Krista LaMaina Named National Player of the Week in Field Hockey

Junior forward Krista LaMaina of the No. 16 Kean University field hockey program was named the national Division III Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Offensive Player of the Week on October 19.

“I’m very honored to have been named the national player of the week,” said LaMaina, a resident of Oaklyn, N.J. “My team and i have been working ridiculously hard throughout the summer and season to be where we are today––a nationally recognized and respected field hockey team.”

LaMaina registered four goals, including both game-winners, as the Cougars moved to 14-0 with two one-goal victories over SUNY New Paltz and Stockton University. Against the Hawks last week, she also had a hand in every Cougar score with three goals and an assist in a 4-3 come-from-behind victory that erased a 3-1 deficit. In the Cougars’ recent conference match-up with Stockton, LaMaina scored the first goal of the game and the Cougars never relinquished the lead on their way to a 3-2 victory.

LaMaina set Kean’s single-season record with 70 points last season. She also tied the Cougars’ previous season-best totals with 28 goals and 14 assists in 2015. In addition, LaMaina holds program records in single-game point and assist totals. Kean’s current streak of 14 consecutive wins are the most in school history.

“I am thrilled that Krista has received national recognition for her field hockey efforts,” Leslie LaFronz, head field hockey coach for Kean Athletics. “For the second straight year, Krista had been one of the top goal scorers in the country. Her relentless play and ability to finish in the box is one of the main reasons that our team is nationally ranked.”

LaMaina currently leads the NJAC with 49 points and 20 goals. Her nine assists are second in the league. She and twin sister Shauna LaMaina are tied atop the league leader board with five game-winners each.

“The Kean Cougars field hockey team has been supportive of my career since the day I committed,” said Krista. “They have been with me every step of the way. Especially my sister, Shauna, who has assisted me in more than half of my goals.”

LaMaina says the next step is for the Cougars to make it to the NCAA tournament this year.

“I am excited to see what the future holds for Krista LaMaina and the rest of our outstanding field hockey team,” said LaFronz.