GREENWOOD, In. – Widener Field Hockey, Men's Lacrosse, and Women's Lacrosse earn 12 spots on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District At-Large for the 2025-26 season for their excellence on the field and in the classroom.
The CSC Academic All-District program recognizes outstanding student-athletes who maintain at least a 3.50 GPA while competing at a high level in their respective sports. With more than 33,000 nominations submitted annually, the honor places student-athletes among the nation's elite academically and athletically. The program, established in 1952, serves as the first step toward Academic All-America® consideration.
Representing Widener this year is
Kayleigh Armstrong (FH),
Krista Bervinchak (FH),
Katie Haye (FH),
Samuel Haverstrom (MLAX),
Nicholas Knepp (MLAX),
Luke Shimko (MLAX),
Miles Brant (MLAX),
Nicholas Aristone (MLAX),
Matthew Marino (MLAX),
Alex Krohn (WLAX),
Claire Lynch (WLAX), and
Jessica Mantz (WLAX).
Kayleigh Armstrong served as one of the Pride's top attacking threats, finishing the season with six goals and two assists for 14 points in 17 starts. She ranked among Widener's leaders in shots with 49 and consistently pressured opposing defenses with her aggressive offensive play. Her ability to generate scoring chances and capitalize in key moments made her a major catalyst for the Pride attack.
Katie Haye provided steady production in the midfield and attack, tallying five goals and one assist for 11 points across 17 starts. She was efficient with her opportunities, putting 10 of her 15 shots on goal while giving Widener another reliable scoring option. Her two-way play and ability to contribute offensively gave the Pride valuable balance throughout the season.
Krista Bervinchak anchored Widener's defensive unit, starting all 17 games and serving as a consistent presence in the backfield. While her impact doesn't fully show in the box score, her defensive awareness and positioning helped the Pride limit quality scoring chances throughout the year. Her leadership and composure were instrumental in maintaining structure on the defensive end.
Samuel Haverstrom emerged as one of Widener's top offensive weapons, finishing the season with 33 goals and 14 assists for 47 total points. A dynamic scorer with the ability to create his own shot, he consistently challenged opposing defenses and delivered in key moments. His combination of finishing ability and playmaking made him a central piece of the Pride's attack throughout the season.
Nicholas Knepp provided strong two-way value for the Pride, contributing offensively while also making an impact in transition and on ground balls. His ability to control possession and battle for loose balls helped Widener create extra opportunities on both ends of the field. His relentless motor and physical play made him a dependable presence throughout the year.
Luke Shimko anchored Widener's offense as one of the team's premier playmakers, tallying 27 goals and 24 assists for 51 points. His vision and passing ability allowed him to elevate the entire attack unit while still remaining a dangerous scoring threat himself. Whether initiating offense or finishing possessions, Shimko consistently delivered in high-pressure situations.
Miles Brant served as a steady contributor in the midfield, bringing versatility and energy to Widener's lineup. His ability to impact both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball gave the Pride valuable flexibility in transition. Brant's athleticism and consistent effort helped fuel possessions and maintain momentum throughout the season.
Nicholas Aristone was a key piece of Widener's defensive unit, using his physicality and defensive instincts to disrupt opposing attacks. His strong on-ball defense and ability to force turnovers helped limit scoring opportunities for opponents. As a reliable defender, Aristone played a major role in maintaining structure on the back end.
Matthew Marino provided stability in goal for the Pride, making key saves and serving as the last line of defense throughout the season. His quick reactions and ability to come up with timely stops kept Widener competitive in crucial stretches of play. Marino's leadership and communication in the cage were instrumental in organizing the defensive unit.
Claire Lynch established herself as one of Widener's most consistent offensive threats, finishing the season as a key contributor in the attack. Her ability to create scoring opportunities, both as a finisher and facilitator, helped keep the Pride offense dynamic throughout the year. Whether attacking from space or capitalizing around the crease, Lynch consistently delivered in crucial moments.
Jessica Mantz played a major role in Widener's midfield, bringing versatility and high energy on both ends of the field. Her ability to contribute offensively while also helping in transition and defensive possessions made her an invaluable two-way player. Mantz's relentless effort and strong field awareness helped spark momentum for the Pride throughout the season.
Alex Krohn served as a steady and reliable presence for Widener, making an impact with her physical play and all-around consistency. Her ability to contribute in key moments, whether through possession battles, defensive stops, or offensive support, gave the Pride important balance. Krohn's toughness and leadership were instrumental to Widener's success over the course of the season.