Biography
• First-Team All-Mideast Region All-American (2017)
• Second-Team All-Mideast Region All-American (2016)
• First Team All-Ivy (2016, 2017)
• Second Team All-Ivy (2014)
• NFHCA National Academic Squad selection (2014, 2015, 16, 17)
Career
McILwrick was a two-time Division I All-Mideast Region selection, earning first-team honors as a senior, after a second-team selection as a junior. She was a three-time All-Ivy honoree, with a pair of first-team honors, including a unanimous selection as a senior captain. The anchor of the Big Red defense, she helped the 2017 squad post the third lowest goals-against average in the conference (1.43), a mark that was good for 18th in the nation. The Big Red defense also held opponents to fewer than five shots on goal in 8-of-16 games and allowed just 5.5 penalty corners per contest. During her junior year, Cornell’s defense allowed just 6.0 shots on goal per game and a mere 4.1 penalty corners per contest. Thanks to McILwrick, the 2016 team held five of its first eight opponents of the season to two or fewer shots on goal, while holding eight of its 17 opponents on the season to three or fewer penalty corners per game. Following here sophomore season, she was selected to play for the Team Canada Junior National squad that took fourth place in the 2016 Junior Pan Am Games, held in Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago. McILwrick was a four-time NFHCA National Academic Squad selection.
As a junior (2016)
• McILwrick was named a second-team All-Mideast Region All-American and first-team All-Ivy selection following the season.
• Was the anchor of a defensive unit that allowed just 6.0 shots on goal per game and a mere 4.1 penalty corners per contest.
• Thanks to McILwrick, the Big Red defense held five of its first eight opponents of the season to two or fewer shots on goal, while holding eight of its 17 opponents on the season to three or fewer penalty corners per game.
• McILwrick also ranked fourth on the team with 12 points on four goals and four assists.
• Named to the 2016 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad.
As a sophomore (2015)
• Had another solid season for the Big Red, making 17 starts as an anchor of the Cornell defensive unit.
• After a slow start due to a preseason injury, she played every minute of the final 15 games of the season, and registered one defensive save.
• An explosive player that started Cornell’s transition, she also scored two goals and added two assists for six points.
• Following the season, she was selected to play for the Team Canada Junior National squad that took fourth place in the 2016 Junior Pan Am Games, held in Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago.
• Named to the 2015 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad.
As a freshman (2014)
• A second-team All-Ivy honoree, McILwrick was part of a Big Red defensive unit that set a school record, allowing a mere 3.9 penalty corners per contest, while allowing opponents just 8.0 shots per game, the lowest average since the 1983 season (6.7 shots per game).
• Was also a critical part of the Big Red's transition game, making a number of well-timed runs into the offensive end throughout the season.
• Finished the year with four goals, two game-winning goals, and two assists, with nine of her 10 points on the season coming during Ivy League play.
• Was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week and the ECAC Rookie of the Week on Nov. 11 after registering a hat trick in the Big Red's victory over Dartmouth.
• Awarded the team’s Class of '91 Cup, which is chosen by the senior class and given annually to the player with the most promising future.
• Named to the 2014 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad.
• Was one of 39 players selected to the 2015 Canadian Women's Junior Development Squad.
Prior To Cornell
• Earned four varsity letters at the Port Moody Secondary School, earning her team’s MVP award three consecutive seasons.
• Was the youngest player selected to train with the U-21 Canadian national team in 2013 and went on to be named the 2013 U-18 Player of the Year by Field Hockey British Columbia.
• Won consecutive U-18 Canadian national championships and won the 2013 Tri-City Eagles Field Hockey Cup.
• Named to the Canadian national “Target 2017” team in preparation of the 2017 Junior World Cup.
• Also played soccer.
Personal
• Samantha Kirsten McILwrick is the daughter of Dale McILwrick and Connie Keen and she has one older sister and one younger brother.
• Younger brother Matt plays lacrosse for Penn.
• She is enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the SC Johnson College of Business.
