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Kent, Simmonds NFHCA DIII Field Hockey Players of the Week

Nov 4, 2026 | 2026-2027, Division III, News

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO  —​ Layla Kent, a first-year midfielder from Salisbury University, and Hannah Simmonds, a junior goalkeeper from Wellesley College, have been named this week’s NFHCA Division III Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. Hannah Fitzgerald, a senior forward/midfielder from Franklin & Marshall College, and Steph Ionescu, a junior goalkeeper from Haverford College, also received honorable mention nods for Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week. The NFHCA Player of the Week program is sponsored by Wrappit Wrappit.

NFHCA Division III Offensive Player of the Week​

Layla Kent, Salisbury University, First-Year, Midfielder (Millington, MD)

  • Totaled three goals and three assists for nine points during Salisbury’s 2-0 week.
  • Recorded a hat trick, including the fourth-quarter game-winner, in a 4-3 road win at No. 10 Rowan.
  • Assisted on three goals in the Sea Gulls’ 4-2 win over TCNJ.
  • Earned SUNYAC Offensive Athlete of the Week honors for the third time this season.

NFHCA Division III Defensive Player of the Week

Hannah Simmonds, Wellesley College, Junior, Goalkeeper (Austin, TX)

  • Stopped seven shots in Wellesley’s 1-0 shutout of MIT.
  • Helped the Blue defend 13 MIT penalty corners to protect the one-goal lead.
  • Secured Wellesley’s first win over MIT since 2018 and the third seed in the NEWMAC tournament.
  • Earned NEWMAC Defensive Athlete of the Week honors.

NFHCA Division III Honorable Mention

Offensive: Hannah Fitzgerald, Franklin & Marshall College, Senior, Forward/Midfielder (Wilton, CT)

  • Totaled two goals and two assists during Franklin & Marshall’s 2-0 week, contributing to all three goals in a 3-1 win over then-No. 14 Swarthmore.
  • Earned Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Defensive: Steph Ionescu, Haverford College, Junior, Goalkeeper (Wilton, CT)

  • Made five saves in Haverford’s 2-0 shutout of then-No. 14 Swarthmore, helping the Fords secure a conference tournament berth and their first ranked win since 2025.
  • Earned Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The NFHCA National Player of the Week program honors an offensive and defensive player of the week, in each division, throughout the season.