ACC Recognizes Top Field Hockey Talents with Weekly Player Awards

ACC Field Hockey Stars Shine: van Kempen and Skubisz Claim Weekly Honors

Charlotte, N.C. – syracuse University’s Bo van Kempen has been recognized as the Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Week in field hockey, and North Carolina’s Merritt Skubisz has been named the ACC Defensive Player of the week, for competitions concluding September 14th. Both athletes delivered exceptional performances that propelled their teams to success.

Bo van kempen Dominates on offense

Bo van Kempen, a graduate student and back for the Syracuse Orange, spearheaded her team’s attack this week, scoring an notable four goals across multiple games. Her performance was highlighted by a clutch penalty stroke conversion in overtime against No. 11 Princeton, securing an undefeated record for the Orange. This marks the second time this season Van Kempen has been honored, previously earning the title on September 2nd.

Van Kempen’s scoring prowess included a hat trick against Lafayette, and she capitalized on all three penalty stroke attempts. She converted four of her five shots on goal throughout the week, showcasing remarkable efficiency.

Merritt Skubisz Shines in Goal for North Carolina

Freshman goalkeeper Merritt Skubisz of the North Carolina Tar Heels delivered a pair of stellar performances,maintaining a clean sheet across 60 minutes of action. She recorded three saves in each contest against Appalachian State and No. 9 liberty, preventing the opposition from finding the back of the net. Skubisz secured her third career start against Liberty, playing a pivotal role in the Tar Heels’ victory.

ACC Field Hockey Landscape

The ACC continues to be a powerhouse in collegiate field hockey, boasting six ranked teams in the latest Penn Monto/NFHCA Coaches Poll, with four programs residing in the top 10 nationally. Conference play officially commenced on Friday, September 19th, featuring compelling matchups between ranked opponents.

Matchup	Time (ET)	Broadcast
No. 13 Boston college at No. 3 virginia	5 p.m.	ACCNX
No.20 Wake forest at No. 4 Syracuse	5 p.m.	ACCNX

Notably, California, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Wake Forest are all averaging over 11 points per game, demonstrating the offensive firepower within the conference. Did you know that the ACC has consistently sent multiple teams to the NCAA Field Hockey Tournament in recent years?

Here’s a look at the ACC Players of the Week so far this season:

2025 ACC Field Hockey Players of the Week

• Offensive Player of the Week
• Sept. 2 – Bo van Kempen, Syracuse
• Sept. 9 – Dani Mendez,North Carolina
• Sept. 16 – Bo van Kempen, Syracuse
• Defensive Player of the Week
• Sept. 2 – Lauren Sloan, Virginia
• Sept. 9 – Nilou Lempers, Virginia
• Sept. 16 – Merritt Skubisz, North Carolina

The Rising Popularity of Collegiate Field Hockey

Field Hockey has seen a important surge in popularity across college campuses in recent years, according to the NCAA, participation in women’s field hockey has increased by over 15% in the last decade. This growth is fueled by increased media coverage, dedicated fan bases, and the high level of athleticism exhibited by players.

Pro Tip: Looking to get involved in field hockey? Many local clubs and organizations offer introductory lessons for players of all ages and skill levels. Check out USA Field Hockey for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the significance of the ACC Field Hockey Player of the Week award?

  The ACC Player of the Week award recognizes outstanding individual performances within the conference and highlights the top athletes in collegiate field hockey.

• How does Bo van Kempen’s performance impact Syracuse’s season outlook?

  Van Kempen’s strong offensive contributions provide a significant boost to Syracuse’s chances of competing for an ACC championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament.

• What makes Merritt Skubisz’s defensive performance so noteworthy?

  As a freshman, Skubisz’s ability to deliver shutouts against challenging opponents demonstrates exceptional skill and composure.

• What is ACCNX?

  ACCNX is the ACC’s digital platform, offering live streaming of select conference events, including field hockey matches.

• Where can I find more information about the ACC Field Hockey standings?

  The official ACC website (https://theacc.com/) provides up-to-date standings,schedules,and results.

What are your predictions for the ACC Field Hockey Tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What strategic adjustments might opposing teams need to make when facing a player consistently recognized for excelling in penalty corner conversions?

this Week’s Standout Performers in ACC Field Hockey

The Atlantic coast Conference (ACC) consistently produces some of the nation’s top field hockey players. Each week, the conference acknowledges remarkable performance with a series of weekly awards. These accolades highlight individual brilliance and contribute to the overall competitive landscape of college field hockey. Here’s a breakdown of the latest award recipients and what makes their achievements noteworthy. Understanding these awards provides insight into the rising stars and dominant forces within ACC field hockey.

Offensive Player of the Week: [Player Name], [University]

[Player Name] from [University] earned the Offensive Player of the Week honor for the week ending September 16, 2025. This recognition comes after a stellar performance where [he/she] recorded [Number] goals and [Number] assists in [Number] games.

* Key Stats: [List 2-3 key stats, e.g., Game-winning goals, shots on goal percentage, points per game].

* Impact on Team: [Explain how the player’s performance contributed to their team’s success. E.g.,Led the team to a crucial victory against a ranked opponent].

* Notable Game: [Describe a specific moment or game where the player excelled. E.g., Scored a hat trick against Syracuse].

This award underscores [Player Name]’s ability to consistently deliver under pressure and contribute considerably to their team’s offensive strategy. Fans following field hockey scores will undoubtedly be watching this player closely.

Defensive player of the Week: [Player Name], [university]

[Player Name] of [University] was named the Defensive Player of the Week. [He/She] anchored a strong defensive line that conceded only [Number] goals in [Number] games, including a shutout victory against [Opponent].

* Defensive Prowess: [Detail specific defensive skills. E.g., Exceptional tackling, interceptions, and positioning].

* team Defensive Strategy: [Explain how the player fits into the team’s overall defensive plan. E.g., Key component of a high-pressure defensive system].

* Shutout Performance: [Highlight the significance of the shutout. E.g., First shutout of the season against a top-10 opponent].

Strong defensive play is crucial in field hockey tactics, and [Player Name] exemplifies this. Their ability to disrupt opposing attacks and maintain a solid defensive structure is invaluable.

Goalkeeper of the Week: [player Name], [University]

[Player Name], the goalkeeper for [University], secured the Goalkeeper of the Week award. [He/she] boasted a save percentage of [Percentage]% and recorded [Number] saves across [Number] games.

* Save Percentage Breakdown: [Provide context for the save percentage. E.g., Significantly above the conference average].

* Key Saves: [Describe a notably crucial save made during a game. E.g., A diving save in the final minutes to preserve a tie].

* Impact on Game Outcome: [explain how the goalkeeper’s performance directly influenced the game’s result. E.g., Kept the team in the game despite relentless pressure from the opposing offense].

A reliable goalkeeper is essential for any triumphant field hockey team, and [Player Name] has proven to be just that. Their reflexes and positioning are consistently top-notch.

Past ACC Player of the Week Winners – A Historical Perspective

Looking back at previous ACC Player of the Week awards reveals a pattern of consistent excellence.Players from programs like north Carolina, Virginia, Syracuse, and Boston College frequently appear on the list, demonstrating the depth of talent within the conference.

* 2024 Award Trends: In 2024, offensive awards were frequently enough given to players who excelled in penalty corner conversions, highlighting the importance of set pieces in field hockey strategy.

* Emerging Programs: Keep an eye on [University] – they’ve seen a recent surge in player recognition, indicating a program on the rise.

* Repeat Winners: Several players have earned multiple weekly awards throughout their careers, showcasing sustained high-level performance.

Analyzing these trends provides