Thomas Named NFHCA West Region Player of the Year
12/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Dec. 2, 2015
CHANDLER, Ariz. -- University of Michigan senior Lauren Thomas of the Wolverine field hockey team was named the 2015 Longstreth/NFHCA Division I West Region Player of the Year, the National Field Hockey Coaches Association announced Wednesday (Dec. 2).
Thomas, a native of Aylesbury, England, is the second Wolverine player to be named a regional player of the year since the NFHCA implemented the award in 2009, joining fellow Brit Rachael Mack, who earned the distinction in 2013.
As Michigan's center back, Thomas anchored a defensive unit that posted a sterling 0.97 goals-against average and allowed just 8.5 shots per game. Michigan boasted 10 shutout wins this season, accounting for more than half of its 18-game win total -- the program's most wins in 13 years. A three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, Thomas was named the 2015 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-Big Ten first-team selection.
She also led the Wolverines in scoring this season, establishing career bests with nine goals, five assists and 23 points. She scored six goals over a six-game stretch to close the regular season, including a two-goal performance against No. 20 Iowa (Oct. 9) and the double-overtime game-winner to complete Michigan's comeback win at No. 16 Northwestern (Oct. 16).
Thomas is a four-time NFHCA All-Region and All-Big Ten selection. She wrapped her collegiate career with 16 goals, including four game-winners, 13 assists and 45 points. She also posted four defensive saves.
The 2015 Longstreth/NFHCA Division I All-America Teams will be announced on Monday (Dec. 7).
Communications Contact: Leah Howard
