Field hockey goalie Brittany Walker was snubbed from receiving All-Mid-American Conference honors.
Let me make this simple: field hockey goalie Brittany Walker should’ve received All-Mid-American Conference honors this season.
In a season where Ohio’s play was somewhat varied, coach Neil Macmillan and the Bobcats could always look to their senior goalie for stability.
At the MAC Tournament in Kent, Walker blocked three consecutive shots in a shootout against Central Michigan to give Ohio its first MAC Championship berth since 2011. Against Ohio State, Walker made a diving save on a one-on-one with a Buckeye forward to seal Ohio’s first victory of the season.
Yet, when the media asked about her personal success throughout the year, she gave credit to her resilient backline. She’s altruistic.
For the past five years, I’ve been a reporter, and I’ve interviewed many athletes, but none that are more humble and respectful as the Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania native.
She’s been named MAC Defensive Player of the Week numerous times over her career and has notched 70 saves in three consecutive seasons for Ohio, but when you ask her about her personal accolades, she almost always responds with a personal anecdote about her teammates.
So when I read the list of players who made the All-MAC First and Second team, I was troubled not to see Brittany Walker, senior, Ohio somewhere on the list.
Sure, you might not see Walker’s name in the program’s record books, but to not give her any sort of recognition is wrong.
Ohio’s defense inside their own circle was highly underrated this year, and Macmillan and the Bobcats always had high praise for her, and rightfully so. The Bobcats weren’t unbeatable, but Walker and Ohio’s defense were one of the bright spots in a season that saw Ohio struggle at times.
Statistically speaking, she’s just as deserving as the Longwood’s Lauren Bernard, who was tabbed with first team honors.
Walker only had 16 less saves than Bernard’s 89 and notched a .638 save percentage on two shutouts — both stats fairly close to Longwood’s second year goalkeeper.
Not to mention, Walker helped Ohio solidify a fourth seed in the MAC Tournament, as the Bobcats were 2-8 at one point.
With that being said, it’s a shame she didn’t receive the recognition she deserved from the conference.
I know my words don’t mean much, but I hope this piece gives you the recognition you deserved. Congrats on the season, Brittany.
@Lukeoroark
lr514812@ohio.edu
