Manahawkin, NJ — For the first time since 2015, and second time in program history, two Hawks were honored as one the country's best as both Hannah Ackerman and Rachel Tama were named to the 2024 National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-American team.
 
Ackerman, who came back for a fifth year this past fall, captures her second-straight NFHCA All-American nod, joining just her sister, Dani Ackerman '17 in program history to be named twice in their careers. Tama, a junior forward, received her first recognition after a breakout statistical season and joins Ackerman and six other Hawks to be named to the honor as both landed on third team.
 
"It means a lot, because again I wasn't expecting to get it. I was just grateful to have even been here for another season. I was able to make that work school wise, and I think there's a lot of people who could be recognized still on our team, so to be selected again I am grateful, and I am glad I could still end on a high note since we didn't end on a high note. It's just something I can take with me and say I did everything I could."
 
There were 48 student-athletes named to the 2024 Division III NFHCA All-American team across three teams. SUNY Cortland was the only other SUNYAC school represented as the Red Dragons also earned two selects. Ackerman and Tama are the most selections in a single year since Dani Ackerman and Jessica Caruana were both honored in 2015.  
 
"It's truly an honor and I was so excited to hear the news when coach called me," Tama said. "It was for sure a goal of mine and to be honored with it as a junior is truly special.  I called my parents and my grandpa right away with the news because without their constant support I wouldn't be the person and player I am today. The work ethic I have is because of them and it was instilled in me growing up."
"It's really exciting. It was a proud teammate moment. I was the one who gave her her tour before she even got here and was still deciding on New Paltz and to know I was a part of why she wanted to come here and then getting to be recognized alongside her was unreal," Ackerman added. "She had an insane season. Her stats were unreal. For us both to be recognized even with different positions, it's just an awesome feeling. I think New Paltz is overlooked a lot so to be recognized with two people for the first time in a while I think says a lot to what the both of us, especially Rachel, has done for this program."
 
The duo were integral parts of a 14-6 season for SUNY New Paltz, as the team finished in the national poll after securing top 25 victories over Ithaca and Stevens. They also helped the team to its second-straight SUNYAC finals appearance and third in four seasons.
 
"For me this was probably the most exciting part about it. Not only is Hannah one of my best friends but I look up to her tremendously as a person and a player," Tama said. "We both share so much passion and love for this sport which truly goes a long way. On and off the field we are constantly supporting and pushing each other so this definitely means a lot." 
 
Ackerman finishes a storied career as one of the most decorated Hawks in program history. Only SUNY New Paltz Athletics Hall of Famer Dani Ackerman has earned multiple All-American honors for Hawks Field Hockey. She also became the only four-time First-Team All-SUNYAC select, while garnering four NFHCA All-Region honors as well.
 
"Something that's really important to me is bringing everybody along. No matter the position, whether they even play or not, just making sure everybody knows they have a part. I know I didn't always put up stats, but I know I did my job. I didn't always have the perfect game, but I always showed up and did what I could," Ackerman said. "I just want to bring that culture and mindset into New Paltz Field Hockey. We're losing some big spots next year, so making sure that is brought into the younger ones now. That's the least I can do, I just want to leave the program better than how I found it and hopefully instill the kind of mindset that I had into the younger ones…. Just keeping that culture alive and keeping the New Paltz Field Hockey way because it goes quick."
 
Ackerman ended the year third on the team in points with 26, while setting a new single season program record in assists with 14 to go along with her six goals on the season. The Nesconset, NY native started in all 20 games and led the team in minutes played, logging 1,206 minutes of action while recording 62 shots, 44 of goal for a .710 shots-on-goal average with one game winner, while also adding a defensive save. Ackerman was one of the best in the country in setting up her teammates, averaging .74 assists per game landing her fourth in the nation.  
 
"Always want to shout out the famous Shanna Szablinksi. She always does everything she can for her players. Woody [Sara Knickerbocker] also, Renae [Cimillo] — all the assistants that came through during my time, just grateful to have had them," Ackerman said. "My sisters of course too, I've just had tons of support and literally I wouldn't have gotten this far without them. I'm just grateful to have been around the program for as long as I've had. New Paltz Field Hockey has made me who I am today."
 
Tama, meanwhile, came out the year hot and proved herself as one of the best forwards in the country. She ranked second in the nation with 1.37 goals per game and finished third in the country in points per game, averaging 3.32. The Hopewell Junction, NY native led the team in goals (26), points (63) and game-winning goals (7), which all finished as career-highs for the junior. She was only eight points, three goals and two assists shy from breaking all three single-season program records, while already eclipsing the all-time points record with 108 during her three seasons and is three goals away of breaking the all-time record, currently sitting at 41. Her 26 assists also lands her third in program history.
 
"I always strive to be the best player and leader I can be while also making my teammates the best version of themselves," she said. "The summer offseason prepared me tremendously and was the game changer for me as I stayed consistent, practiced and worked out in any condition whether it was pouring outside or 95 degrees out. If you know me, I am never settled, never comfortable and always want to learn. This season and off season allowed me to improve on my stick skills, continue to grow as a leader, play my game and just keep working." 
 
With all the accolades that came her way this season, the ultimate goal entering her final season with the team is bringing a championship back to NPFH, as well as captaining her team to the national tournament — a place the Hawks haven't been since Ackerman's first season as a sophomore in 2021.
 
"This award is truly motivating, and I want to continue growing myself as a leader and player while pushing everyone around me to keep going beyond their limits," Tama said. "I want to put out the best version of myself for my teammates and coaches because I wouldn't be getting any of this without them. We aren't done; we still have a SUNYAC championship to win which is always the goal. I will strive for this prestigious award again and continue to motivate my teammates.
 
"It's crazy and bittersweet I only have a year left but I am extremely excited for this team next season and want to get others to be recognized for this award as well."
 
Click here to view the full NFHCA All-America teams and the official press release.


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