The University of Louisville field hockey team had a record-breaking year as they placed seven student-athletes on the 2023 Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I All-West Region teams. This ties the program’s record for most selections in a single year.
Leading the way for Louisville were Mia Duchars, Emilia Kaczmarczyk, and Julie Kouijzer, who were all selected to the first team. Aimee Plumb, India Reed, Minna Tremonti, and Merlijn van der Vegt earned second team honors.
Duchars, a senior midfielder from St. Louis, Missouri, received her first career all-region nod after a stellar season. She contributed five assists and scored the game-winning goal in a double-overtime win against No. 13 Boston College. Duchars was also named to the 2023 all-ACC first team and was recognized as the ACC Defensive Player of the Week. She played a critical role in helping the Cardinals achieve six shutouts, the most in the conference.
Kaczmarczyk, a midfielder and team co-captain from Melton Mowbray, England, earned her second straight all-region honor. She was also selected to the 2023 first team all-conference after scoring five goals and providing two assists for a total of 12 points.
Kouijzer, a fifth-year senior defender and team co-captain from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, captured her fourth consecutive All-West Region team selection. She played a crucial role in leading the Cardinals’ defense, which had a goals against average of 1.08 and achieved six shutouts. Kouijzer also contributed offensively, scoring three goals and assisting on three others. She is a two-time NFHCA All-American and three-time all-ACC honoree.
Plumb, a senior forward from Canterbury Kent, England, made her fourth consecutive appearance on the NFHCA All-West Region team. She led the Cardinals with eight assists and tied for the team lead with five goals, three of which were game-winners. Plumb is also a two-time NFHCA All-American and All-ACC selection.
Reed, a redshirt senior defender from Louisville, Kentucky, has been a reliable presence on the Cardinals’ defensive unit since her freshman season. She played a key role in the team’s six shutouts and 1.08 goals against average. Reed was also named to the 2023 NFHCA Division I Senior Team.
Tremonti, a fifth-year senior and team co-captain from Ann Arbor, Michigan, had a career-high season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. She scored the game-winning goal in double overtime during the Cardinals’ 2-1 victory over Iowa in the NCAA first round. Tremonti also scored in the team’s 3-2 loss to the eventual national runner-up.
Van der Vegt, a graduate transfer from Hofstra and native of Utrecht, The Netherlands, earned her first NFHCA All-West Region nod. She had an impressive 1.07 goals against average, ranking second in the ACC and fifth in the nation. Van der Vegt achieved six shutouts and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Week on August 29. She also earned a spot on the ACC All-Tournament Team.
The University of Louisville field hockey team had a successful season, finishing with a 15-7 overall record and making their fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament. They reached the quarterfinals for the third time in the last five years and went 3-3 in ACC play. The team finished the season ranked No. 10 in the NFHCA Coaches’ poll, spending 10 weeks in the top 10 and reaching as high as No. 4.
