FEMALE SENIOR SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD
Awarded to the senior female athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Carly Drew is a three sport athlete- field hockey, women’s ice hockey and women’s lacrosse and a Psychology major with a 3.99 cumulative GPA.
Male SENIOR SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD
Awarded to the senior male athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Derek Raposo is a four-year men’s ice hockey player and fire science major with a 3.97 cumulative GPA.
TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD
The team academic award is presented to the team that holds the highest cumulative grade point average amongst all team members.
Men's Ice Hockey was the recipient of the Team Academic Award Winner for the seventh consecutive year.
SAAC AWARD
The Student Athlete Advisory Committee Award is given to a sophomore, junior, or senior, student athlete, who is heavily involved on campus, exemplifies sportsmanship attributes, is dedicated to their team(s) and community, and excels in the classroom.
Liam Bedenkop, a four-year member of the men’s lacrosse team and President of SAAC, has been a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for student-athletes at Anna Maria College. His commitment to SAAC over the years has been unwavering, and the College has been fortunate to have his leadership at the helm. Liam embodies everything the organization stands for—service, leadership, and advocacy—and has worked tirelessly to enhance the student-athlete experience. His loyalty, integrity, and drive have left a lasting impact on both SAAC and the athletic community as a whole.
SISTER ROLLANDE QUINTAL SERVICE TO ATHLETICS AWARD
Sister Rolland Quintal Service To Athletics Award. The Sister Rolland Award is awarded to an individual or group for their service to the Athletic Department. Sister Rollande, a 1962 graduate of Anna Maria College, left AMC for a 15-year period to teach and be a guidance counselor. She returned to Anna Maria for good in 1976. Sister Rollande has served in many roles in her time, including Registrar from 1976-2009. Since 2011 Sister Rollande has served as the Director of Mission Effectiveness and historian of AMC facts. She is responsible for the creation of the “timeline wall” outside of Zecco. In short, she has been a part of AMC for almost 50 years and has provided “whatever” services that have been asked of her and volunteered for many others—only fitting that the “SERVICE TO ATHLETICS” award is forever in her name.
This year’s Sister Rollande Quintal Service to Athletics Award is presented to President Mary Lou Retelle, a steadfast supporter of AMCAT athletics and a true champion of the student-athlete experience. President Retelle arrived at Anna Maria College in 2011 as Executive Vice President and began serving as the College’s 11th President on June 1, 2015, following a year as interim president. Over the past decade, she has led the institution with vision and strength—building a dedicated Board of Trustees, assembling a dynamic leadership team, and guiding the College through some of the most challenging times in higher education.
Under her leadership, the College implemented a comprehensive strategic plan, completed a $5 million renovation to the campus center, and successfully navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts to expand technological access, diversify the student body, and strengthen the College’s academic and community presence have had a lasting impact. In addition to her on-campus leadership, President Retelle has represented Anna Maria College on several regional boards, advocating for higher education and student success.
A beloved presence on the sidelines and in the stands, President Retelle has been one of AMCAT athletics' most dedicated and visible supporters. Whether cheering at games or recognizing the achievements of student-athletes in the classroom, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the role athletics plays in shaping a vibrant college experience.
On behalf of the entire athletic department, our student-athletes, and our coaches, we extend our deepest gratitude to President Retelle for her years of service, support, and leadership. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and wish her all the best in her upcoming retirement.
NANCY NAROIAN AWARD
The Nancy Naroian Award is presented to a student, or students, for extraordinary and often “behind the scenes” work in the Anna Maria Athletic Department. Nancy Naroian was the Athletic Department secretary for 24 years, from 1984-2008 “the one behind the scenes that made everything run smoothly” and was like a “mother” to all the athletes, providing a caring ear when they needed to talk and treating them like one of her own. In her time at Anna Maria, the smooth operation of the Athletic Department was a direct result of her efforts, as was her style. She loved being the one away from the limelight but was directly responsible for all the good things that resulted from of her efforts.
The 2024–2025 Nancy Naroian Award was presented to Seth Williams, who will graduate in May with a degree in Emergency Management. Seth has been an invaluable member of the athletics department, especially within the sports information office, always stepping in wherever and whenever needed. With a tireless work ethic and a positive attitude, Seth never says no to a task and consistently approaches every responsibility with a smile. From game management to behind-the-scenes support, he has gone above and beyond to ensure the success of countless events. Seth exemplifies the spirit of the Nancy Naroian Award through his dedication, reliability, and selfless contributions to AMCAT athletics.
RAY LeBoeuf Sportsmanship Award
The Ray LeBoeuf Sportsmanship Award is presented to a student-athlete or athletes for their sportsmanship, dedication, etiquette, and kindness on and off the field. This year, we’ll be presenting both a female and male award.
The 2024–2025 Ray LeBoeuf Sportsmanship Award is presented to two student-athletes who truly embody the spirit of sportsmanship in every sense. This award honors individuals who consistently demonstrate respect, integrity, and humility toward teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and campus staff. These recipients are consummate teammates and true competitors who reflect the core values of Anna Maria College both on and off the field.
The first recipient is Megan Burdett, a senior nursing major and four-year member of the women’s basketball team. Megan has been a steady and positive presence throughout her time at Anna Maria, leading by example and treating others with respect and kindness in every interaction.
The second recipient is Tommy Sasso, a graduate student and three-year member of the baseball team. Tommy’s leadership, character, and unwavering commitment to his team and the greater campus community have made a lasting impact.
Together, Megan and Tommy exemplify what it means to compete with class and represent the AMCATS with pride.
BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
The Breakthrough Athlete Of The Year is presented to a student athlete or athletes who has strongly impacted their team’s performance on the field.
The first recipient of the 2024–2025 Breakthrough Athlete Award is sophomore men’s lacrosse player, Eric Farrell, who had a remarkable breakout season. In just 15 games, Eric tallied 35 goals, 8 assists, and 43 total points—more than tripling his goal and point totals from his rookie year. His significant improvement and impact on the field have made him one of the team’s most dynamic offensive threats. Eric’s development and standout performance this season make him a deserving recipient of this year’s Breakthrough Athlete Award.
The second recipient of the 2024–2025 Breakthrough Athlete Award is sophomore baseball player, Jonathan Guardascione, who has delivered an outstanding season on the diamond. In just 27 games, Jonathan has recorded 35 hits, including 8 doubles and 3 home runs, while batting an impressive .443. He has driven in 30 runs and scored 12 himself, with his offensive output this season far surpassing his rookie year performance. His dramatic improvement and consistent impact at the plate make him a true embodiment of the Breakthrough Athlete Award.
The third recipient of the 2024–2025 Breakthrough Athlete Award is sophomore softball player, Ella Moon, who has had an exceptional second season on the field. Batting .321, Ella has collected 26 hits, including 7 doubles, 2 triples—one of which marked her first career triple—and her first career home run. She has also driven in 13 runs. Her offensive production has soared in her sophomore year, more than doubling her hits and RBIs and tripling her doubles from her rookie season. Ella’s remarkable growth and impact at the plate make her a well-deserving recipient of the Breakthrough Athlete Award.
FIRST YEAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
The Female and Male First Year Athlete of the Year awards are presented to first-year AMCATS, not just freshman, for their contributions to Anna Maria Athletics.
Emma McGuane made an immediate impact in her first year on campus and is the 2024–2025 Female First Year Athlete of the Year. She led the team with 12 goals and added 5 assists for a total of 17 points, ranking second overall in team scoring. In a record-breaking performance against Keene State, Emma set a new school single-game record with 4 goals and 1 assist for 5 points. Her outstanding debut season also placed her fifth in the MASCAC in goals scored. Emma’s performance, poise, and potential have set the stage for an exciting collegiate career.
Men’s soccer standout Kyle Brocker was named the 2024–2025 Male First Year Athlete of the Year after an impressive debut season. Making an immediate impact on the field, Kyle helped lead the AMCATS to their highest win total in years with 9 victories and a GNAC Tournament quarterfinal appearance. He tallied 6 goals and 1 assist for 13 points, finishing second on the team in both goals and total points. His strong performance earned him a spot on the GNAC All-Conference Second Team. Kyle’s poise, production, and presence on the field made him a key contributor in his first season as an AMCAT.
LEN SMITH AWARD
The Len Smith Award is awarded to a student-athlete who displays grit, tenacity, perseverance, and loyalty and are fierce competitors. Len Smith was the Women’s basketball Coach from 1996-2002 and the second Anna Maria Athletics Director from 1997-2006. Len, a Vietnam War veteran, stepped on a landmine and almost lost his leg. He didn’t let this deter him from a lifelong affiliation in Athletics upon his return from Vietnam. Len never made excuses and was a hard worker who did the almost impossible, taking over for the legendary Steve Washkevich and continuing the smooth running and advancement of the Athletics Department. His old school personality and incredible loyalty to Anna Maria were his most memorable qualities.
This year’s Len Smith Award recipients are the embodiment of consistent effort, determination, and quiet leadership. Through their relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment, they continuously pushed themselves—and those around them—to reach higher standards. Whether in daily practices or preparing for competition at the highest level, they approached every task with diligence and tenacity. These student-athletes lead by example and reflect the very spirit of the Len Smith Award: perseverance, integrity, and a team-first mentality.
The first recipient of this year’s Len Smith Award is a three-year women’s soccer, junior, Abby Smith.
The second recipient of the Len Smith Award is a four-year men’s ice hockey player, senior Matt Byrne.
The final recipient of 2024-2025 Len Smith Award is a four-year men’s lacrosse player, senior Nate Powers.
SENIOR class AWARD
The Anna Maria College Senior Award is a coveted award given to a senior or seniors who have had outstanding careers as an athlete here at Anna Maria. This year eight seniors have received this award.
The 2024-2025 Female Senior Class Award recipients are: Riley Michaud (Women's Lacrosse), Jana Hunt (Women's Volleyball), Carly Drew (Field Hockey, Women's Ice Hockey, Women's Lacrosse) and Madison Paulhus (Women's Basketball).
The 2024-2025 Male Senior Class Award recipients are: Jeremy Rosenburg (Baseball), Sean Zabari (Men's Basketball), Ryan Russell (Football), Nick Choate (Baseball).
AMCAT AWARD
The AMCAT Award is given to a graduate student that has displayed the utmost commitment to Anna Maria athletics and Anna Maria College while having an outstanding athletic career. This year marks the second year this distinguished award will be giving out.
The 2024–2025 AMCAT Award recipient is five-year men’s ice hockey standout, Matthew Gilbert, who has played a key role in shaping the foundation and standard of the program. A leader both on and off the ice, Matthew’s contributions were instrumental in the team’s historic first season in the MASCAC, where the AMCATS earned the second seed, advanced to the semifinals, and recorded the most wins in school history with 19. Over the course of his career, he appeared in 101 games, tallying 29 goals and 31 assists for 60 points. This past season, he notched the first hat trick of his career—another milestone in a remarkable journey. Matthew’s leadership, character, and lasting impact make him a deserving recipient of the AMCAT Award.
STEPHEN WASHKEVICH AWARD
The Stephen C. Washkevich Award is presented to Anna Maria student-athlete for outstanding individual accomplishments on the field of play. Named after the first Director of Athletics, Steve Washkevich who worked at Anna Maria from 1978-1997 and “upon his shoulders, Anna Maria athletics was built”. Steve was a tireless worker, did any and all tasks needed to get programs up and running, including coaching, driving busses, and providing any services needed in order for home games to run smoothly. He oversaw and physically assisted in the creation of all home athletic facilities. No was never an option to Steve, as he always found a way to get things accomplished.
The recipients of the 2024–2025 Stephen Washkevich Award, regardless of the sport they play, have exemplified what it means to compete with passion and purpose. Whether in practice, games, or scrimmages, they consistently bring maximum effort and set the tone for their teams. Their daily commitment does not go unnoticed—it inspires those around them and drives their teammates to rise to the occasion. True competitors at heart, these student-athletes have helped shape the culture of Anna Maria athletics by bringing energy, discipline, and finely honed skills to every aspect of their sport. Their ability to lead by example and motivate others has been instrumental in the growth and success of their respective programs.
The first recipient of the 2024–2025 Stephen Washkevich Award is four-year women’s ice hockey standout, Jordyn Bleaney, who has left an unforgettable mark on the program. A fierce competitor and a true embodiment of this award, Jordyn's impact was felt every time she took the ice. Over 96 career games, she recorded 25 goals, 36 assists, and 61 points, including five game-winning goals. She concludes her career as the program’s all-time leader in goals, assists, points, shots (272), power play goals (9), and game-winning goals. Jordyn’s legacy is one of leadership, consistency, and excellence—qualities that define the spirit of the Stephen Washkevich Award.
The second recipient of the Stephen Washkevich Award is four-year men’s soccer standout, Rubelsi Moran. Rubelsi had a record-breaking career on the field and played a pivotal role in leading the AMCATS to one of their most successful seasons in recent history, culminating in a GNAC Tournament quarterfinal appearance. Over 56 games, he totaled an impressive 36 goals, 9 assists, and 81 points, including 7 game-winning goals. In his final season alone, he tallied 16 goals, 2 assists, and 34 points—ranking him second all-time at Anna Maria for goals and points in a single season, and third in single-season assists. He also leaves the program ranked second all-time in both career goals and career points. Rubelsi embodies the spirit of the Stephen Washkevich Award through his excellence, leadership, and impact on AMCAT soccer.
The final recipient of the 2024–2025 Stephen Washkevich Award is four-year men’s basketball standout, Gabriel Armstead, who has had an exceptional career as an AMCAT. A relentless competitor and selfless teammate, Gabriel consistently did whatever was needed to help his team succeed. He finished his career with 1,442 points and 711 rebounds, ranking seventh all-time in program history in both categories. Over his four years, he started in 101 of 103 games, missing only two, and proved to be a model of consistency and dedication. A classy and determined leader, Gabriel exemplifies the very essence of the Stephen Washkevich Award through his performance, character, and unwavering commitment to his team.
Female Athlete of the Year
The Female Athlete Of The Year award is presented to a female athlete who has had an extraordinary season on the field.
The 2024–2025 Female Athlete of the Year is four-year women’s basketball standout, Marinique Reddin, who delivered a historic and record-breaking senior season. Marinique led the AMCATS to 15 wins—the program’s most in 26 years—and a berth in the GNAC quarterfinals. She finished the season ranked fourth in the GNAC in scoring, averaging 21.9 points per game, fifth in rebounds per game with 9.0, and third in total points with 569. On January 15, she became Anna Maria’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing the previous mark of 1,548 points, and finished her career with a remarkable 1,782 points. She also shattered the program’s all-time rebound record, ending her career with 896 rebounds. Marinique set a new single-season scoring record with 569 points in just 26 games. Her dominant performance earned her GNAC All-Conference First Team honors and a spot on the D3Hoops.com All-Region Third Team. Marinique’s legacy as a leader and elite competitor will be remembered for years to come.
Male Athlete of the Year
The Male Athlete Of The Year award is presented to a male athlete who has had an extraordinary season on the field. This year we have two outstanding recipients.
The first 2024–2025 Male Athlete of the Year is graduate-student men’s soccer player, Valter Santiago, who delivered an outstanding season in goal while leading the AMCATS to one of their most successful campaigns in recent years, including a trip to the GNAC quarterfinals. Starting 17 games, Valter recorded 108 saves, 3 shutouts, a 1.35 goals against average, and an impressive .824 save percentage. He ranked second in the GNAC in both saves and save percentage, and his 9 wins in a single season rank second all-time in program history. For his remarkable efforts, he was named GNAC Goalkeeper of the Year, earned GNAC First Team All-Conference honors, and was selected to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division III All-Region Third Team. Valter’s consistency, leadership, and elite performance made him a cornerstone of the AMCATS' success this season.
The second 2024–2025 Male Athlete of the Year is senior men’s ice hockey player, Derek Raposo, who played a pivotal role in leading the AMCATS to the most wins in program history and a second-place finish in their inaugural MASCAC season—culminating in a trip to the MASCAC Semifinals. A standout defenseman, Derek was the backbone of the team’s defensive unit while also contributing significantly on offense, recording 31 points in 27 games with 5 goals and 26 assists. He finished the season ranked sixth in the MASCAC in total points and led the conference in assists. For his outstanding performance, Derek was named MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year, earned First Team All-Conference honors, and was selected to the prestigious New England Hockey Writers Division II/III Men’s All-Star Team. His leadership and all-around excellence were instrumental to the team’s historic season.