A Dual Threat on Field and in the Classroom
Myrte van Herwijnen a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts has been named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All‑America® Women’s At‑Large first team marking the second straight year she earned this distinction
Balancing a rigorous Hospitality and Tourism Management major with a flawless 4.0 grade point average she was also placed on the Dean’s List every semester and received the MAC Medal of Excellence Award an honor given to one male and one female student‑athlete at each of the conference’s 13 institutions
Hailing from Huizen in the Netherlands the goalkeeper has combined her European roots with the vibrant campus life of Amherst Massachusetts forging a career that has resonated both locally and nationally
On the field she capped her senior season by being named Mid‑American Conference Goalkeeper of the Year earning first‑team All‑MAC honors and the ECAC Defensive Player of the Year award Her statistical dominance placed her atop the nation in save percentage .826 and second in goals‑against average .72 while she posted a 16‑4 record with nine shutouts
Her impact helped the Minutewomen capture a MAC regular‑season title and reach the conference championship game and ultimately guide the program to the 2024 NCAA Final Four
Van Herwijnen concludes her collegiate career among the program’s all‑time greats ranking second in wins 56 sixth in career goals‑against average 1.16 and leaving a legacy of excellence that blends academic rigor with athletic prowess
Accolades and Legacy
The collection of awards including multiple All‑America and all‑region selections reflects a career defined by consistency leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence