William Smith College senior Margaret McConnell was one of just 29 female fall sport student-athletes across all three NCAA divisions to receive an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. McConnell is just the 11th Heron student-athlete, and the second in two years, to receive this prestigious scholarship.

"This award encompasses everything that I have worked to accomplish in my four years as a full-time student and a varsity athlete at William Smith," said McConnell. "HWS gave me the opportunity to explore new and old interests academically, while allowing me to continue one of my passions, playing field hockey."

A three-year starter on the field hockey team and two-time All-Liberty League selection, McConnell played in 79 career matches, producing 24 goals, 11 assists and three defensive saves. The 2013 NFHCA All-American and ECAC All-Star guided the Heron defense which ranked second in the conference in goals allowed (35) and goals against average (1.74). McConnell notched three of the Herons four defensive saves in 2013. She was named the 2013 Liberty League Defensive Performer of the Year for her efforts. McConnell also played a key role offensively this season. She had eight goals and six assists this year to rank third on the team with 22 points.

"During my coaching tenure I have worked with hundreds of student-athletes," said William Smith Field Hockey Head Coach Sally Scatton. "Margaret truly exemplifies what we all strive to find in a scholar-athlete.  A starting defensive back in our highly competitive program, she was an integral part of our success. Her outstanding work ethic, both on the playing field and in the classroom, coupled with an inner drive for excellence has been inspirational for our younger players and the college community."

A psychology and women's studies major, McConnell has also excelled in the classroom. She earned a spot on the Liberty League's All-Academic squad three times in her career. McConnell was also selected to the NFHCA National Academic Team twice. She has been accepted into a few graduate school programs so far, and while she is still deciding where she will study in the fall, McConnell is very excited to purse her master's degree with a concentration in sports psychology.

"Margaret's leadership, dedication and determination were instrumental in our field hockey team's success during her four years," said William Smith Athletic Director Deb Steward. "An outstanding student, a successful athlete and an engaged citizen, she exemplifies NCAA Division III and Heron student-athletes."

The NCAA awards 174 postgraduate scholarships annually, 29 per gender for participants in fall, winter and spring sports. Each student-athlete receives a grant of $7,500. To qualify, student-athletes must excel academically and athletically, be in their final year of eligibility and plan to pursue graduate study. Student-athletes must also maintain at least a 3.2 grade point average and be nominated by their institution's faculty athletics representative. Created in 1964, NCAA postgraduate scholarships promote and encourage education by rewarding the Association's most accomplished student-athletes.

Heron cross country runner Emily D'Addario '13 was a scholarship recipient in 2013. In addition to D'Addario, McConnell also joins previous William Smith winners Cynthia Oyler '93, Sarah Daniels '95, Nancy Greenlaw '97, Kim Rausch '98, Wendi Schoff '98, Althea Jaderquist '99, Lisa Krug '99, Ami Ford '00, and Sophie Dennis '07.