Eight Men's GNAC Student-Athletes named Athlete of the Year Finalists
WINTHROP, Mass. - Eight Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) men's student-athletes were named finalists for the 2023-24 GNAC Athlete of the Year award for men's sports. The nominees are also their respective school's institutional nominees for the 2024 NCAA Man of the Year.
The GNAC Athlete of the Year award is modeled after the NCAA Man of the Year award. It recognizes graduating student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.
This year's finalists, who are also their respective school's institutional nominees for 2024 NCAA Man of the Year are:
- Justice Washington, Albertus Magnus
- Chase Adams, Colby-Sawyer
- Luke Palmer, Dean
- Donte Pope, Emmanuel
- Patrick Carbone, Lasell
- Benjamin Stark, Norwich
- Will Wood, Saint Joseph’s (Maine)
- Trey McCann, University of Saint Joseph (Conn.)
The GNAC Athlete of the Year for women's sports will be announced next week and will be submitted as the conference nominee for both NCAA Man of the Year and the Division III Commissioners Association (D3CA) Men's Sport Student-Athlete of the Year.
ABOUT THE NOMINEES
Justice Washington| Albertus Magnus | Men's Basketball
Major: Criminal Justice
Washington earned his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice at Albertus Magnus, graduating with a 3.5 cumulative GPA. On the court, he was named twice to both the GNAC All-Tournament Team and All-Conference teams (Second in 2022-23, First in 2023-24). The Hamden, CT native was also GNAC Player of the week twice this past year, became the 20th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points, led the GNAC in rebounds (11.1) and field goal percentage (62.6), and finished fourth in the nation in double-doubles (18). Washington’s efforts led him to being recognized regionally as he was named to the 2023-24 NABC All-District Second Team and 2023-24 D3Hoops All-Region 1 Third Team. In the classroom, he was on the 2023-24 GNAC All-Academic Team. Washington was also a 2022-23 GNAC Men's Basketball Champion.
Personal Statement:
TBD...
Chase Adams | Colby-Sawyer | Men's Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field
Major: Psychology
The three-time GNAC Outdoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year graduated Colby-Sawyer with his undergraduate degree in Psychology with a 3.96 cumulative GPA. On the track, Adams completed a three-peat as the conference’s Outdoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year (2022, 2023, 2024) as well as taking home the Indoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year award in 2023. He also won eight individual events in previous GNAC championships. Adams was also the institutions’ 2023-24 Senior Outstanding Athlete of the Year, 2022-23 Charger Male Athlete of the Year and holds four school records. Academically, his name was featured on the conference’s All-Academic team all four of his years. In addition, he was named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team in 2023 and 2024. Outside the track and the classroom, Adams did volunteer work with GROUP Mission Trips and was part of the Bird Club on campus.
Personal Statement:
Luke Palmer | Dean | Men’s Soccer
Major: Sport Management & Athletic Coaching
Palmer graduated from Dean with a 3.993 cumulative GPA, majoring in Sport Management & Athletic Coaching. The four-time Bulldog captain was named to the All-GNAC Second Team this past season. In the classroom, Palmer holds a few academic accomplishments. These include being named to the institution’s President List eight times, was a member of the GNAC All-Academic team all four years of his athletic career, was a member of the CSC Academic All-District team twice (2022, 2023), won the Dr. Karen L. Sykes Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Award, which is presented to a pair of graduating student-athletes who achieved the highest-grade point average while participating in varsity athletics, and was a member of Chi Alpha Sigma. Outside of the soccer field, Palmer was the team’s representative on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) board and was a video analyst intern for his team, which ultimately led him to landing a full-time position as a video analyst for the New England Revolution.
Personal Statement:
“I first would like to give a massive thank you to Joe Campbell. As my head coach, as a mentor, he was able to inspire and challenge me to become the person I am today. Back in 2019, he sold me on the idea of helping build his men’s soccer program at Dean College. Accepting and attending Dean – and playing for him – has since been one of the best decisions in my life. And, five years, 53 appearances, 12 goals, and 7 assists later, I walk away fully embracing, understanding, and embodying the idea of leaving anything in a better place than you found it through character, commitment, and competitiveness.
Embracing a leadership role in my sophomore year, captaining the program through the COVID-19 pandemic and through my 5th and final year playing – was a crash course in learning how to lead. Through trial and error, I was able to find my voice and my style of leadership, through leading by example. Even after being challenged with a season-ending injury in 2021, my experiences were able to propel me forward as a leader and as a mentor. This, I believe, helped contribute to building and sustaining a program culture that earned its first GNAC playoff appearance in school history in 2023.
During my time at Dean, I was able to develop the skills needed to effectively manage my time that gave me the tools to balance a 3.9 GPA as a student-athlete. These skills, lessons, and self-discovery also helped me begin my coaching career which included coaching two youth teams during my final Fall season in 2023, and most proudly, starting my own business in 2020 – NewLook Soccer Academy – for young players in Connecticut that is still in operation today that serves as the catalyst for one of my personal missions – mentoring, nurturing, and challenging the next generation of soccer players.
One of the proudest moments of my time at Dean is when my two youth teams surprised me by coming to one of our games this year. Being able to play in front of them as a mentor figure will forever be a fond memory – and something I hope will inspire them to pursue college athletics so that they too can understand what I have the privilege to experience during my time here.
Overall, my time at Dean – as unconventional as it may have been since 2019 through global and personal struggle – has directly led to my ambition and ability to pursue a professional career in soccer. I move forward now in my career with the skills I gathered at Dean and as a Division III student-athlete, committing myself to continuing to grow to reach the highest levels of the game, starting as a full-time First-Team Video Analyst with the New England Revolution in the MLS – making me one of the youngest analysts in the league – with the character, commitment, and sense of competitiveness that was uncovered at my time leading, learning, and playing for Dean College.”
Donte Pope | Men's Basketball | Emmanuel
Major: Finance
Pope graduated Emmanuel College with a degree in Finance, finishing with a 3.115 GPA. On the court, he was named to the All-GNAC Second Team three times in his athletic career, was named to the 2021-22 GNAC All-Rookie team, and earned the GNAC Player of the Week on Nov. 28, 2022. Pope also finished his athletic career as the program record holder in scoring average with 17.4 points per game. Off the court, he was a member of The Hidden Opponent (THO), a non-profit organization for mental health awareness for student-athletes. Pope also became a member of the Black Student Union, participated in numerous basketball camps, school fundraisers, was a resident assistant at Emmanuel, and was team captain for the Saints his senior year.
Personal Statement:
"First and foremost, I would like to thank Emmanuel College and the athletic department with great appreciation for being nominated for this prestigious award.
As a high school graduate of the Class of 2020, I was immediately faced with obstacles and challenges entering my freshman year at Emmanuel College. March 11, 2020, is when it began. On this date, my first high school state basketball tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I finished up my senior year of academics from home. My hopeful choices for basketball scholarships have ceased, and now my hope is that my academics will carry me through. That opportunity to continue my education and athletic dreams came from the Emmanuel College basketball program. Unsure of the landscape in the fall, the Emmanuel coaching staff provided continued support in my potential as a student-athlete, and I knew EC was the best decision for me and my family.
I was unable to enter Emmanuel’s campus in the Fall of 2020, due to Covid-19. Students were forced to study remote from home until January 2021. Nervous and unsure of what the future would bring, the fact that I was able to stay connected with coaching staff and teammates during this time I was hopeful that this too shall pass. In Spring 2021, campus life was hampered due to rules and restriction (i.e., masks and mandatory bi-weekly testing’). It was what it was at this point. I had to remain focused, accept the current situation as a period of growth, and foster the opportunity of a solid education that I still had before me.
In my sophomore year, restrictions were lifted. I was able to connect with faculty, coaches, etc. The joy and relief of finally getting a full campus life experience, while facing more challenges, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and prosper. I exceeded expectations my first collegiate season on the basketball team. The following summer, I became a housing assistant on campus. This role allowed me to insert myself into different jobs. As part of Res Life, I engaged with students/faculty/staff, helping, and assisting others and as a result I enhanced my leadership abilities.
Inspired by new opportunities, I became a member of The Hidden Opponent (THO), a non-profit organization for mental health awareness for student-athletes. I also became a member of the Black Student Union. I participated in numerous basketball camps, school fundraisers, and in my senior year was voted as team captain for the Basketball team.
EC, its faculty, staff, and athletic department have had a significant impact on my development as both a student and athlete. The values and lessons learned are unparallel as I made continued growth through perseverance. My classmates and teammates allowed me to build lasting relationships and memories which further developed my personal success. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and the positive influence of many individuals at EC, GNAC, and in the broader community as I move forward into the next phase of my life."
Patrick Carbone | Lasell | Men's Cross Country & Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field
Major: Sports Communications
Carbone graduated from Lasell with a degree in Sports Communications, finishing with a 3.4 GPA. The Lasell graduate competed for both the Men's Cross Country and Track & Field teams. He was part of three GNAC Institutional Sportsmanship Awards for his Outdoor Track & Field teams. He finished second individually in the 3000m Steeplechase at the 2024 GNAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships and third in the Men’s Distance Medley Relay at the 2024 GNAC Indoor Track & Field Championships. Academically, Patrick made Lasell's Dean's List and the GNAC All-Academic Team three times. Outside of the student-athlete life, he was a Staff Writer, Copy Editor, and Art Director for the 1851 Chronicle (School Newspaper).
Personal Statement:
"The last semester of my time as a student-athlete has been filled with mostly gratitude and appreciation for those who have gotten to me where I am today. The group of people who have helped raise me and mold me into the person I am are a unique, amazing, kind, funny, caring, and loving collective of people. So much so that I truly consider myself to be one of the luckiest people in the world to have the upbringing I’ve experienced.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be named a Captain for both Lasell University’s Track and Field and Cross Country teams during my time in the GNAC, and with that opportunity came a realization of how the people in my life have shaped me into the leader I am today. When I first got the chance to be a captain, I often preached that the most important part of being an athlete is that your number one goal should be to win and come out on top. But as the years have passed, I have come to realize that the most significant thing about being a student-athlete is that this is an opportunity to grow as a person. I remember having a team-meeting with our group and trying to preach a quote I saw from memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou saying, “At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” This quote has taught me a lesson, especially being in a position of leadership, of the effect that you have on people. So, why not make that effect one that will stick with them forever, and they can pass on to those after them and so on and so on.
I have been lucky enough to win medals and trophies as an athlete. But, I can say that being told by a few of my teammates that something I’ve said has stuck with them or that I was their rock feels one thousand times better than winning. And with those little moments came the reflection on the people who have affected me and who were my shoulders to lean on. Every time I had a one-on-one discussion with somebody who needed guidance, I could feel the words of family, friends, loved-ones, former teammates, and even co-workers speaking through me just to help someone else in need. They set the example for me. Through my years as a leader, I always wanted to lead not by the example of power, but by the power of example.
500 words is nowhere near enough for me to show the appreciation I have for my team, the Lasell community, and the people who have gotten me to where I am today. I would throw any medal, trophy, or award away if it gave me one more chance to have a positive impact on someone's life. I truly cannot describe how grateful I am for the people around me, and it’s because of them that I know the greatest feeling in the world is making someone smile and laugh."
Benjamin Stark | Norwich | Men's Swimming & Diving
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Stark graduated from Norwich with a 3.58 GPA, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Academically, he was placed on the GNAC All-Academic Team three times and was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team twice in his career. Stark had an illustrious career in the swimming pool. He was named rookie of the week seven times, leading him to GNAC Rookie of the Year in 2022. The Norwich graduate was named GNAC Athlete of the week 13 times throughout his career, placing him on the all-conference teams three times. He was a part of two GNAC Swimming & Diving Championship teams and won 14 event championships both as an individual and in relays, which he holds three GNAC records both individually and with relay teams. Stark holds several Norwich pool records, was named the Norwich University Male Athlete of the Year this past year, participated in the 2022-23 CSCAA Open Water National Championships at Florida International University (with a teammate), becoming the first Norwich swimmers to ever participate in the CSCAA Open Water National Championships, won the team’s Athlete of the Year Award twice, won the Michael Zemanek Mental Toughness Award and was the recipient of The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War award at Norwich University's year-end Joint Service Awards for the Corps of Cadets and ROTC; awarded in recognition of graduating seniors in each branch who demonstrated patriotism and service to the community. Outside of his illustrious career, he is enlisted in the U.S. Navy, currently in California, was the Corps of Cadets Swimming and Diving Corps-Athletic Liaison, Squad Leader in Delta D3 cadre, OIC (officer in command) of S-2, and received the Tri Service award.
Personal Statement:
"At Norwich I was fortunate to always have someone to learn from. The people I met, especially on the swim team guided and encouraged me to not just follow in their footsteps, but to find my own way and see what success looked like for me. Their example led to my success in academics, athletics, and beyond.
For me being a student-athlete was a huge boon to my academic success as it was always made clear that my ability to train and compete would be limited if I faltered in the classroom. An immediate benefit of this academic success was it allowed me to pursue leadership positions in both the Corps of Cadets and on the swim team. In turn these leadership positions motivated me to accomplish more academically as I always wanted to set a positive example for my peers and teammates. Whether it was as a captain of the swim team or as one of the handful of roles I sampled in the corps of cadets, I always had the example of my friends and mentors who previously held those roles to look up to.
Swimming alone had a massive impact on me and how I wish to interact with the world. I swam for almost 18 years, and I loved every second of it. I loved the comradery of the team, I loved watching the team achieve its goals, I loved racing, I even loved the constant grind of training. More than this though I loved the effect swimming had on the trajectory of my life. On a personal level swimming taught me lessons like the importance of time management and discipline, success isn’t given freely, and how to handle failure (repeatedly). More than this, swimming surrounded me with a group of talented hard-working people, who mentored and inspired me to work hard to achieve goals in and out of the pool. From going best times at swim meets to earning an NROTC scholarship, I owe my success to the guidance and support of those coaches and teammates who showed me the way.
In summary, my experience as not just a student-athlete but as a leader has left me motivated to continue becoming better, and hopefully to help people around me. I believe the experiences I have had and lessons I learned as a student athlete will help me do just that. Thank you to my coaches, teammates, and family for the support throughout my time in college, and thank you for the nomination."
Will Wood | Men's Soccer | Saint Joseph’s (Maine)
Major: Medical Biology/Pre-Medicine
Wood graduated from Saint Joseph’s (Maine) with a 3.98 cumulative GPA, majoring in Medical Biology/Pre-Medicine and minoring in Psychology. Athletically, the Monk’s team captain was named First-Team All-GNAC this past season and was named to the United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-Region Second Team as well. Wood’s efforts both on and off the pitch led him to being named the school’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year and to the CSC Academic All-American Team. He was the first member of the men's soccer program to receive this award and the sixth SJC athlete. Throughout his career, he was also named to the GNAC All-Academic Team, CSC All-District Team, GNAC All-Conference Second Team, and the USC All-Region Third Team. Academically, Wood graduated summa cum laude and was named a member of the 2024 Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. He made the Dean's List every semester while at SJC. He was awarded two years of NASA Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) funded research. His research on native and invasive milfoil to Maine got him the school’s 2024 Biology Department Award. Wood was also a Peer Tutor at SJC for anatomy & physiology, physics, ecology, and genetics. Wood represents the Men’s Soccer team as their Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member. He participates in projects like Operation Christmas Child, a global Christmas gift exchange project. Wood and other SAAC members fill shoe boxes with toys and other items that are shipped to less fortunate children, ages 2-14, in multiple countries around the world. Wood is Green Dot certified, a bystander intervention training program used by colleges nationwide, and works multiple jobs on campus as an Event Staff Worker and Intramural Official as well.
Personal Statement:
“I am honored to have received this nomination. I want to thank my parents, Ken and Tracy Wood, for all of their continuous support. Without them, I would not be the person I am today and words can’t describe how thankful and appreciative I am for everything you have done for me. The greatest honor I’ve ever received is being your son. I would also like to thank Coach
Will Pike for recruiting me to SJC and giving me the opportunity to play soccer again and fall back in love with the sport. You’ve shown me how much one person can impact your life and I would die on that field for you any Wednesday or Saturday.
I took a non-traditional path to SJC. I transferred to SJC after three semesters at the University of Albany where I was a member of their division 1 men’s soccer team. It was difficult to adjust to the environment with the COVID-19 pandemic and being in a new area. After three semesters, I wanted to go to a place that felt more like home, so I transferred to a more personal school in Standish, Maine. I was greeted with open arms and my passion for soccer rekindled after one training session with the guys.
I am extremely fortunate to have built bonds and relationships with all of my teammates. I am incredibly thankful for all of the practices, weightlifting sessions, meals, trips, late nights, early mornings, downtime, and memories we have all made together. What I will miss the most is those times with you all, even the fitness tests. I wouldn’t want to go to battle with anyone else and I am a proud member of the SJC Men’s Soccer team.
During my two seasons at SJC, I started 37 games out of 37 games played and tallied 7 assists and 2 goals as a defender. SJC Men’s Soccer finished both of those seasons as the #1 seed
and regular season champions. I hope on the field I am remembered as a leader and a true competitor who was able to inspire their teammates.
I want to thank all of my professors at SJC. I really enjoyed my time in your classes and I appreciate your unwavering support for the education of your students. A special shout out and
thank you to Dr. Lucas Bernacki. He was my advisor, teacher, and research mentor while at SJC. I am incredibly grateful for your knowledge, for taking me under your wing, and your support.
I want to thank Saint Joseph’s College for building a place where I was able to grow and flourish. I am grateful for the school, faculty, staff, and community. I hope that I encouraged the
people around me to be the best version of themselves while I attempted to be mine. I hope that I am remembered for my commitment, effort, compassion, determination, and heart. Thank you for your consideration.”
Trey McCann | Men's Lacrosse | University of Saint Joseph (Conn.)
Major: Business Management
The 2024 GNAC Goalie of the Year graduated the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) with a degree in Business Management. On the field, McCann led the Blue Jays to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in the program’s history as he was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player this past season. His efforts led him to being named the USJ Student-Athlete of the Year. The First-Team All-Conference member left his institution as the school record holder in career saves, save percentage, and goals allowed average while he led the GNAC in most minutes played, wins, and goals against average. The year prior, he was named to the 2022-23 New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) All-Star team. The four-year team captain was a member of the dean’s list twice off the field. In the community, McCann was the university’s Accounting and business society vice president in which he helped run the club, budget, and set up events for two years, helped set up and raise funds for the St. Baldrick's Children's Cancer fundraiser, which raised close to $17,000, participated with his team in Team Impact- meeting with their teammate Brayden, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, each week for lunch as well as his family for various activities, helped set up a canned food drive for the athletics department and helped run youth lacrosse clinics with his teammates.
Personal Statement:
"In truth, I don’t remember a time when lacrosse wasn’t a part of my life in some capacity. I have played this game since I could hold a stick. I believe this game is truly special and unique; it has been one of the few constant and fair things I have known. It will give you everything you give to it—nothing more, nothing less. Lacrosse is referred to as the medicine game, and I think this is one of the more accurate ways to describe the soul of this sport.
Throughout my life, I have used lacrosse to deal with hard times. As a kid, it was my way of staying connected with my brothers and sister who played the same game. It was how I distracted myself from financial hardships and from watching one of my brothers deal with addiction.
As a result, every opportunity I have had to play this game, I don’t take for granted, including my time at USJ. The challenge of starting a program was one I welcomed; to me, I viewed it as an opportunity. It is easy to go somewhere where winning has already happened, but to be one of the first to do it at a university is something truly special. To most on the outside, it seemed like something that could not be accomplished. Our first couple of years, we were met with adversity, losing games by large margins and battling just to earn respect. As a leader for this team, my greatest challenge was keeping everyone focused and believing through that time. We focused on our work ethic and our culture. I preached sacrifice, dedication, and looking after your brothers who share the same mission as you. In time, we would prove to others in this conference that we belong, attending two championships in the last two years and winning one.
It was truly one of the greatest honors of my life that my teammates have followed me over the last five years as a leader and captain. Above all accolades, I value that the most. Off the field, we have also used this game as a vehicle to give back because I believe, at its core, that’s what this game is for. My other captains and I have run food drives and cancer fundraisers, raising close to $17,000 for children’s cancer and have been given the chance to share the game we love with Brayden, our Team Impact teammate, as well as participating in youth clinics. I feel these served not only as a way to help others but also as a reminder to my teammates how lucky we are to be able to do what we love and have this opportunity.
It has been an honor to be a captain of this team for the last four years and represent my university. I am grateful to be even considered for this award. I feel the nomination isn’t just a reflection of myself but of my teammates and their dedication and support. Thank you for your consideration.”
ABOUT THE GREAT NORTHEAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 16 member institutions and over 4000 student-athletes across the New England region. Founded in 1995, the GNAC annually sponsors and administers 22 championships, while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunity and community involvement in an effort to enhance the student-athlete experience.
Stay up to date with all the latest news from the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC)!
'Follow' us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram, and 'Like' us on Facebook!
-#TheGNAC-