WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The Hartford women's lacrosse team earned a spot among the top tier of programs across the country academically, as the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) selected the Hawks as an Academic Honor Squad. In addition, recent graduate Billy McLaughlin was among the 509 student-athletes selected to the IWLCA Division I Academic Honor Roll. 
 
For a team to qualify for the Academic Honor Squad, it must have posted a 3.0 or higher team GPA for the 2018-19 academic year. Individual honor roll selections are awarded to juniors, seniors or graduate students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.
 
"Our program has proven yet again that we are more than lacrosse players," said head coach Meg Decker, who enters her third season at the helm of the Hawks. "We are strong students and exceptional leaders as well."
 
Combining for a 3.45 GPA, the women's lacrosse team had an impressive year inside the classroom, with 22 of its 27 members receiving America East Academic Honor Roll distinction for earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, 16 of those student-athletes were named to the Commissioner's Honor Roll (3.5+ GPA), including five that turned in perfect 4.0 GPAs (McLaughlin, Emma Privitera, Jenna Pupillo, Jordan Smith and Lauren Wehner).
 
A member of the Hawks since their inaugural season in 2018, McLaughlin finished her academic career with a 3.91 GPA as a biology major. In addition to earning America East Commissioner's Honor Roll recognition twice, the Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, native was one of five Hartford student-athletes to receive America East Presidential Scholar-Athlete distinction. 

McLaughlin was also the recipient of the prestigious Edward Weinswig Outstanding Female Scholar-Athlete Award, an award that recognizes the highest GPA among Hartford's senior female student-athletes.
 
 "Billy has led the way for our program in nearly every facet," said Decker. "She mentored and encouraged our younger players, actively participated in Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and has volunteered both locally and globally. On top of all of that, Billy made an impact both on the field and in the classroom. We could not be more proud of our recent alum on her IWLCA Academic Honor Roll recognition."
 
On the field, McLaughlin finished second on the team in goals (15), assists (5), points (20) and draw controls (31) in her final campaign with the Hawks. In the two-year history of Harford women's lacrosse, she is the program's leading goal scorer with 28 career markers. 
 
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