Carolina Field Hockey’s Core Four Earn All-America Honors After Stellar Season
In a season packed with grit, resilience, and flat-out dominance, four North Carolina field hockey standouts have been named NFHCA All-Americans, adding another chapter to the Tar Heels’ storied tradition. Ryleigh Heck earned a spot on the First Team, while Charly Bruder, Sietske Brüning, and Dani Mendez were named to the Second Team. With these selections, Carolina’s program now boasts 128 total All-America honors - and counting.
Let’s be clear: this group wasn’t just part of the team - they were the engine. Together, they helped lead UNC to its 27th ACC Championship - and ninth straight - while powering a deep run into the NCAA Final Four.
Offensively, the trio of Heck, Bruder, and Mendez combined to score 60% of the team’s goals this season. That’s not just production - that’s a foundation.
Ryleigh Heck: A Tar Heel Legend in the Making
Heck’s First Team selection marks her third time earning that honor - a milestone only seven other Tar Heels have ever reached. Her final campaign in Chapel Hill was nothing short of electric.
She posted career highs in both goals (19) and points (51), capping off a decorated college career with her best season yet. Already a two-time NFHCA South Region Player of the Year, Heck’s consistency and scoring touch made her the heartbeat of Carolina’s offense.
Her First Team nod also brings UNC’s total number of First Team All-America honors up to 75 - a testament to the elite standard the program continues to uphold.
Charly Bruder: A Comeback Story with Bite
Bruder’s season started with uncertainty as she battled through an early injury. But what followed was a comeback that spoke volumes about her toughness and determination.
She returned to the field earlier than expected, and by season’s end, she was right there with Heck atop the team’s scoring chart - finishing just one goal behind her teammate. Bruder’s ability to bounce back and still produce at a high level was a major boost for Carolina’s attack.
Sietske Brüning: The Steady Force in the Middle
Brüning’s senior season wasn’t without its own challenges. Injuries tried to slow her down, but the veteran midfielder never let them define her.
As a two-time team captain, Brüning brought leadership, poise, and a calming presence to the midfield and defensive spine. She was the kind of player who didn’t always fill the stat sheet, but her impact was felt every time she stepped on the field.
Her Second Team selection is a nod to the intangible value she brought to this group.
Dani Mendez: One Year, Big Impact
Mendez may have only spent one season in Chapel Hill, but she made every moment count. The transfer turned heads right away, finishing with 15 goals and 16 assists - making her one of just two players in the ACC to hit double digits in both categories this year (the other being Heck).
Her ability to create and convert chances added another layer to Carolina’s already potent offense. In just one season, she became a key piece of the Tar Heels’ championship puzzle.
For a program that’s built on excellence, this year’s All-America selections are more than just individual accolades - they’re a reflection of what Carolina field hockey is all about: resilience, leadership, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level. With Heck, Bruder, Brüning, and Mendez leading the way, the Tar Heels didn’t just chase another title - they reminded everyone why UNC remains one of the gold standards in collegiate field hockey.