Katie O'Donnell striking the Honda Sports Award pose.

Congratulations to Maryland field hockey player Katie O’Donnell for being named the 2009 recipient of the Honda Sports Award for being the best player in collegiate field hockey!  The award comes on the heels of a season where O’Donnell broke multiple team and national scoring records.  According to umterps.com:

Over the course of the 2009 season, O’Donnell broke an unprecedented number of school, conference, and national records. She became the school’s single-season (87) and career points leader (208). She broke the ACC and Maryland career assist records and now has 74 career assists. O’Donnell is the first player in Maryland history to break 25 goals and 30 assists in a season.

With her performance this year, she earned her 200th point, making her the 24th player in NCAA history to break the 200-point mark. In the NCAA semifinals round, she recorded a new Tournament record – nine points in a championship round game.

Those of you who follow field hockey would agree that O’Donnell deserves the award.  She is the most consistent offensive force in the game, and she was the key player in Maryland’s return to the National Championship game this year.  Congratulations again, Katie.  Here’s to you repeating the feat in 2010!