University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Celebrate National Championship Season at Team Banquet
4/17/2018 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
STORRS, Conn. - The UConn field hockey team celebrated its 2017 undefeated National Championship season at the team banquet this past Saturday night at the Alumni House, as coaches, players and their families gathered to reflect on memorable season.
Five graduating seniors - Nina Klein, Charlotte Veitner, Casey Umstead, Karlie Heistand and Maureen Schott- attended their final banquet as arguably the most accomplished class in program history. Over four seasons, the Huskies won four BIG EAST regular season titles, four BIG EAST tournament championships, four trips to the Final Four and two national championships.
"Attending my final UConn banquet was very sad but amazing at the same time," said Umstead. "It was incredible to see what this group of young women have accomplished together. As Nancy (Stevens) says, `We now walk through history together' regarding our National Championships and perfect 23-0 season. I am and will always be proud to be a UConn Husky."
Dinner was served, conversation was enjoyed and stories were shared as the Huskies honored a successful season that included a national title and a BIG EAST regular season and tournament championship.
"The Saturday was bittersweet," commented Veitner. "My biggest struggle was to decide whether to cry or smile. For the most part I settled with smiling because this past season was just magical. It was amazing that we got one last chance to sit down with this year's UConn Field Hockey family reliving our memories. I can't really grasp that my time here has come to an end and I can't say enough how grateful I am to have been granted with this opportunity."
Five players were recipients of the teams' annual awards given out by the coaching staff. Heistand and Klein were awarded the Lee Ynigues Award, while classmates Umstead and Veitner were the recipients of the Melissa Gonzalez Award. Junior Amelia Iacobucci received the Keith Caddy Memorial award.
"The banquet was an amazing culmination of our (the seniors) time together at UConn," said Nina Klein. "It is nice to sit down and enjoy one another's company before we all part our separate ways in May. Five years ago when I was sitting in the banquet that honored Marie Elena, Sarah Mansfield, Anne Jeute, Shannon Creghan and Franny Augustine, I would have never imagined that my time would come to an end so quickly. I will forever be grateful to this University, team, and program and all of the opportunities it has given me. I never thought I would be standing her today a three time national champion and a Master's student! Time flies when you are in love with what you do!"
Head coach Nancy Stevens addressed the crowd prior to the start of dinner, thanking the players, coaches, staff and families for their dedication to the field hockey program.
Each senior got the chance to say her final words to the team and a highlight reel moments from the 2017 season was displayed to commemorate the accomplishments of the Huskies.
"I will miss being a part of this culture and playing for these remarkable coaches, but I can't wait to see where this program is going and to support them as an alumni, said Veitner. "Go Huskies"
Check out some photos from our 2017 Team Banquet! Saturday we shared laughs and memories all while celebrating a truly incredible season! 💍#UConnNation // #BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/HF2EaQ1bwB
-- UConn Field Hockey (@UConnFHockey) April 11, 2018
