Allison Kuzyk, the forward/midfielder and captain of Penn field hockey, has distinguished herself as an exceptional player in her senior year. Despite the team’s mixed performance, Kuzyk’s outstanding play has earned her a spot on the National Field Hockey Coaches Association 2023 Division I Senior team.
Throughout the season, Kuzyk led the Quakers in goals scored, with an impressive total of 13. She demonstrated her scoring prowess by netting goals in seven consecutive games, showcasing her unwavering consistency. Her outstanding performance also earned her 27 points, securing her the second spot in the Ivy League. Notably, Kuzyk displayed her reliability in crucial moments by scoring 4 game-winning goals, placing her second in the conference in this category.
Having previously achieved second-team All-Ivy recognition last year, Kuzyk elevated her game and secured first-team All-Ivy Honors this season, an impressive feat to cap off her senior year. Additionally, her stellar achievements extend beyond the field, as she is a valuable member of the Canadian national team and has been appointed as its captain. Furthermore, Kuzyk has received the PhillySIDA Academic All-Area honors, highlighting her academic excellence in addition to her athletic prowess.
Kuzyk has been a significant contributor to the Quakers since her sophomore year, demonstrating her impact on the team early in her career by appearing in all 16 games during the 2021 season. In her junior year, she solidified her position as a top 10 scorer in the Ivy League, finishing the season ranked ninth in goals. Her outstanding performance was further recognized with two Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week awards in the same month, underscoring her remarkable consistency and skill on the field.
While the team faced challenges throughout the season, including a tough start with a 4-0 loss to the then-No.1 ranked North Carolina, they rallied during conference play, securing a 4-0 record in their first four conference games. However, they encountered inconsistency in their final conference matches, resulting in losses to Cornell and Harvard. Despite these setbacks, their early success in conference play earned them a respectable fourth-place finish in the conference, granting them entry to the Ivy League Tournament.
Although the team faced a defeat against Harvard in the Ivy League tournament, they achieved several positive outcomes throughout the season, including an impressive 8-1 victory over Georgetown, qualification for the Ivy Tournament, and most notably, the consistent and outstanding performances of Allison Kuzyk.
In conclusion, Allison Kuzyk’s remarkable achievements and contributions to the Penn field hockey team have solidified her status as a star player. Her exceptional talent, leadership, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the team and have positioned her as a standout athlete in the world of collegiate field hockey.