The South Atlantic Conference Announces 2025 Field Hockey All-Conference Team and Major Award Winners
ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – The South Atlantic Conference announced its annual field hockey all-conference teams and major award winners on Wednesday (Nov. 5). Newberry's Parker Keeler was named the Offensive Player of the Year, Belmont Abbey's Sarah Schumacher earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, Wingate's Laela Brown and Lincoln Memorial's Cayla Wiggins were named Co-Freshmen of the Year, and Newberry's Hannah Dave was voted Coach of the Year.
Offensive Player of the Year – Parker Keeler, Newberry
(Jr., F – Bridgeville, Del.)
Newberry junior forward Parker Keeler delivered a record-breaking season as one of the South Atlantic Conference's most dynamic offensive players. Appearing in 16 games with 14 starts, Keeler totaled 18 goals and 19 assists for a team-leading 55 points, averaging 1.13 goals and 3.44 points per game. In conference play, she elevated her performance even further, registering 15 goals and 16 assists in just 10 SAC contests for an impressive 4.6 points per game.
Keeler led the Wolves with six game-winning goals and was perfect on penalty strokes (2-for-2), showcasing her reliability under pressure. A three-time SAC Offensive Player of the Week, she broke Newberry's single-season program records for both points and assists, solidifying her place among the most prolific offensive players in SAC history.
Defensive Player of the Year – Sarah Schumacher, Belmont Abbey
(Jr., D – Cologne, Germany)
Belmont Abbey junior defender Sarah Schumacher anchored the Crusaders' backline while also contributing as one of their top offensive threats. A steady leader throughout the season, Schumacher started all 16 games, posting six goals and two assists for 14 total points. She tallied two game-winning goals and played a key role on penalty corners, while also serving as a dependable defender in critical match situations. Her combination of defensive presence and offensive versatility made her a standout across the conference.
Co-Freshman of the Year – Laela Brown, Wingate
(Fr., F – Wingate, N.C.)
Wingate freshman forward Laela Brown made an immediate impact in her debut season, emerging as one of the SAC's most effective playmakers. Brown led the Bulldogs with eight assists and 18 total points, ranking second in the conference in assists and 11th in total points. She added five goals, including two game-winners, while maintaining a .238 shooting percentage and .619 shots-on-goal rate.
Starting 14 of 16 games, Brown showcased consistency and poise beyond her years, helping guide Wingate to a strong campaign and earning recognition as one of the league's top young talents.
Co-Freshman of the Year – Cayla Wiggins, Lincoln Memorial
(Fr., GK – Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)
Lincoln Memorial's freshman goalkeeper Cayla Wiggins made an immediate impact in her debut season, playing every minute of all 17 games for the Railsplitters. Wiggins led all SAC goalkeepers with 113 saves while posting a .702 save percentage, ranking among the top five in the league. She recorded two shutouts and was instrumental in guiding LMU to the most wins and the first postseason berth in program history.
Her consistency and composure in goal anchored LMU's defensive efforts and set a new standard for the program's future success.
Coach of the Year – Hannah Dave, Newberry
Newberry's Hannah Dave earns her second consecutive SAC Coach of the Year honor after guiding the Wolves to another remarkable season. Under Dave's leadership, Newberry secured a share of the regular season title and continued to establish itself as one of the top programs in the nation. The Wolves led the SAC in multiple statistical categories, including goals, assists, and scoring margin, while producing both the Offensive Player of the Year and several All-Conference honorees.
2025 South Atlantic Conference Field Hockey All-Conference Teams
First Team
Parker Keeler, Newberry
Emma Westbrook, Newberry
Victoria Hulst, Lander
Payton Keeler, Newberry
Amparo Figueroa, Converse
Wibien Dahmen, Newberry
Laela Brown, Wingate
Olivia Bond, Lander
Sarah Schumacher, Belmont Abbey
Isabel Elenga, Lander
Lily Willard, Belmont Abbey
Hailey Leatherman, Belmont Abbey
Chelsy Bunse, Converse
Cayla Wiggins, Lincoln Memorial
Second Team
Amber Tozana, Newberry
Kilee Bradeen, Converse
Lieke Varenkamp, Newberry
Emma Hulsmeyer, Newberry
Erika Neuhoff, Wingate
Leira Van Tilburg, Lander
Ayanda Mangenah, Newberry
Sage Pilarski, Converse
Cecilia Müller, Belmont Abbey
Olivia Rosini, Lincoln Memorial
Chloe Kiser, Belmont Abbey
Kelcie Gannon, Coker
Makenna West, Wingate