Maddie Zimmer Named 2024 NFHCA National Player of the Year
12/19/2024 11:12:00 AM | Field Hockey
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern Field Hockey standout Maddie Zimmer has been named the 2024 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) National Player of the Year, a prestigious honor that reflects an extraordinary season defined by elite performance, leadership, and unwavering dedication. Maddie is the first Wildcat to earn this award. This latest accolade comes on the heels of Northwestern's thrilling 2024 NCAA National Championship victory, where Zimmer was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
In perhaps the defining moment of Northwestern's postseason journey, Zimmer delivered a crucial assist in overtime during the quarterfinals, setting up the game-winning goal that propelled the Wildcats to the Final Four. Her leadership and poise under pressure were further highlighted in the championship game, where her clutch performances earned her the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award, repeating the honor she first won in 2021 when Northwestern claimed its inaugural national title.
Beyond the national stage, Zimmer has been a dominant force in the Big Ten. A three-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree (2020-2022), she earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2020-21 and was recently named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team in 2024. She was recognized as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week in October, following a string of standout performances that helped the Wildcats maintain their position among the nation's elite.
Zimmer's success on the field is matched by her leadership, which has been instrumental in shaping the culture of Northwestern Field Hockey over the past four years. A true leader by example, she has been a constant source of inspiration for her teammates, bringing intensity, passion, and focus to every practice and game. Her ability to perform at the highest level, while simultaneously elevating the play of those around her, has been a defining aspect of her career.
Zimmer's career highlights include:
Zimmer's season—and career—has been nothing short of remarkable. A key figure in Northwestern's championship-winning campaign, the senior midfielder started all 24 games in 2024, tallying 10 goals and 12 assists for 32 points. Her impact was felt at both ends of the field, as she anchored the Wildcats' defense while consistently contributing offensively. Zimmer's ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments set her apart, especially during Northwestern's deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
ZIMMER. SESSA. 'CATS IN FRONT ?? pic.twitter.com/J63vXFc0L8
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 22, 2024
In perhaps the defining moment of Northwestern's postseason journey, Zimmer delivered a crucial assist in overtime during the quarterfinals, setting up the game-winning goal that propelled the Wildcats to the Final Four. Her leadership and poise under pressure were further highlighted in the championship game, where her clutch performances earned her the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award, repeating the honor she first won in 2021 when Northwestern claimed its inaugural national title.
Zimmer's career accolades tell the story of a player whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Northwestern Field Hockey. She is now a three-time NFHCA First Team All-American (2021, 2022, 2024) and has been named to the NFHCA All-West First Team four times (2020-2024). Earlier this month, she was named the NFHCA West Region Player of the Year, further solidifying her standing as one of the top players in the nation.
Beyond the national stage, Zimmer has been a dominant force in the Big Ten. A three-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree (2020-2022), she earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2020-21 and was recently named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team in 2024. She was recognized as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week in October, following a string of standout performances that helped the Wildcats maintain their position among the nation's elite.
Zimmer's consistency throughout the season was unparalleled, with multiple standout performances against ranked opponents. In a 2-0 victory over No. 5 Duke, she scored the game-winning goal, showcasing her ability to shine in high-pressure moments. Just weeks later, she assisted on the overtime winner in a 2-1 triumph against No. 7 Michigan. Her offensive contributions were critical throughout the season, with multi-goal games including a two-goal, one-assist performance in a commanding 6-1 win over UMass, and another two-goal effort in a 7-2 victory over No. 19 Penn State.Game changer! ??
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 28, 2024
Maddie Zimmer is your @bigten Offensive Player of the Week after a clutch performance that sealed back-to-back titles for the 'Cats! ?? pic.twitter.com/8hDuK3SmUA
Zimmer's success on the field is matched by her leadership, which has been instrumental in shaping the culture of Northwestern Field Hockey over the past four years. A true leader by example, she has been a constant source of inspiration for her teammates, bringing intensity, passion, and focus to every practice and game. Her ability to perform at the highest level, while simultaneously elevating the play of those around her, has been a defining aspect of her career.
Zimmer's career highlights include:
- 3x NFHCA First Team All-American (2021, 2022, 2024)
- NFHCA Third Team All-American (2020-21)
- 4x NFHCA All-West First Team (2020-2024)
- 3x First Team All-Big Ten (2020-21, 2021, 2022)
- NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2021, 2024)
- Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2020-21)
- Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (10/28/24)
- 2x Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2022, 2023)
- 4x Academic All-Big Ten (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
- 4x NFHCA National Academic Squad (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- Goals: 2 (2x - last vs. UMass, 9/1/24)
- Assists: 2 (2x - last vs. Miami (OH), 11/15/24)
- Points: 5 (vs. UMass, 9/1/24)
Players Mentioned
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