Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's Carmen Pucheta has been recognized as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, according to an announcement by the Conference office. The freshman from Cordoba, Argentina, also secured a place on both the All-Big Ten First Team and the All-Freshman Team. Pucheta is the first in Michigan State's history to achieve both First Team honors and Freshman of the Year in a single season.

Ellie Wheatley, a senior from Louisville, Kentucky, was named Michigan State's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner. This award acknowledges athletes who demonstrate sportsmanship and ethical behavior while maintaining good academic standing and citizenship outside sports.

Pucheta joins previous Michigan State honorees Emma Fernandez (1994), Bridget Cooper (1998), and Jantine Steinmetz (2007) as recipients of the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. Notably, 2024 marks the inaugural selection of an All-Freshman Team by coaches since the award's inception in 1992.

Pucheta started all 18 games for Michigan State this season, contributing significantly on both offense and defense with a scoring line tied for top-scoring first-year player alongside Lilian Knorr. Head coach Helen Knull praised Pucheta's performance: "We knew Carmen was an exceptionally talented hockey player when we recruited her and were excited when she came to MSU," said Knull. "Receiving First Team accolades as well as being selected the Big Ten Freshman of the Year is an incredible honor."

Knull also commended Wheatley's contributions: "Ellie has been an incredible part of our program for five years," she said. "She has represented Spartan culture both on and off the field." Wheatley will graduate as a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, and a member of the NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad.

The 2024 Big Ten Post-Season Field Hockey Honors included Maddie Zimmer from Northwestern as Player of the Year, Ashley Sessa as Offensive Player of the Year, Josie Hollamon from Maryland as Defensive Player of the Year, Annabel Skubisz from Northwestern as Goalkeeper of the Year, Carmen Pucheta from Michigan State as Freshman of the Year, and Tracey Fuchs from Northwestern as Coach of the Year.