Nov. 8, 2009
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina's Kelsey Kolojejchick has been voted Atlantic Coast Conference Field Hockey Freshman of the Year, as announced Sunday at the conclusion of the ACC Championship in Charlottesville, Va. Kolojejchick, a midfielder from Larksville, Pa., has started all 18 games for the Tar Heels this fall and ranks second on the team with 13 goals.
Kolojejchick's play also earned her All-ACC honor this fall. She was the only freshman named to the 18-player squad, which was announced on Nov. 4.
"I'm very proud of Kelsey for the season she's had," UNC coach Karen Shelton said. "It's not easy to come into this league and play as well as she has. She brings speed, tenacity and enthusiasm to the game and to our team, and I'm very pleased to see her recognized in this manner."
The award is determined by a vote of the ACC head coaches. Kolojejchick is the sixth Tar Heel to win the award, following Kate Barber (1994), Stephanie Walsh (1990), Meredith Keller (1999), Rachel Dawson (2003) and Katelyn Falgowski (2007). Falgowski, a junior midfielder for Carolina, joined Kolojejchick on this year's All-ACC team.
Kolojejchick is a member of the U.S. Under-21 National Team and represented the U.S. at the Junior World Cup in August. A graduate of Wyoming Seminary, she was a three-time high school All-America and was named the national Athlete of the Year for field hockey. This season, she has six assists in addition to her 13 goals, two of which have been gamewinners.
North Carolina is 16-2 on the season and awaits the announcement of the NCAA Tournament field. The 16-team bracket will be announced on Tuesday night.
