Biccard Named Finalist for DIII Honda Athlete of the Year Award for Field Hockey

Press release courtesy of CWSA

Hannah Biccard, a senior from Tufts University, has been named a finalist in field hockey for the DIII Honda Athlete of the Year, as announced today by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

The announcement comes during a landmark moment for the organization, as the CWSA celebrates its 50th anniversary during the 2025–26 collegiate athletics season. Biccard is now among 11 elite finalists for this prestigious award, which recognizes the top NCAA Division III athletes across various sports. The DIII Honda Athlete of the Year will be selected by senior women administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools and will be honored during a live broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, July 27th, at 7:00 pm ET, in New York City.

"It is an honor to be nominated for an award that not only advances women's athletics, but also allows me to represent my team," stated Biccard. "I am grateful for our inspiring coaching staff and the Tufts program. Most importantly, I am proud to be a part of such a dedicated team. To win a National Championship together is a clear reflection of our shared love for field hockey and our bond with each other."

Biccard capped a standout senior season by becoming the first player in Tufts University history to be named the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) DIII National Player of the Year after leading the Jumbos to the 2025 NCAA DIII National Championship title. She finished the season with 17 goals and six assists for 40 points, scoring the overtime game-winning goal in the national title match to secure Tufts' second NCAA championship.

The forward was a driving force throughout the postseason, earning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors after totaling four goals and five assists during Tufts' championship run. The Cape Town, South Africa native led the NESCAC in both goals and points, recorded a five-goal game during the regular season, and helped Tufts average 3.32 goals per contest.

In addition to her national honor, Biccard was named NFHCA Region II Player of the Year, NFHCA First Team All-America, All-Region, and All-NESCAC. She also earned NESCAC All-Academic recognition, excelling as a double major in economics and international relations.

"I couldn't be happier for Hannah being up for the Honda DIII Athlete of the Year Award," stated head coach Tina Mattera. "After being named the National Player of the Year and leading the team to the National Championship, this recognition is so well-deserved. She set the standard all season long and was an amazing leader and captain. Hannah is extremely hard-working and also very humble. She did her best to lead by example and was supportive of her teammates. She was selfless and composed under pressure and she earned the respect of the entire team and coaching staff."

Now in its 50th year, the CWSA continues to honor the nation's top female collegiate athletes for excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. Since partnering with Honda in 1986, the program has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants, strengthening and advancing women's athletics programs nationwide.