EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern Field Hockey continues its historic run in 2024, claiming an impressive array of Big Ten honors, including Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, and Coach of the Year. This marks the first time since 2006 (Ohio State) that a Big Ten team has swept the Player, Offensive Player, and Coach of the Year awards.
Player of the Year: Maddie Zimmer, Sr., M +
Zimmer, a three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, earns the prestigious Big Ten Player of the Year title after a stellar season. The senior midfielder started in all 18 games for the Wildcats, contributing 7 goals and 7 assists for 21 points. Her 1.17 points per game ranked 8th in the Big Ten and 76th nationally, and her 0.39 assists per game placed her 8th in the conference. Zimmer’s career-high performance against UMass (9/1/24) included 2 goals and an assist, solidifying her status as a key leader on the team. She becomes the first Northwestern player to win this award since Gretchen Scheuermann in 1994 and the fifth Wildcat in program history.
Offensive Player of the Year: Ashley Sessa, So., F
Sessa’s offensive firepower led Northwestern in goals (20), assists (13), and points (53) this season. Her 2.94 points per game topped both the Big Ten and the nation. She recorded a hat trick in the Wildcats’ victory over Rutgers (10/4/24) and was a driving force in Northwestern’s high-powered offense, ranked 2nd in the Big Ten and 4th nationally in goals per game (3.67). Sessa is the first Wildcat to win Offensive Player of the Year since Chelsea Armstrong in 2011 and the fourth overall in program history.
Goalkeeper of the Year: Annabel Skubisz, Gr., GK +
For the second consecutive year, Skubisz claims Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year honors. The graduate goalkeeper led the Big Ten and ranked second nationally with a 0.51 goals against average, while her 0.885 save percentage led both the conference and the nation. Skubisz allowed just nine goals all season and posted 11 shutouts, tied for first in the nation. Her consistent play anchored Northwestern’s defense throughout the season.
Coach of the Year: Tracey Fuchs
Head Coach Tracey Fuchs was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the third time in her career, guiding Northwestern to its best start in program history. Fuchs, who also earned this award in 2013 and 2023, is the first Big Ten coach to win back-to-back honors since Iowa’s Lisa Cellucci (2019-2021). She now sits just one win shy of tying for the fifth-most victories by a head coach in Big Ten history.
All-Big Ten Teams
Northwestern placed seven players on the All-Big Ten teams, tying a program record for the second straight year. Five Wildcats were named to the First Team, while two earned Second Team honors. Three Wildcats were named to the All- Freshman Team, the first of it’s kind.
+ unanimous selections
All-Big Ten First Team
All-Big Ten Second Team
All-Freshman Team
Sportsmanship Award
With their impressive individual achievements, the Wildcats continue to set the standard for excellence in the Big Ten and are on track for a deep postseason run.
