Williamsburg, KY – For the past four years, Koral Hadac has been a pivotal force for the Cumberlands women's lacrosse team, being a staple of the Patriots backline.  Her exceptional play on the field coupled with a strong commitment in the classroom leads to Hadac being named the IWLCA NAIA Scholar-Athlete of the Year, officials announced Thursday. 

"I'm truly honored to receive the IWLCA Scholar-Athlete of the Year award," said Hadac.  "This recognition is a testament to the incredible support I've receive from my family, coaches, teammates, and friends throughout my journey."

Hadac becomes just the second UC player to earn this distinction, joining her assistant coach Bella Ricchiazzi, who earned this honor in 2022. This is just the latest award for the Rosemount, MN native, who is one of the most decorated players in program history as she collected a slew of accolades during the 2026 season.  The senior is one of just two Patriots, along with Emma Rittman, to have been named a four-time NAIA First Team All-American.

Over her stellar career, Hadac was named the 2024 AAC Defensive Player of the Year, while she has earned NAIA All-Tournament honors twice, and is a four-time AAC First Team All-Conference selection. The senior earned IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week six times and was the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week twice. The Rosemount, MN native has flourish in the classroom, becoming the first Patriot women's lacrosse player to be named a CSC First Team Academic All-America three times, while earning CSC NAIA At-Large Team Member of the Year honors this season.  Hadac, who earned her MBA after graduating with a Bachelor's in Accounting is also a three-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and a three-time AAC Academic All-Conference selection. 
 

"Koral has deserved every accolade she has received this year both academically and athletically," said Head Coach Kelly Buikus. "She was a tireless worker, a tremendous captain and a role model that our team could look up to in all aspects. I'm really proud of her and we will continue to cheer her on in all her future endeavors."

This year marked the second consecutive season that Hadac led the NAIA in caused turnovers with 52, while her 61 ground balls ranked second in the NAIA. Hadac was an instrumental part of the Patriots defense that limited opponents to a NAIA-best 5.41 GAA and a 57.5% clear rate. She tallied at least five caused turnovers in four games, including seven in the AAC semifinal win over Georgetown.

In 2025, Hadac set the program record with 54 caused turnovers to lead the NAIA to go along with NAIA-best 78 ground balls.  The senior was a staple on the Patriots draw control unit as well as UC's clear defense that limited opponents to a 59.2% clear rate.  One of her biggest moments came in the NAIA semifinals, when she netted the game-winning goal with 2:32 remaining in the fourth quarter helping Cumberlands advance to their second national championship game.  That moment earned the 2025 PATS Award for Moment of the Year.

"This award represents more than individual achievement, it's a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and surrounding yourself with great people can open doors to opportunities you never imagined.  I'm grateful for everyone who helped me get here," Hadac added.

Hadac is UC's career leader in caused turnovers with 179, while she ranks second in ground balls with 265.  She also closes out her career ranked second in the NAIA in caused turnovers and third in ground balls.
 
The Patriots went 20-2 last season en route to winning the AAC Regular Season and Tournament titles.  UC went on to defeat #7 Ave Maria 14-11 in the quarterfinals of the NAIA Tournament. 
 
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