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Dennis named ECAC Player of the Year
November 29, 2006
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ECAC Player of the Year Sophie Dennis (Photo by Kevin Colton) |
GENEVA, N.Y.—When she graduates in May, William Smith College field hockey senior Sophie Dennis (Dana L. West/Port Byron, N.Y.) will have to rent a moving van just for her awards. The Herons’ all-time leading scorer added another accolade to a seemingly endless list of praises today. She was named the ECAC Division III Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-ECAC first team.
A three-time All-American, Dennis led the Liberty League with 28 goals and 70 points this season. Her point total broke the 19-year old record of 67 established by Kimberly O’Gorman ’88 in 1987. Dennis finished her career with 89 goals, 39 assists, and 217 points, all Heron career records. Her 217 points rank 10th all-time in Division III history.
The two-time Liberty League Player of the Year (2005 & ’06) and four-time All-Liberty League pick led the conference in goals in each of her four seasons, while wearing the points crown three times (2004-06).
Blessed with exceptional athleticism and talent, Dennis scored at least a point in 65 of 84 career games. She broke into the starting line up late in her first-year season and remained there for 70 consecutive games. Dennis scored four or more points 27 times during her career, including nine hat tricks.
Making her second straight appearance on the All-ECAC first team, Dennis played in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-Star Game on Nov. 18. She scored a goal during regulation and converted a penalty stroke after overtime couldn’t break a 2-2 tie, helping the Home Team to a 3-2 victory.
Over the past four years, Dennis and her classmates led William Smith to a 67-17 record, including a 27-1 mark in Liberty League play. They captured four straight Liberty League regular season titles and three consecutive Liberty League Tournament crowns. In three NCAA Tournament appearances, Dennis and the Herons advanced to the semifinals in 2004 and reached the quarterfinals in 2005 and 2006.