(Release courtesy of WPI Athletics)
WBCA Release
WORCESTER --- WPI Women’s Basketball assistant coach
Armando Dunn was named to the 2026 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Thirty Under 30 as announced by the association on Tuesday.
The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program was created to recognize 30 up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches aged 30 and under at all levels of the game. Each honoree has exemplified their involvement in community service, mentorship, and impact on others, in a professional manner, and attitude, and professional association involvement.
Dunn has served as an integral piece to the success of the women’s basketball program under WPI Hall of Fame head women’s basketball coach
Cherise Galasso. "I’m very excited Armando is being recognized as one of the WBCA Thirty Under 30 honorees,” stated Coach Galasso. "This award is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication he brings to our program and student-athletes every single day.”
During his second season with the Crimson and Gray, Dunn helped lead the Engineers to a 15-11 overall record and 6-5 mark in NEWMAC play en route to advancing to the NEWMAC postseason tournament. Galasso continued, "Armando is a rising star in this profession, and his impact on our culture and the growth of our players is immeasurable. I’m really grateful to work alongside him.”
“I am humbled and honored by this recognition. I want to give a special shout-out to Cherise Galasso for nominating me, providing consistent mentorship, and believing in my ability to impact the experiences of our student-athletes,” remarked Dunn. “Thank you to the WBCA for the recognition and congratulations to all other honorees.”
The Engineers added weekly honors in
Ava Hyams (Kearny, N.J.) as she was named the NEWMAC Defensive Athlete of the Week, in addition to
Ava Giansiracusa (Wethersfield, Conn.) claiming a spot on the NEWMAC Postseason Second Team for the second consecutive season. Additionally, the program touted nine on the NEWMAC All-Academic Team.
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.