On the morning of Tuesday, December 17, the National Field Hockey Coaches Association released their selection for the NCAA D1 All-American Teams. The selection committee recognized two Syracuse Orange as Bo van Kempen and Berber Bakermans, made the 48-woman rosters.
Both players enjoyed an excellent season for the Orange as the team went 12-5 in the regular season, playing many of the best teams in the nation. The team bowed out of the ACC Championship in the semi-finals and lost in the NCAA Tournament's first round with a disappointing overtime loss against Harvard. Both players started 19 of 20 available games.
Despite her position at center back, van Kempen finished second in the ACC in goals scored with 15 and also contributed three assists. Van Kempen's goals often came in the clutch as she scored a ridiculous nine game-winning goals. She also finished eighth-best in the country for defensive saves with eight.
The graduate student's contributions at both ends of the field earned her a spot in the All-American Second Team. She also earned honors for the All-ACC First Team and the Mideast All-Region First Team.
In the heart of midfield, Captain Berber Bakermans also served an integral role this season as the engine of the team. The graduate student registered one goal and seven assists while playing in every game this season.
Bakermans was awarded for her efforts with an All-American Third Team berth. She also earned All-Region honors.
With this season proving that SU is a team that can continue to contend for the NCAA Tournament and produce All-American players, the program has greatly increased its prospects of landing more top-tier talent to join the program.