. The Doylestown, Pennsylvania, native picked up Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on March 22 after shining against Indiana.

Even though she missed the past three games due to injury, DeBerdine has been a rock for this Maryland team all season long. In her 11 matches played this season, DeBerdine averaged 59.7 minutes per game, staying on the field for all 60 minutes more often than not.

It speaks volumes to DeBerdine’s game that she was selected to the first team despite not scoring a goal and only having one assist on the season. The captain’s speed and veteran leadership on and off the field has contributed to Maryland’s success the past four seasons.

Donraadt excelled on offense for Maryland in all 14 games she started this season. Her five goals are second on the team while her five assists lead Maryland. The Netherlands product has played a vital role on penalty corners for the Terps this season and has played a large role in the team’s success.

The Sportsmanship Award honor perhaps means more to Greenwalt than any other player, as she has had a long road back to playing normal minutes. Tearing her ACL on Oct. 21, 2018, it had taken until this season for Greenwalt to return to the field in her old form. Her three goals in 14 games are tied for third on the team.

All four players have been crucial to Maryland’s winning ways this season as the Terps finished the regular season 8-6.