Duke’s McVeigh Headlines All-ACC Academic Team for Field Hockey

Duke University forward Alaina McVeigh has been recognized as the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) 2025 Field Hockey Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The announcement, made on Wednesday by theACC.com, also named McVeigh to lead the All-ACC Academic Team, marking her third time receiving this academic honor.

Academic and Athletic Excellence

McVeigh, a senior from Landsale, Pennsylvania, is a Political Science major who has consistently excelled both on and off the field. She has been named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll three times and earned a place on the Dean’s List with Distinction on three occasions. This latest recognition follows her being named the ACC Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2024.

Did You Know? The ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards were established in September of 2007 to annually recognize top student-athletes in each sport.

Beyond her academic achievements, McVeigh has proven to be a dominant force in field hockey. She earned First Team All-America and First Team All-ACC honors this year, leading the Duke Blue Devils with 15 goals scored. She also ranked second on the team with nine assists, accumulating a total of 39 points – the sixth-highest total in the ACC this season.

A Rising Star in Duke History

McVeigh’s performance this season cemented her place in Duke’s field hockey record books. She became the 13th player in program history to reach 100 career points and is one of only six individuals to record 20-plus points in each of her first three seasons.

Expert Insight: Recognizing both athletic and academic achievement highlights the importance of a well-rounded student-athlete experience, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in all areas of collegiate life.

To be eligible for the All-ACC Academic Team, student-athletes must maintain a 3.0 GPA for the previous two semesters and a cumulative 3.0 GPA throughout their academic careers, while also being enrolled for at least one year and competing in at least 50 percent of their team’s contests. The 2025 All-ACC Field Hockey Academic Team includes a diverse group of student-athletes from Boston College, California, Duke, Louisville, North Carolina, Stanford, Syracuse, and Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the GPA requirements for the ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award?

Candidates for the ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award must maintain a 3.0-grade point average for their careers, as well as a 3.0 for each of the last two semesters.

What criteria must be met to be named to the All-ACC Academic Team?

Academic requirements for selection to the All-ACC Academic Team include a 3.0-grade point average for the previous two semesters and a 3.0 cumulative average during one’s academic career, with enrollment at the institution for at least one year and participation in at least 50 percent of team contests.

Which schools are represented on the 2025 All-ACC Field Hockey Academic Team?

The 2025 All-ACC Field Hockey Academic Team includes student-athletes from Boston College, California, Duke, Louisville, North Carolina, Stanford, Syracuse, and Virginia.

As Alaina McVeigh concludes her collegiate career, her future endeavors remain open. She could pursue professional opportunities in field hockey, or leverage her Political Science degree into a career in public service or law.