MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – The NEWMAC is pleased to announce the seven men's sport institutional nominees for the annual NEWMAC Student-Athlete of the Year Award. The award recognizes student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through academic achievement, athletic excellence, leadership and service.
An Awards Committee comprised of Athletic Communicators from across the conference reviews the nominees annually and selects the NEWMAC's honorees. The conference office will announce the 2025-2026 NEWMAC Student-Athlete of the Year recipient(s) on Thursday, July 30. The recipient(s) of the 2025-2026 award will become the NEWMAC's nominee(s) for the Division III Commissioners Association Student-Athlete of the Year award.
2025-2026 NEWMAC Student-Athlete of the Year Nominees – Men's Sports
Craig Connell – Springfield College – Football
Connell earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with a 3.749 GPA while excelling on the football field as a team captain, All-American, and multiple-time Academic All-Conference and CSC Academic All-District selection. Leadership through the Student-Athlete Leadership Team, youth football clinics, and Revitalize Springfield reflected Springfield's Humanics philosophy. Connell's decision to donate stem cells through the National Marrow Donor Program exemplified a commitment to serving others beyond athletics.
Lucky Deignan – MIT – Football
Deignan paired a 3.8 GPA in Computation and Cognition with outstanding leadership on MIT's football team. A team captain, Deignan helped establish a culture of accountability that contributed to the program's first winning season of a collegiate career. Research in healthcare technology, development of open-source software, and mentorship of teammates reflected a commitment to using innovation and leadership to positively impact others.
Everett Mosher – WPI – Cross Country & Track & Field
Mosher maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in Civil Engineering while competing at a high level in both cross country and track & field. Leadership within WPI's program complemented success in the classroom and on the course. A civil engineering project in South Africa that transformed an abandoned building into a community library highlighted a passion for applying engineering skills to create meaningful change.
Michael O'Gara – Wheaton College – Men's Soccer
O'Gara graduated with a 3.95 GPA while earning degrees in Economics and Finance. A First Team All-NEWMAC and All-Region selection, O'Gara established multiple program records while helping lead Wheaton's men's soccer program. Service as a teaching assistant in the Economics Department and as a Wheaton Athletic Mentor demonstrated a dedication to helping fellow students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Dominic Reiter – Emerson College – Men's Soccer
Reiter earned a master's degree in Political Communications with a 3.711 GPA while serving as captain of Emerson's men's soccer team. Leadership on the field was matched by a commitment to civic engagement through environmental advocacy and work on a congressional campaign. A passion for public service and mentorship left a lasting impact on both the Emerson community and the people served beyond campus.
Bennett Smith – Babson College – Men's Lacrosse
Smith graduated with a 3.59 GPA in Finance while helping lead Babson through one of the most successful eras in program history. A team captain and multi-time academic honoree, Smith earned All-Conference and CSC Academic All-District recognition while balancing excellence in the classroom and on the field. Leadership of Babson's Team IMPACT partnership reflected a commitment to mentorship, service, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Shane Williams – Salve Regina University – Baseball
Williams earned an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a 3.677 GPA before completing a master's degree in Cyber Threat Management and Response with a perfect 4.0 GPA. A team captain, 2026 NEWMAC Player of the Year, and CSC Second Team Academic All-America selection, Williams helped lead Salve Regina to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances while serving the community through Team IMPACT, youth baseball, campus ministry, and literacy initiatives. Leadership rooted in service and mentorship left a lasting impact on teammates, youth athletes, and the Newport community.
About the NEWMAC
The NEWMAC is an association of 13 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Saint Anselm College (beginning reclassification process with NCAA in 2027-28), 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 seven Associate Members: 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 21 sports.