The American Hockey Coaches Association has announced its latest cohort of All‑American Scholars, and this year nine members of the Penn State women’s hockey program have earned the distinction. The honorees span recent graduates and rising underclassmen, each demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence that matches their performance on the ice.
Scholar‑Athlete Recognition
To qualify, a student‑athlete must maintain a minimum 3.75 grade‑point average each semester and appear in at least 40 percent of her team’s games, a standard that underscores the balance between classroom rigor and competitive play.
Among the nine, Taylor Lum stands out as a four‑time recipient, having first earned the honor while at St. Lawrence University before transferring to Penn State. Katie DeSa joins her as a three‑time awardee, having been recognized in both the 2023‑24 and 2024‑25 seasons. Tessa Janecke and Leah Stecker each bring two selections, with Janecke’s rookie campaign already yielding a nod and Stecker’s 2025‑26 acknowledgment completing a rapid ascent. Freshmen Taya MacDonald, Abby Stonehouse, Grace Tullock, Sophie Morrow and Shelby Shane round out the group, each earning the award for the first time after notable on‑ice contributions that included playing every one of the team’s 39 games.
A Tradition of Excellence
The recognition reflects Penn State’s ongoing investment in developing student‑athletes who excel both in the classroom and in competition. It also highlights the role of the American Hockey Coaches Association and its partnership with institutions such as St. Lawrence University, whose own alumni have repeatedly demonstrated scholarly success. As the program looks ahead, the blend of academic rigor and athletic ambition continues to set a benchmark for collegiate hockey across the nation.