The William Smith field hockey team earned its seventh consecutive National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) National Academic Team Award. Additionally, 12 Herons were named to the 2009 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA National Academic Squad.

The National Academic Team Award is presented to programs that have a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The National Academic Squad recognizes student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher through the first semester of the 2009-10 academic year.

Senior defender Janelle Walkley headlined William Smith's representatives, making her fourth consecutive appearance on the National Academic Squad. An all-star on the field as well, she earned honorable mention All-Liberty League honors this season.

Below is a complete list of the William Smith student-athletes to earn a spot on the National Academic Squad:

• Senior defender Katie Baxter, comparative literature major
• Junior defender Sarah Gall, biology and environmental studies dual major
• Senior midfielder Kaitlyn Hamilton, sports in society major
• Sophomore midfielder Kiersten Hamilton, undeclared
• Senior defender Juliet Leeming, psychology major
• First-year forward Claire Manchester, undeclared
• Junior midfielder Kelsey McLaughlin, architectural studies major
• Senior midfielder Sarah Palmer, architectural studies major
• Junior goalie Chelsea Snyder, anthropology and sociology major
• Junior midfielder Mary Ellen Toscani, media and society major
• Senior defender Janelle Walkley, biochemistry major
• First-year midfielder Molly Wraight, undeclared
  

The Herons were 9-8 this season, marking the program's 25th consecutive winning season.