HENNIKER, N.H. - The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) has announced its All-Conference teams for the 2025 field hockey season, with senior Martina Hill (Abbot, Maine) being named Defensive Player of the Year.  

A cornerstone of the Pilgrims' backline, Hill started all 20 games for the Pilgrims and anchored a dominant defense that recorded 10 shutouts and led the GNAC with an impressive 0.87 goals-against average throughout the season. The 10 shutouts are tied for the sixth most in Division III and were the most in the GNAC. 

Martina was a force on defense, constantly stopping fast break opportunities and preventing opponents from breaking into the Pilgrim's defensive zone. Hill and company allowed just 8.5 shots per game and 6.0 shots on goal per contest. 

Hill was also recognized as GNAC Defensive Player of the Week ending on October 5th, after guiding the 'Grims to three consecutive shutout victories by a combined score of 12-0, allowing only five shots on goal. That week, she recorded a defensive save that week against Colby-Sawyer to preserve a shutout win over the Chargers.  

The senior captain contributed offensively as well, matching her career-best with four goals. She was incredibly efficient as she took just seven shots all season – also scoring a timely goal against Lasell in the GNAC Quarterfinals in a 3-0 win over the Lasers. She also earned a spot on the GNAC All-Tournament Team. Impacting the game on both ends of the field, Hill proved to be a strong all-around player in 2025.  

Hill now caps off her senior season with the well-earned GNAC Defensive Player of the Year honors – the first Pilgrim to earn the award since joining the GNAC prior to the 2023 season. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.