Three members of Liberty University’s field hockey program have been selected for the 2025‑26 College Sports Communicators Academic All‑District Women’s At‑Large Team, a testament to their combined scholarly and athletic excellence.
Academic Excellence Meets Athletic Prowess
Senior defender Lou Combrinck, a native of Hillcrest, South Africa, earned the distinction for the second consecutive year after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in special education. She maintained a 3.85 cumulative GPA and was recognized with multiple honors, including BIG EAST Championship Most Outstanding Player, NFHCA All‑South Region first team and All‑BIG EAST first team. On the field Combrinck contributed seven goals, twelve assists and 26 points during her senior season.
Freshman midfielder Josefina Tomasi, hailing from Cañada de Gómez, Argentina, joins the honorees as a first‑time selection. Majoring in information technology, she carries a perfect 4.0 GPA and was named to the NFHCA All‑South Region first team and the All‑BIG EAST second team. Tomasi’s sophomore campaign yielded seven goals, five assists and 19 points, underscoring her impact despite her young class standing.
Senior Dara Semmartin, also from Buenos Aires, Argentina, rounds out the trio with a 3.52 GPA in her information technology major. A two‑time member of the NFHCA National Academic Squad, she earned unanimous BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year and NFHCA All‑America second team accolades. Semmartin set a program record with 16 assists, added six goals and tallied 28 points over the season.
The Academic All‑District selections require student‑athletes to be at least sophomores, serve as starters or key reserves, participate in at least 90 percent of their team’s games, and sustain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA. Meeting these rigorous standards, the three Liberty players illustrate how high‑level competition and academic distinction can coexist, setting a benchmark for future collegiate athletes.
Their recognitions not only highlight personal achievement but also reflect the strength of Liberty’s field hockey program and the supportive environment that nurtures both scholarly and athletic growth.