WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State University held its annual Senior and Student Athlete Awards Ceremony at the Woodward Center on Wednesday, May 1, celebrating the year-long accomplishments of the program's seniors, standout student-athletes, and teams.
For a photo gallery of all of the seniors and team award winners, CLICK HERE
Owls' athletics recognized its major award winners, including the Senior Scholar Athlete Awards, the Peter Mazza Athletic Award, the Senior Male and Female Athletes of the Year, and the John Kurty Award, the department's highest award for four-year contributions to athletics, and inducted 33 new members of Chi Alpha Sigma, the national honor society for college athletes.
(Details on the individual major award winners will follow in subsequent releases).
Westfield State Chief of Staff Dr. Michael Freeman spoke on behalf of the president, with an uplifting message to the student athletes.
He acknowledged the time that the Owls' student-athletes put in and the community that collegiate athletics builds.
"Beyond the community in Woodward, you should cherish the connections with other students," said Freeman. "It has to be rewarding to walk around campus and hear students cheering you after a hard fought game. It's especially rewarding to receive the support of students, faculty and spectators that you personally know … you play with the support of the Westfield State Community behind you. Being a student-athlete doesn't come without its fair share of challenges. However the memories you've made and the people you've met as athletes and students will stay with you for the rest of your life. You remind us that we are truly stronger together, and that Owl nation is strong when we stand together understanding what we have in common - one team, one family. On behalf of faculty and staff, and the president I salute you and offer my congratulations for a year well done."
Owl student athletes Dawson Garcia (men's ice hockey) and Paige Reisman (field hockey) emceed the event as members of the Owls' student-athlete advisory committee.
A crowd of approximately 150 student athletes, coaches, and administrators attended the event, which was live-streamed for those who were unable to attend. Each team was featured on a presentation on the video board, and the teams' award winners and seniors were called down to receive their awards, and the senior gift.
After the event, a pizza reception was held for all in attendance.
Below are each team's award winners:
Women's Soccer
Offensive Player of the Year – Delaney Parker
Defensive Player of the Year – Jaida Cochran
Justine Crocker Soccer Award – Emily Ottomaniello
Men's Soccer
Most Outstanding Teammate Award – Collin O'Brien
Rookie of the Year – Paul Whalley
Goalkeeper of the Year Award – Luke Theroux
Women's Volleyball
Outstanding Contributors – Michaela O'Connor
Outstanding Contributors – Julia Dangel-Garcia
Coaches' Award – Lizi Buron
Rookie Award – Lauren Carnes
Rookie Award – Olivia Harris
Most Valuable Player – Bridgette McAndrews
Leadership Award – Julia Bartiet
Football
Offensive Lineman of the Year – Sean Murray
Defensive Lineman of the Year – Cade Nelson
Coaches Award Special Teams – Cooper Harvey
Offensive Player of the Year – Jordan Smith
Defensive Player of the Year – Tyler Cooley
Field Hockey
Shanna Litterst Award – Taylor Creech
Team MVP – Morgan Wichmann
Unsung Hero – Maddie Ouellette
Men's Cross Country
Most Valuable Performer– Nathan Sylven
Most Improved Performer – Abdi Nassir
James Earley Award – Jarrod Ledvina
Women's Cross Country
Most Valuable Performer – Shea Hamel
Most Improved Performer– Erin Vasu
James Earley Award – Brynne LeCours
Ice Hockey
Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year – Christopher Miraldo
Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year – Emile Pichette
Offensive Player of the Year – Gianluca Marini
Women's Basketball
Most Outstanding Contributor – Jordan Grant
Most Improved Player – Morgan Berthiaume
Ojae Beale Coaches Award – Maddie Pond
Cheerleading
Leadership Award – Takirah Clark
Most Improved – Emma Heinemann
Women's Swimming and Diving
Most Valuable Performer – Alexa Richter
Coaches Awards – Jackie Roccabruna
Men's Basketball
Rick Martin Award – Kobe Parker
Most Valuable Player – Brendon Hamilton
Men's Golf
Brett Williamson Award – Jack Corsi
Most Valuable Performer – Andrew Mason
Women's Golf
Most Improved Player – Kaitlyn Egan
Most Valuable Player – Julia Elbe
Most Outstanding Player – Kerry Greenough
Men's Track and Field
Most Outstanding Contributor Track – Nathan Sylven
Most Outstanding Contributor Field – Colby Ranck
Women's Track and Field
Most Outstanding Contributor Track – Shea Hamel
Most Outstanding Contributor Field – Eliza Lee
Women's Lacrosse
Defensive Player of the Year – Victoria Paine
Offensive Player of the Year – Kiely Hafensteiner
Most Valuable Player – Megan Bailey
Baseball
Cy Young Award – Ryan Lapierre
Most Valuable Player – Sam Palmer
Softball
Outstanding Contributor – Hannah Wodecki
Outstanding Contributor – Stephanie Scoville
Phanessa Fisher Award – Christina Ciampa