NCAA Division III features ample talent across the nation, some who advance to higher levels. Here's a look at five NCAA Division III players to watch this season.
NCAA Division III features ample talent across the nation, some who advance to higher levels. Here's a look at five NCAA Division III players to watch this season.
Women's hockey across the board continues to grow, including at the NCAA Division III level, a league featuring 74 programs across the United States. The DIII level continues to send players to Europe, and a handful to North American professional levels.
Eight members of the PHF last year including Antonia Matzka, Madi Nichols, and Janka Hlinka were DIII alumni, as were PWHPA members Shannon Stewart and Nikki Nightengale.
Others use NCAA DIII hockey to earn an opportunity at the DI level. Ann-Frederique Guay, a top scorer from the DIII level last year is slated to jump from Norwich University to the NCAA DI level with Maine this year.
Here's a look at five NCAA Division III players to watch in 2023-2024.
Darci Matson, F, Aurora University - The leading scorer in the nation, Matson recorded 31 goals and 64 points in 27 games for Aurora. The total was the ninth best in NCAA DIII history, and top total since 2016-2017. It was also the best toal in Aurora University history. What will Matson be able to achieve in year three?
Natalie Stott, G, Amherst College - Named a First Team East All-American last year, Scott finished with ridiculous stats, collecting a 0.95 GAA and .955 save percentage in 29 games with Amherst and a 25-4-0 record. More impressive? She did it as a rookie.
Kathryn Truban, D, Adrian College - One of only four defenders to score more than a point per game this season, Truban totalled 32 points in 30 games, her best totals by far in her career. Truban was also the only defender to score a point per game who was not in their senior season. Playing for powerhouse Adrian, Truban will be a key contributor and one of the top threats from the blueline in the nation.
MaKenna Aure, D, UW-River Falls - River Falls actually has a few noteworthy players to watch. Forward Alex Hantge finished eighth in the nation in scoring with 42 points in 29 games, but Aure's upside is massive. The rookie blueliner had 25 points in 27 games. A former Alexandria Area High School standout, Aure was the WIAC Newcomer of the Year, UWRF Women's Newcomer of the Year, and a Second Team All-American. Not bad for a rookie.
Kaitlyn Holland, F, Gustavus Adolphus College - Scoring the national championship game winning goal in a third overtime is a career highlight, but Kaitlyn Holland certainly has more ahead of her as part of a strong returning core to Gustavus Adolphus. One of the top players to emerge from South Dakota in recent years, Holland flew under the DI radar, but at the DIII level, looks poised to have a breakout season, especially if she can parlay this year's success into the 2023-2024 season.