SPARKS, Md. – USA Lacrosse released its 2026 NCAA Division II All-American recipients, as junior goalkeeper Amber Hayden (Woburn, Mass.) was given Honorable Mention status, as the magazine released on Tuesday, May 12th.
It is the first individual recognition given to McKendree on record by the national governing body, as it is the first such accolade bestowed to a player of the program since former midfielder Victoria Lelo was named an Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-American in 2017.
Hayden was a foundational piece to a successful 2026 campaign for the Bearcats, leading them to an 11-6 record (9-6 goalkeeping record for Hayden). Appearing in 15 contests, she totaled 188 saves on a 53.9 save percentage and a 10.9 goals-against average, while also picking up 35 ground balls, causing seven turnovers, dishing two assists, and scoring her first collegiate goal against Thomas More University on February 28th.
The junior broke the total saves program record at the University of Indianapolis on April 12th, when she accumulated 533.
With the current season still winding down, Hayden remains top-25 in the entire nation in save percentage (1st – 53.9%), total saves (5th – 188), and saves per game (3rd – 12.5). In only Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) games, she was top-10 in goals-against average (8th – 13.3), save percentage (4th – 51.6%), total saves (1st – 98), and saves per game (1st – 14.0).
The high-octane numbers by the Massachusetts native earned her second consecutive GLVC Goalkeeper of the Year award with a spot on the All-Conference First Team, while also collecting the conference Defensive Player of the Week accolade on March 16th.
"Being an All-American truly resembles Amber and all the hard work she put in this season," said Head Coach Natalie Simpson. "Being one of the best, let alone THE best, in the entire country means a lot to a player, as it is an incredible accomplishment for our program. I certainly cannot wait to see what is in store for Amber come next year!"
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