Simmons senior Keri-Ann Arsenault (Chester, N.H.) was selected as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Swimmer of the Year for the second consecutive season in a vote by the conference coaches. Junior Brittany Torelli (Waterbury, Conn.) was also named to the All-Conference Sportsmanship team.
Arsenault was the high point scorer for Sharks this season. She had 18 individual wins throughout the season, including three at the GNAC Championships in the 400-yard IM, 500-yard Freestyle and 1650-yard Freestyle.
At the NEISDA Championships she finished 7th in the 500 Free and earned all-NEISDA honors by finishing 4th in the 1650-yard Freestyle and 3rd in the 1000-yard Freestyle. Arsenault led the Sharks to an 11th place finish by scoring 57 of the team's 251 points.
Arsenault also led the team to win the GNAC Conference meet in December by scoring 26 individual points of the team's 180, helping the Sharks to win their fifth title in a row.
"Keri-Ann deserves this award more than anything," said Head Coach Mindy Williams. "Our team has recognized and celebrated her contributions, but it is nice to see that our fellow GNAC teams have made notice of her outstanding season as well.
I have never coached anyone who loves the sport of swimming as much as Keri-Ann. She has worked really hard this year and stayed focused right up until the end. To receive this honor two years in a row is very telling of the respect Keri-Ann demands on the pool deck and in the water."
Torelli twice was named Simmons Shark of the Week for her dominance in breaststroke events during the season, and for her team spirit and sportsmanship. "I am so pleased to see Brittany named to the all-sportsmanship team," said Williams. "It is no surprise to me; she belongs there. Brittany is on her feet cheering from the start of the meet to the finish. Regardless of the races she has ahead of her, she always puts her teammates first. Cheering for them is her priority.
"It is fun to watch Brittany interact with athletes from other schools. She is very respectful. She appreciates a good race, whether she wins it or not."