HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College athletics department honored their outstanding student-athletes during their 2023-2024 Awards Night Ceremony at the Putnam Center in Henniker, New Hampshire on Thursday evening.

Current NEC student-athletes, coaches and staff attended, as well as New England College President Wayne Lesperance.

The evening began with NEC Director of Athletics Dave DeCew welcoming everyone to the ceremony. President Lesperance then addressed the audience, recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of the athletic programs during this school year.

Honorees included student-athletes who earned All-Conference accolades, Chi Alpha Sigma Academic Society inductees, conference Coach of the Year honorees, regional award recipients and teams that have won conference championships during the 2023-2024 year.

After the Pilgrims recognized their outstanding senior class with their annual Senior Salute, the highlight of the evening came with the announcing of the Departmental Awards, voted on by NEC coaches and athletics staff.

The Scholar-Athlete Awards were presented to the outstanding female and male graduating senior-athletes who have the highest grade-point averages that year. Senior defender Malin Ohlsson (Hollviken, Sweden) of the women's ice hockey team and co-honorees senior Malik Keresey (Pittsfield, Maine) of the men's cross country and men's wrestling teams and senior catcher Quinn Mansperger (Hooksett, N.H.) were all recognized for their exceptional excellence in the classroom, setting the bar for the academic success of all student-athletes NEC.

The Rookie of the Year Awards were presented to the most outstanding female and male first-year athletes who have demonstrated exceptional athletic performance and accomplishment during their respective first years of intercollegiate competition.

Forward Alexis Hornsby (Atkinson, N.H.) of the women's ice hockey team was voted the Female Rookie of the Year after an outstanding first season with the Pilgrims that saw her earning four New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) Rookie of the Week awards, on her way to being voted NEHC All-Conference Third Team and All-Rookie Team accolades. Hornsby scored the most goals in a season by a Pilgrim since the 2007-2008 year.

Center Paul Waldhauser (Klagenfurt, Austria) of the men's ice hockey team was voted the Male Rookie of the Year, representing the youth movement in the Pilgrims that saw the youngest team in school history take the ice this season. Waldhauser led the team in points and earned an NEHC Rookie of the Week award in just the first week of the season, setting the tone for the rest of the campaign and hopefully for years to come.

The Athlete of the Year Awards were presented to the most outstanding female and male athletes based on their exceptional athletic performance and accomplishments.

Graduate midfielder Cassie Kelly (Alexandria, Minn.) of the women's lacrosse team was voted Female Athlete of the Year after an incredible season that saw her earn Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) second team All-Conference honors after leading the Pilgrims in scoring with 45 goals in 17 games. Kelly had a historic 2024 campaign, setting school records for caused turnovers in a game (13), caused turnovers in a season (75) and caused turnovers in a career (137). At press time, Kelly was leading the GNAC in caused turnovers and in ground balls per game (5.47) while ranking third in the nation in caused turnovers per game (4.41).

Junior-transfer attacker Henri Pfeifle (Darien, Conn.) of the men's lacrosse team was voted Male Athlete of the Year, turning in a thrilling first season in Henniker. Pfeifle led the Pilgrims with 55 goals and 73 points, ultimately claiming All-GNAC first-team first team honors with one Player of the Week award. At press time, he was the third-leading scorer in the entire conference.

The Pilgrim Pride award was present to the student-athlete who best exemplifies pride, integrity and respect; and demonstrates outstanding academic and athletic excellence.

Senior outside hitter Renee McBride-Rogers (Midwest City, Okla.) of the women's volleyball program was recognized with the award, showing qualities both on the court, in the classroom and from the stands.

Finally, the NEC men's golf team was recognized with the Team of the Year award. In just their third season of existence and their first year in the conference, the Pilgrims won the GNAC Championship to reach the NCAA Championships to be held next week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Congratulations to all our student-athletes on an outstanding season!



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