BOSTON - The Simmons Athletic Department held their Annual Athletic Awards Luncheon on Monday, May 8th in the Linda K. Paresky Center. This celebration happens every spring and its purpose is to highlight the accomplishments of the student-athletes and teams throughout the year.
The afternoon began with President Lynn P. Wooten presenting "The President's Cup" to the Simmons soccer team as they posted the highest cumulative GPA for the 2021-22 academic year.
First-year Carli Quinlan was named the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year, which is presented to the student-athlete who has significantly contributed to the success of their team in their first-year at Simmons.
Quinlan Massachusetts had a stellar season for the Sharks. With ten meet appearances, she was a four-time GNAC Rookie of the Week selections and earned three event championships at the GNAC Championship Meet in the 200-yard freestyle, 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard medley relay. Additionally, she took home a trio of three second place medals (50 free, 100 free, 200 free relay) culminating in being selected as the 2023 GNAC Rookie of the Year.
The Student-Athlete of the Year Award, which is presented to a junior or senior student-athlete who has demonstrated athletic talent, made a who has demonstrated athletic talent and maintaining a 3.4 GPA or higher, was given to senior Sammi Hogan.
Described by her coach as "someone who has embodied the definition of a student-athlete" through her "character, selflessness, and unwavering team-first mindset," she created an left an indelible mark on the lacrosse program. This season on the field, she scored 23 goals in 17 games, while tallying 11 assists for 34 points for the Sharks.
Away from games and practices, she has been a four-year member of the Student Nursing Association, where she served as a class representative for the honors program on the executive board and has earned a cumulative grade-point average of 3.93 in the nursing program. Her care for the people around her is not limited to her teammates and patients, she is an active member of Applalachia Service Project in her hometown of Westborough, Massachusetts. She is preparing to embark on her sixth trip to Kentury to work on multiple construction projects.
Additionally, for the past year she has been working as a patient care assistant at Brigham & Women's Hospital and just recently accepted a full-time offer to work as a nurse in the Thoracic Surgery Step Down Unit.
Two-sport student-athlete, junior Marita Nothacker earned the 2022-23 Coaches Award, presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated a significant contribution to their team through athletic ability, dedication, commitment, leadership, and exemplary character.
Described by her coach as a person who's "dedication and commitment to get the job done, day-in and day-out is unmatched," Nothacker holds herself to high standards and helps teammates reach the achievements they are capable of obtaining. She has excelled athletically for the Sharks in two sports all while being a member of the honors program and ROTC.
On the soccer pitch, she led the GNAC in saves and maintained a solid 2.33 goals-against average. In addition, she capped off the year being recognized for her outstanding work in the classroom earning College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors. In the spring, she carried the same "grit, humility, and team-first mentality" on to the lacrosse field, where she registered 30 goals in 13 games with five assists for 35 points.
Softball senior Maddie Castigliego was recognized as the 2022-23 Ali Kantor Athletic Director Award. Named after longtime Simmons Director of Athletics, Ali Kantor, the Ali Kantor Athletic Director Award is presented to a student-athlete, who has participated in all four years in a Simmons Varsity sport and has shown exemplary dedication, performance and leadership.
As someone continuously seeking to improve her game by her "locked-in" mentality and always wanting that "one more rep," Castigliego has never shied away from a challenge. This attitude of never being satisfied has led her to multiple conference weekly awards, three major conference awards, regional recognition and hitting numerous individual milestone and program records.
She sets the bar very high for herself, but has been the pinnacle team player; always encouraging and helping teammates achieve what they want to achieve both on and off the field. It has not been more apparent than this year when she was thrust into a leadership role and did not shy away from it. She took the initiative to facilitate team meetings, off-season workouts, and team-bonding activities, while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for the 10 first-years.
The Simmons University Athlete of the Year Award, presented to the student-athlete who ahs demonstrated outstanding athletic achievement towards their team's success and received conference, regional or national recognition, was given to field hockey sophomore Sydney Gonyea.
Described by her coach as an "absolute pleasure to work with," Gonyea found herself ranked amongst the top five in the nation in all offensive categories. "Every time she stepped on the field, she played with confidence, poise and control. When the ball is on her stick she is a force to be reckoned with. While leading the GNAC in goals and points, she also knew when to distribute the ball, finishing second amongst conference leaders in assists.
Gonyea had a record-breaking 2023 season for Field Hockey. She was named the GNAC Offensive Player of the Year, was selected to the All-GNAC First team, selected to the GNAC All-Tournament Team, and named to the NFHCA All-Region team.