Lisa van der Geest the junior captain of the Lafayette Leopards was named to the third team all American squad. Lisa has been a starter and mainstay of the Lafayette Field Hockey team ever since her arrival on college hill. She is the second Lafayette player to be named to an all American team in the last three years. Amanda Magadan ’17, now with the US National Team, was named to the same squad by the NFHCA after the 2016 season.
As one of three from the Patriot League selected this year, ( the other two were Ally Hammel from League champion Boston University and Rafaela Rubas of League runner up American University), Lisa was a key member of the Lafayette squad that made a late season run for the title, and qualified for the League tournament, only to lose to the eventual champion Boston 2-1. It was the first. time since 2015 the Leopards have appeared in the post season.
Van der Geest led a defense that allowed just 13 goals in the last seven games. The Oegstgeest, Netherlands native was also tied for the team lead in scoring. She has been a three time all-Patriot League defender and an all-Academic selectee. Lisa had game winning goals against Drexel. and Colgate.
She has always impressed me with her leadership on and off the field. To me, Lisa was like a “coach on the field,” directing and urging on her teammates. She rarely leaves the field of play displaying amazing fitness and value to her team’s results. Lisa is a winner in every respect, and a student of the game. She evokes competence and leadership as a person and as an athlete. Unlike the other two Patriot League selectees Lisa van der Geest will be back next year, as the Leopards will challenge for a League championship.
She is an intense competitor and her leadership is infectious. Lisa deserves every accolade and we all look forward to her final season next year as a Leopard. Well done Lisa!!! You have already defined “Success” for this team.
Lafayette College Field Hockey 