BOSTON - The Simmons Athletic Department held their Annual Athletic Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 7 in Alumnae Hall. This celebration happens every spring with the purpose being to highlight student-athlete and team accomplishments throughout the year.
This 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 2022-23 academic 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 significant team contribution and maintained a 3.4 GPA or higher was awarded to senior Katelyn Quinlan.
As captain of the swim team this year, Quinlan has led the team both in and out of the water. Quinlan sets an example for her team as she is always the "first one to rally the team at practice and competitions" in addition to "always keeping spirits high" amongst the team. She is also extremely dedicated and hardworking, taking home 4 relay wins and 4 individual podiums (2nd: 500 free/100 IM, 3rd: 400/200 IM) for the Sharks during their conference this season.
Outside of the water, Quinlan has earned a cumulative grade-point average of 4.0 in the nursing program, as well as receiving the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District recognition.
Sophomore Carli Quinlan was recognized as the 2023-24 Simmons University Athlete of the Year, which is awarded to the student-athlete who has demonstrated outstanding athletic achievement towards their team's success and has received conference, regional or national recognition.
Quinlan had a record-breaking 2023-24 season for the Sharks, eclipsing Simmons' program mark in the 50 yard butterfly with a time of 26.51. Additionally, she registered four personal bests and captured seven first place medals in the GNAC Championship (50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 400 free relay, 800 free relay, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay), culminating in being selected as 2024 GNAC Swimmer of the Year. As a student-athlete Quinlan also dominates, receiving College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District recognition and is on the CSC Academic All-American Ballot. In addition to swimming for the Sharks, Quinlan is a lifeguard and teaches swim lessons, all while balancing and managing the rigors of being a nursing student.
The Rookie of the Year Award, which recognizes a first-year student athlete who has significantly contributed to the success of their team during their first year at Simmons, was presented to first-year Emile Lapointe.
Lapointe had one of the most impressive rookie seasons in Simmons tennis history. She posted a perfect record of 4-0, leading the GNAC in singles victories culminating in being selected as 2023 GNAC Rookie of the Year. As a "tennis junkie", her desire to improve her craft and extremely dedicated work-ethic has set the foundation for a successful college tennis career.
Soccer sophomore Julia Rodgers earned the 2023-24 Coaches Award, presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to their team through athletic ability, dedication, commitment, leadership and exemplary character.
Rodgers commitment and dedication greatly impacted the soccer team's success, as she sacrificed her season as a midfielder to step-in as goalkeeper. Her "exemplary character and positivity" throughout the season showcases her ability to lead and set an example for her teammates. Off the field, Rodgers consistently volunteers her time to tour, host and meet with prospective student athletes in addition to being a SAAC representative on the General Assembly.
Two-sport student-athlete Riley Wasiuk earned the 2023-24 Ali Kantor Athletic Director Award. Named after longtime Simmons Director of Athletics, 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.