COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Vermont State University Castleton field hockey standouts Zoe Martin, Peyton Richardson, and Jess Smithson have been named to the 2025 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III Watchlist, as announced by the organization Thursday morning.

The trio is among 175 student-athletes nationwide recognized for their exceptional potential to earn NFHCA All-Region and All-American honors this season. To be eligible for the Watchlist, athletes must have previously received notable accolades within the past two years—such as NFHCA All-Region or All-American honors, All-Conference selections, participation in the Senior Nexus Championship, NCAA All-Tournament Team recognition, or inclusion on U.S. National or International team rosters. Nominations are submitted by NFHCA member coaches.

Zoe Martin, a stalwart in goal for Castleton, earns her spot after a dominant 2024 campaign. The senior started all 21 games, logging 1,270 minutes between the posts and compiling an impressive 16-5 record with five shutouts—leading the Little East Conference (LEC) in that category. Her standout performance came against eventual national champion Middlebury, when she recorded a season-high 14 saves. The Haverhill, Mass. native was named Second Team All-LEC and earned two LEC Goalie of the Week honors.

Peyton Richardson, a 2024 NFHCA Second Team All-Region selection, was a clear choice for the Watchlist. The Windsor, Vt. native also started all 21 games, finishing the season with a career-best 36 points on 13 goals and 10 assists—leading the team in both categories. Her offensive prowess earned her First Team All-LEC honors, as she ranked second in the conference in both assists and game-winning goals.

Jess Smithson, the reigning 2024 LEC Defensive Player of the Year, capped off a stellar season with NFHCA First Team All-Region recognition. A defensive anchor from Beckenham, England, Smithson contributed a career-high 29 points (11 goals, 7 assists), while also tallying three key defensive saves. Her impact earned her three LEC Defensive Player of the Week honors and a spot on the All-LEC First Team.

The senior trio will lead VSU Castleton into the 2025 season opener on Friday evening at Dave Wolk Stadium, where the Spartans will host Union College in a 6 p.m. matchup.