Marlborough, Mass.-  The NEWMAC is joining the NCAA in celebrating Officials Appreciation Week throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. This marks the fourth year of the Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA) initiative to highlight and thank conference officials across all sports.

Over the course of this week, the NEWMAC will spotlight several of its long-time winter officials. Today, we recognize basketball official Ashley Rivera. 

Institution Attended: University of Rhode Island 

College Sport(s) Played (if applicable): Women’s Basketball 

How long have you been officiating?  Eight years 

Where/how did you get your start as an official?  

Current referees who officiated my games throughout high school and college helped me. 

Why did you decide to become an official?  

To continue being a part of the sport I love. 

What do you enjoy about being an official in the NEWMAC?  

I enjoy witnessing the growth of the student-athletes, as well as being a part of the competitive nature each game provides. 

What would you tell someone who is considering officiating?

If you want to stay involved and get paid at the same time- why not? 

What other work do you do outside of officiating?

Airbnb Property Management

About the NEWMAC

The NEWMAC is an association of 12 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with eight Associate Members: Brandeis University (Women's Lacrosse, 2026-2027), New York University (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), SUNY Maritime College (Football), SUNY New Paltz (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Football), and Vassar College (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), while sponsoring 20 sports.