The Colorado College hockey team gathered at Carter Payne Center on Friday to celebrate the 2024-25 season and senior class, and hand out individual awards at the annual team banquet.

The event celebrated the fourth campaign under head coach Kris Mayotte and served as the official sendoff for the team’s three graduate students and three seniors.  

 

Grad students Tyler Coffey, Ty Gallagher and Chase McLane, along with seniors Stanley Cooley, Tommy Middleton and Henry Wilder were honored after the team awards were announced.

 

Junior Noah Laba earned the team’s top honor, the Thayer Tutt Most Valuable Player Award. Laba, who signed with the New York Rangers following the season, finished the ’24-25 campaign tied for second in scoring with 26 points and tied for the team lead with 10 goals.

 

Junior goaltender Kaidan Mbereko won the Steve Ebert Award for the second straight year. The award is given for the combination of dedication, desire, ability and sportsmanship that Ebert exemplified during his time as a Tiger. Ebert, a member of the Class of 1966, was killed in an Army air training plane crash in 1970.

 

Wilder won the prestigious Scott Winkler Award, which honors the player that earns the respect of his teammates by showing humility, optimism and support through his love and appreciation for the game as well as his teammates. Winkler passed away unexpectedly in June of 2013 after completing his senior season at Colorado College. Wilder, who transferred to CC from Boston College, appeared in four games in the net in his two seasons at CC.

 

Freshman Owen Beckner earned the M.B. Hopper Award as the team’s top scorer. He notched 27 points with seven goals and tied for the team lead with 20 assists. His 27 points were the most by a CC freshman since Scott Swanson had 48 in 1995-96.

 

Beckner also won the Bob Johnson Award as the team’s top freshman. He is the first freshman to lead CC in scoring since current Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin had 25 points in 2013-14.

 

Gallagher, a transfer from Boston University, won the Tony Frasca Award, given to the player that had the best postseason. Gallagher, who tied for second on the team with 26 points, notched three goals in CC’s best-of-three playoff series at Denver. He signed with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League following the season.

 

Sophomore defenseman Brady Cleveland won the Dave Peterson Award as the most improved player after playing in all 37 games in ’24-25. He posted career highs of one goal, two assists and three points this season. He scored his only goal in a 3-1 victory over Denver in game one of the NCHC playoffs.

 

Sophomore forward Zaccharya Wisdom was named the winner of the Rodman Award, given each year to the player demonstrating the highest degree of sportsmanship. The award was founded in 1980 by Dr. Hugh Rodman and his wife, Crete. Wisdom finished fifth on the team in scoring with 21 points (8g,13a) and third with 81 shots.

 

Middleton earned the Paul Markovich award as the program’s top student-athlete. Middleton has a 3.90 cumulative GPA majoring in molecular biology and was named an NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete each of his four years at Colorado College.

 

Honeygrow, a fast-casual restaurant founded by Penn State alum Justin Rosenberg, is set to open later this year in the Pugh Centre.

The new restaurant will serve a variety of foods such as stir-fries, salads, and honey bar — a dish with fresh fruit, toppings, and drizzled in the customers choice of honey.

Honeygrow has nearly 60 locations across the Northeast and Midwest and has established itself as a nutritious option for people looking for healthy meals.

According to a release, the State College location will feature “its signature open-kitchen experience.”

“Opening in State College is a full-circle moment for me,” said Justin Rosenberg, founder and CEO of honeygrow. “My time at Penn State was a major and influential part of my life, and I’m incredibly excited to bring our brand back to a place that means so much to me.”

MORE CAMPUS COVERAGE

 

 

ORONO, Maine – University of Maine soccer head coach Scott Atherley has announced the addition of Alexis Smith as associate head coach ahead of the 2025 season.

Smith comes to Orono after spending the last seven seasons at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, including the last two seasons as associate head coach. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Alexis to our team and family,” said Atherley. “From the beginning of the search process it was apparent that her personal values were in complete alignment with ours. Alexis brings a wealth of collegiate experience to our program and is someone who has a proven record of developing student-athletes. Above all, Alexis is a great person and she will serve as an exemplary  teammate as a member of our staff and role model for our players.”  

While at SIUE, Smith worked primarily with the goalkeepers and helped lead the Cougars to three straight Ohio Valley Conference Tournament titles and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (2020, 2021, 2022) as well as the OVC regular season title in 2021. Overall, Smith worked with 23 All-OVC selections and five major award winners including two Defender of the Year winners, one Midfielder of the Year winner and two Forward of the Year honorees. Off the field, Smith oversaw recruiting, team film breakdown, scouting reports and all team travel breakdown.

Prior to SIU, Smith was an assistant coach and goalkeeper coach at her alma mater, Bowling Green State University. While with the Falcons, she mentored five All-MAC selections. Additionally, Smith spent six years as a coach with St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club Illinois as well as time coaching with the Bowling Green Soccer Club, Pacesetter Soccer Club and the Perrysburg Soccer Club.

A goalkeeper, Smith played collegiately at Bowling Green and Schoolcraft College. After graduation, she played one season with the Cleveland Ambassadors of the Women’s Professional Soccer League.

Smith earned the USSF B license in 2022 and holds C, D E and F licenses as well as the NSCAA Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma.

The Livonia, Mich. earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bowling Green in 2016 and graduated with an associate of art’s degree in Psychology from Schoolcraft College in 2014.

-UMaine-

By Alexis Demopoulos

Through years of experience in the USPHL and the NCDC, West Chester Wolves forward Sean Tyrie is excited to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to Worcester State University for the 2025-26 season.

Tyrie spent the past three years playing in the USPHL and the NCDC and attributes the leagues for helping make him the player he is today.

“I would like to thank the USPHL and NCDC for giving me every tool necessary to achieve my dream of college hockey and making the last three years of my life something to remember,” said Tyrie.

Tyrie, a native of East Quogue, N.Y., played the 2023-24 season for the USPHL Utica Jr. Comets putting up 48 points in 26 games in his second season. He finished his Premier career with 114 points in 68 games and was a two-time end-of-season All-Star.

He started this season with the NCDC Jr. Comets before getting traded to the Wolves. In 21 games played after getting traded, Tyrie had nine points (6G, 3A) and was a key asset to the team. Overall, Tyrie finished with 14 goals and 18 points in 45 career NCDC games.

“I was traded to West Chester in early November and the way I was treated immediately was second to none,” said Tyrie. “The way Coaches R.C. Lyke, Tyler Casillo and Brian Leonard treat and genuinely care about each kid is something I’ve never seen before in junior hockey. You got an immediate family feel walking into the locker room every day and it was a fun environment to walk into where everybody was pushing each other to get better every day.”

“I’d absolutely have only positive things to say to young kids looking to pursue a hockey future in West Chester. I also have only positive things to say about the Utica Jr. Comets organization which also played a huge role in my junior hockey career.”

Tyrie connected with Worcester State Head Coach Jay Punsky in early 2025 and the process has been nothing short of awesome for him and his family.

“Coach Punsky touched on the fact he’s had the chance to see me play consistently throughout my three years of juniors and saw the upside in my 200-foot game along with adding a scoring touch and some good leadership skills,” said Tyrie.

Worcester State offered Tyrie a top notch education and highly competitive hockey team making this a no-brainer decision for him to spend his next four years.

“What interested me most about the hockey aspect of WSU is how I believe, year-in and year-out you, will have a chance to win the division in the MASCAC,” said Tyrie. “With a lot of good talent and a lot of good teams every single year there will be the ability to make a playoff run and possibly win a divisional championship. Along with that it’s somewhere I believe I can step in right away and make a solid positive impact on the ice and the locker room.

“Academically, WSU made total sense for me and my major in Business Marketing with all the programs I was looking for along with a very impressive academic record throughout the years it’s definitely somewhere I can see myself succeeding in the classroom.”

Now that Tyrie’s junior career has officially come to a close, he will focus on becoming stronger in the postseason before heading to Worcester State in the fall.
“Throughout the summer, I will continue to work on my skating as I think that’s an aspect I can definitely work on going into college hockey,” said Tyrie. “Along with hopefully continuing to put on weight and becoming more physical on the ice come October.”

The NCDC congratulates Sean Tyrie, his family, the West Chester Wolves and Worcester State University for his commitment.

STANDISH, Maine – The 2025 Saint Joseph’s College Athletics Senior Awards have been announced.

At the conclusion of each academic year, the Saint Joseph’s Department of Athletics comes together to honor the numerous accomplishments achieved by the graduating class and, following an internal nomination and voting process, bestow awards upon deserving individuals for seven distinguished honors: Female Athlete of the Year, Male Athlete of the Year, Father John Tokaz Award, Neile Nelson Award, Chris Kiernan Award, Male Student-Athlete of the Year, and Female Student-Athlete of the Year. 



The Saint Joseph’s Senior Athletic Celebration was hosted at the Stone Barn on campus and catered by the SJC events department on the evening of Monday, May 6th. Alumni ’22 and Assistant Director and Associate Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field, Troy Hendricks served as the emcee while Interim Athletic Director Gary Stevens and College President Joe Cassidy delivered opening remarks. Associate Director of Athletics, Sports Medicine Tiffany Miller-Gagnon offered the prayer of invocation. Senior Women’s Volleyball / Track and Field Athlete Sarah Joe presented a Student-Athlete Keynote reflecting on the journey of her and her fellow Monks over the last four years. Student Assistant Coach, Men’s Soccer Team  and SJC Intramural Sports Supervisor  Chris Theordores also presented on his unique journey within athletics during his four years at Saint Joseph’s.



The College inducted 35 senior athletes into the Chi Alpha Sigma honor society during the evening’s festivities. In order to be inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a student-athlete must attend a four-year accredited college or university that is a member of the NCAA, NAIA, USCAA or NCCAA. The honoree must also participate in a sport at the varsity intercollegiate level, display strong moral character, achieve senior academic standing – as determined by the certifying institution – and hold a minimum cumulative grade-point average of a 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale).



SJC Strength & Conditioning Head Coach Jameson Collins also announced that five Saint Joseph’s College student-athletes were selected as 2025 National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All-American Athlete Award recipients.

During the ceremony, student-athletes who were part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) were honored with cords, as well as those who were four-year members of the Leadership Academy. Dr. Christopher Woodside, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, presented the Leadership Academy cords. Tiffany Miller Gagnan, Theresa Arsenault, and Angelica Hurley presented the SAAC cords, acknowledging the commitment and leadership demonstrated by these dedicated student-athletes throughout their collegiate careers.

 

Special thanks to: Neile (Joler) Nelson, Brianna Meehan Photography, Hendricks Media, the SJC Events Department, SJC Information Technology, and SJC Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

 

  

2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS 

	Female Athlete of the Year: Shauna Clark
	Lydia Dexter: “In her lacrosse career Shauna had 90 goals and 64 assists  for a total of 154 points in only 58 games. She also added 131 ground balls, 71 caused turnovers and 104 draw controls. For those of you that dont know lacrosse these stats may not mean much to you but all you need to know having this type of impact all over the field on both offense and defense is not ordinary and is nothing shy of remarkable. All though impressive, These statistics are enough to make her more than deserving of this award, but her off the field accomplishments are what I am most proud of as her coach.   Recently our athletic director, Gary Stevens asked me a question. He asked “are scorers born or are they made?” In my opinion, scorers are undoubtedly made. Scorers are made through hard work, adversity, determination, a thirst for competition and a willingness to take on new challenges.  Shauna is the epitome of a self made scorer whom I have no doubt will have plenty more goals in life beyond SJC.”
	Male Athlete of the Year: Dylan Dickey
	Mike Burleson: “Truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete and a valued member of the SJC community. Dylan carries a 3.7 GPA and is an elite division 3 track and field athlete who has put in the work both in the classroom and in athletics to be successful. He has also been an active member in the St. Joe’s community where he has spent summers working with the grounds crew around campus and also a key player in the game day operations with the sports information department.  He is also incredibly humble and kind. He has taken the time to support his fellow athletes and has taken several athletes under his wings in the last few seasons. This has fostered success and growth of our entire throws group.  Dylan Dickey has thrived as a student-athlete, campus contributor, and academic leader throughout his four years at Saint Joseph’s. A record-setting javelin thrower, his impact on campus and in our program extends far beyond his ability to throw. His approach to everything he does with professionalism, pride and care for others has left a lasting impact on our program. “
	Female Neile Nelson Award: Hanna Webster, Women’s Volleyball Presented annually to the student-athlete who has set an example by displaying a high level of commitment to his/her team while performing a leadership role within the Saint Joseph’s College campus community. Neile was a standout two-sport athlete (soccer, basketball) at Saint Joseph’s and garnered 1994 NCAA Maine Woman of the Year and Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors, All-America Scholar-Athlete accolades in 1993 and 1994, All-Northeast acclaim in 1992, 1993 and 1994 and All-Conference mention in each of her four years on the soccer field.
	Jon Roberts: “Hanna Webster has taken full advantage of her time here at Saint Joe’s.   Hanna has been a multi- sport athlete, A 4 year starter on the volleyball team, and a 2 year captain. A member of the women’s basketball team for 3 seasons, and the manager of the Men’s basketball team this season.   Hanna has been a 4 year member of Monks Leadership Academy & a Senior Leadership Facilitator, an RA, a Peer Mentor, and an Orientation Leader. She’s worked for Athletic Event Staff, Residential Life, and Student Engagement.   She served on SAAC and Interhall, as Class President, and the Student Body President. She’s even served on staff hiring and advisory committees and she has literally helped shape the future of the college during her time here.”
	Male Neile Nelson Award: Michael Wearne, Baseball Presented annually to the student-athlete who has set an example by displaying a high level of commitment to his/her team while performing a leadership role within the Saint Joseph’s College campus community. Neile was a standout two-sport athlete (soccer, basketball) at Saint Joseph’s and garnered 1994 NCAA Maine Woman of the Year and Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors, All-America Scholar-Athlete accolades in 1993 and 1994, All-Northeast acclaim in 1992, 1993 and 1994 and All-Conference mention in each of her four years on the soccer field.
	Will Sanborn: “Mike Wearne is a great example of what the Neile Nelson Award is all about. Michael embodies commitment, excellence, and selfless leadership. In his four years at Saint Joseph’s Mike has served our campus community in so many ways, he has been an outstanding student, and provided amazing leadership through example for his teammates and fellow students. All of this while being one of the nicest people you’d ever meet …… just like Neile Nelson!”
	Chris Kiernan Award: Lillian Souweive, Women’s Alpine Skiing The Chris Kiernan Award is named after the college’s first Director of Athletics and men’s basketball coach who later also served as the Dean of Students and the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. This award is presented to the student-athlete who has shown a consistent work ethic to develop as both a student and an athlete; who has displayed a strong commitment toward service of team and community and has proven a never quit attitude and the willingness to work through and overcome adversity
	Margot Cosentino: “Lilly exemplifies what it means to be truly dedicated and hardworking. She consistently pushes herself to be the best version of who she can be, and she stands out as one of the most driven individuals I’ve ever met. Whether she’s in the classroom, at one of her many campus jobs, or on the mountain with the team, she brings an unmatched work ethic and a relentless determination that few can rival. Balancing two demanding majors and what feels like a dozen jobs, she somehow manages it all with grace and focus. What makes Lilly even more remarkable is her constant pursuit of growth, not just as an athlete, but as a person and a leader. She actively seeks feedback, always looking for ways to improve herself and better support those around her.”
	Father John Tokaz Award: Gary Stevens, Interim Athletic Director Named for a great man who was the College Chaplain for nine years and was an great supporter of athletics during his time at Saint Joseph’s, this honor is presented annually to the individual within the college community who has displayed extraordinary support of and assistance to the athletic department mission and to our student-athletes.
	Mike McDevitt: “This year’s recipient has definitely displayed extraordinary support and assistance to our athletic department. In September, Gary Stevens was hired as our interim Athletic Director. At that time Gary was also an adjunct professor in our Sports Management department. Gary’s leadership over the past 9 months have seen him embrace every situation he has faced with dedication, commitment and professionalism.”
	Female Student-Athlete of the Year: Haley Jackson
	Male Student-Athlete of the Year: Drew Mathieu

 

 

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Just two days removed from winning the individual title at the 2025 NCAA Lexington Regional, Kansas State senior women’s golfer Carla Bernat was named one of 10 finalists for the 2024-25 ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel, the Haskins Foundation announced Friday.
 
Bernat, the 2024-25 Big 12 Women’s Golfer of the Year, is the first ever K-State finalist for the ANNIKA Award, which is annually given to the top Division I women’s golfer and voted on by players, coaches and members of the college golf media.
 
Created in 2014, the ANNIKA Award is named for Annika Sorenstam and was created in partnership with the Haskins Foundation to acknowledge the top female golfer and to match the Haskins Award presented by Stifel, which acknowledges the top Division I men’s golfer.
 
A native of Castellon, Spain, Bernat holds a 69.91 scoring average this season, which is currently the top mark in program history and nearly one stroke per round better than the school record of 70.90 she produced a year ago. Bernat has tallied three victories this season to tie the single-season school record, while she has five victories in her K-State career to rank second. She has not finished outside of the top 20 in any of her 12 starts this season, while she has eight top-five finishes and 10 top-10 showings.
 
Bernat’s record scoring average this season is thanks in part to a career-high 17 rounds in the 60s, including a pair to close out the regional championship. She carded a three-round total of 12-under par 204 in Lexington to tie the school’s 54-hole record. She also ranks in the top 20 in K-State history 10 times for lowest 18-hole score and 12 times for lowest 54-hole score.
 
Bernat has led Kansas State to its first appearance in the NCAA Championship as the Wildcats tied for second in the NCAA Lexington Regional. Thanks in part to Bernat, K-State currently holds the school record for lowest scoring average (287.40) and top-three finishes (7), while it is tied for first in wins (2) and top-five finishes (9). Bernat is also part of a 2024-25 squad that holds the five lowest rounds in school history and five of the lowest seven 54-hole scores in program history.
 
Kansas State begins play at the 2025 NCAA Championship next Friday, May 16, for the first of three rounds of stroke play prior to a 15-team cut. The final round of stroke play is set for Monday, May 19, where the top eight teams will advance to match play and a 72-hole individual champion will be crowned. The final round of stroke play and all rounds of match play on Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21, will be shown on GOLF Channel.