Drexel University Athletics
Van Hellemont, Foster Collect Major CAA Awards; Six Dragons Recognized on All-Conference Teams
11/6/2025 2:00:00 PM | Field Hockey
RICHMOND, Va. – Drexel field hockey collected multiple major honors as the Colonial Athletic Association announced its 2025 postseason awards. Junior Valentine Van Hellemont was named CAA Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, while senior Natali Foster earned CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year alongside Monmouth's Eulalie Brouwers. Both Van Hellemont and Foster were joined on the All-CAA First Team by junior Pili Lemoine. Senior Anna Castaldo and freshman Fleur Hamers were selected to the All-CAA Second Team, while Hamers and freshman Florienne Bosdijk were named to the CAA All-Rookie Team.
Van Hellemont became the first Drexel field hockey player to earn three major CAA awards, having been named Rookie of the Year in 2023 and now collecting back-to-back Player of the Year honors in 2024 and 2025. She is also the second Drexel player ever to repeat as CAA Player of the Year, joining Christina Mastropaolo, who accomplished the feat in 2009 and 2010. The junior tied for the team lead with 22 points on seven goals and eight assists, ranking fourth in the conference in points per game (1.22) and fifth in assists per game (0.44). This marks her third consecutive All-CAA First Team selection.
Foster anchored Drexel's defensive and midfield units throughout the season, earning Co-Defensive Player of the Year and All-CAA First Team honors. The senior appeared in all 18 games, recording five goals and four assists while helping Drexel post the CAA's best team goals-against average at 1.30. Foster previously earned All-Rookie recognition in 2022 and Second Team honors in 2023.
Lemoine joined Van Hellemont and Foster on the All-CAA First Team after matching Van Hellemont for the team lead with 22 points on seven goals and eight assists. The junior ranked sixth in the CAA in points per game (1.17) and seventh in assists per game (0.39), serving as one of Drexel's most consistent offensive contributors throughout the year.
Castaldo earned All-CAA Second Team recognition after starting all 18 games and finishing third on the team with 14 points on six goals and two assists. The senior forward, a First Team honoree last season, continued to provide timely scoring in her final year with the Dragons.
Hamers capped a standout freshman season by earning spots on both the All-CAA Second Team and All-Rookie Team. The forward totaled 13 points on four goals and five assists and recorded two game-winning goals, including the decisive shootout goal in Drexel's victory over 25th-ranked Saint Joseph's.
Bosdijk joined Hamers on the All-Rookie Team following a strong debut campaign. The freshman appeared in all 18 games and added one goal while helping anchor a Drexel defense that ranked among the conference's best.
Drexel finished the regular season with an 11–7 overall record and a 3–2 mark in conference play. The Dragons earned the No. 3 seed in the upcoming CAA Tournament, marking their fourth straight postseason appearance. Drexel will face Northeastern in the semifinals on Friday, November 7, in West Long Branch, N.J.
