Redshirt-sophomore Ashley Rich of the No. 1 University of Connecticut Field Hockey team, is the recipient of the Elite 90 award for the 2017 NCAA Division 1 Field Hockey Championship.

The nursing major, who currently carries a 3.985 GPA, received the award during the NCAA Field Hockey banquet on Nov. 23 in Louisville, Kentucky. Rich is UConn’s first field hockey player to earn the distinction, and the second Husky overall, after Maya Moore took home the honor in 2011.

The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s championships.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling, and a designated member of the squad at the championship. Any ties are broken by the number of credits completed.

For more information on the Elite 90 award winners, go to NCAA.com/elite-90.