COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Jess Smithson of the Vermont State University Castleton field hockey team was one of 60 Division III senior student-athletes named to the 2025 NFHCA Collegiate Senior Team. This honor celebrates their competitive excellence, leadership, and lasting influence within their programs.

Selections are based on nominations submitted by NFHCA member coaches and reviewed by committees composed entirely of NFHCA coach members. Seniors are eligible for selection only once during their collegiate careers.

The captain of the Spartans adds this honor to a long list, seeing herself named LEC Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-LEC on November 13.

She continues to collect honors as she led Spartan defense this season with a career-best 11 defensive saves, tying for second in the conference. Smithson also contributed offensively, ranking third on the team in points with 12 (5g, 2a). She helped her team to an 8-11 record and scored two game-winning goals. The Beckingham, England native will leave the program tied for seventh in career assists (23).

Smithson was in great company amongst fellow Little East Conference student-athletes, Emma Sanson of Eastern Connecticut State University and Grace Bazin of Keene State.