WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – Eastern Connecticut State University forward
Emma Sanson (Thomason) has been selected as the third player in program history to be named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Senior Team, announced today.
Sanson, named to the Little East Conference all-conference team this past season for the second straight year – earning first-team accolades this year – was chosen among 60 players nationwide to "celebrate their competitive excellence, leadership, and lasting influence within their programs", according to the NFHCA.
Sanson was among three players from the Little East -- joining the LEC Offensive and Defensive Players-of-the-Year -- named to the team, with nearly half (29) of the players honored representing New England institutions.
Previous Eastern selections to the team were all-time points leader Alex Kallgren (2017) and Alumni Hall of Famer Mo Deegan (2004), a two-time All-New England West selection in her career. As selections to the Senior Team, Kallgren and Deegan both participated in the NFHCA Senior All-Star Game, which was discontinued after the 2022 season.
Sanson concluded her 75-game career with 37 goals – tying Kallgren's all-time mark. Her 87 career points rank her second to Kallgren's 93 and her 13 assists rank her seventh all-time. This past year, she was second in the conference in goals (15) and points (35), her point total setting a season record and her goal total equalling the season mark.
"Emma is leaving behind high standards for future athletes to meet," praised 20th-year head coach Christine Hutchison of her first Senior Team selection since Kallgren. "She was determined, tenacious, and intense on the field and few opposing players could stop her when she decided to take the ball toward the cage. She was also a wonderful and caring leader who wanted what was best for the team on and off the field."
This past fall, Sanson helped the Warriors to their perfect regular season (6-0) in the Little East and to their first No. 1 seeding in the Little East playoffs and a final record of 12-9.
Sanson did not miss a match in her career and concluded by sharing second place all-time in appearances and tied for fourth with 73 starts, having started the final 63 consecutive games of her career. In addition to her on-field accomplishments, Sanson has earned NFHCA Scholar of Distinction honors each of the past three years for having a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.90 (the Scholars of Distinction listing has not yet been announced for 2025).
