COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Last Friday, February 13th, the NFHCA announced their Division III National Academic Squad, recognizing over 1,800 student athletes for achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher through the fall semester. Eight of our Pioneers rose to the challenge to earn this award, representing our program with excellence on and off the field.
Makayla Arnold (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro) - Arnold has been a dedicated member of the Utica University field hockey program for four years, steadily increasing her contributions on the field, including scoring her first collegiate goal in 2023, and serving as a leader by her senior season. She has also excelled academically, earning Empire 8 President's List honors in both semesters as a junior, while pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.
Mia Benincasa (Gansevoort, NY/South Glens Falls) - Benincasa has been a consistent and dependable member of the Utica University field hockey program over the last two years, appearing in 31 games during that span. Benincasa had a very strong statistical season in 2025 and was one of Utica's offensive leaders. She appeared in all 15 games and started every contest, finishing with five goals and three assists for 13 points, which ranked her third on the team in scoring. Mia also led the squad in both shots and shots on goal, grabbing 55 of the former and 43 of the latter, showing she was one of the most active offensive players on the field and a consistent scoring threat throughout the year.
Lauren Durfey (Gansevoort, NY/South Glens Falls) - Durfey has continued to be a consistent midfielder for the Utica University field hockey team over the last two seasons. In 2025, she appeared in all 15 games. This season she has contributed five goals and two assists for 12 points, ranking her fourth on the team in scoring and showing her ability to both finish and create chances. Lauren's offensive production, including timely goals like her highlight-reel strike against Elmira, made her a key part of the lineup. Her playmaking and scoring this past year reflect her growth from her freshman season and her valuable role within the team's offense.
Kassidy Gloude (Camden, NY/Camden) - Gloude has been a steady defensive presence for the Utica University field hockey team over her career. Gloude was a consistent force as both a midfielder and a defender this past season, appearing in all 15 games and starting each one while logging 867 minutes of play. Her role on defense and in the midfield has been important in helping Utica limit opponents.
Vanessa Leon (Riverhead, NY/Riverhead) - Leon has been a valuable defensive contributor for the Utica University field hockey team over her career, providing consistent minutes to help anchor the Pioneer back line. In 2025, she started 11 out of the 15 games played for the Pioneers, showing her importance to the lineup. Off the field, Vanessa has excelled academically as an Accounting major, balancing her major while representing the program with hard work and dedication.
Jocelyn Spiezio (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) - Spiezio has been a consistent contributor to the Utica University field hockey team throughout her career, totalling 2061 minutes in her three years and providing valuable offensive production, including 10 goals and seven assists for 27 points. In the 2025 season alone, she appeared and started in all 15 games, totaling 27 shots and 21 shots on goal, showing her ability to put pressure on opposing defenses and create scoring opportunities. Spiezio received all-conference honors this past season showing her ability to produce at an elite level on and off the field.
Delaney Stephan (Litchfield, NY/Mount Markham) - Stephan was a productive attacker for the Utica University field hockey team this past season, playing in 13 games and contributing a goal and an assist for three points. The rising sophomore will look to get more established during her second season with the orange and blue.
Samantha Young (Jordanville, NY/Little Falls) - Young has been a key contributor for the Utica University field hockey team, totalling 3,015 minutes over the course of her career. Young started every game since her sophomore season, showing off her consistent gameplay and leadership on the field, while also serving as one of the team's captains this past season. In 2025, Young led the team in assists with four. Off the field, Samantha has excelled academically as a Physical Therapy major and was named to the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team, recognizing her leadership and success in the classroom.
The Pioneers will return this Fall for their 26th season, hoping to return to the Empire 8 Tournament thanks to an array of young talent that will look to achieve starring roles. Keep an eye on our athletics channels for more information about the 2026 season!
