Saint Michael's College women's ice hockey players Annika Lavender and Maddie Quinn have been recognized as among the 31 New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) Student-Athletes of the Year for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout the 2025-26 academic year. This marks the third consecutive year both players received this honor. The college also saw 19 athletes earn NEWHA All-Academic accolades, highlighting a strong academic performance across the board. A total of 174 student-athletes from the league were distinguished, showcasing the commitment to academic excellence within the sport.

By the Numbers
  • 31 NEWHA Student-Athletes of the Year recognized.
  • 19 Saint Michael's athletes earned NEWHA All-Academic honors, all achieving at least a 3.0 GPA.
Yes, But

While academic performance shines bright, the challenge remains in balancing rigorous athletics with continued academic excellence in future seasons. The increased expectations could put more pressure on the athletes as they strive to maintain high GPAs.

State of Play
  • Saint Michael's College has consistently produced high-achieving student-athletes in hockey.
  • Lavender and Quinn exemplify the program's commitment to combining academic and athletic success.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the focus for Lavender, Quinn, and their peers will be on maintaining high academic standards while contributing to their team's competitive performance in the upcoming season. New athletes entering the program will also aim to emulate this legacy of excellence.

Bottom Line

The recognition of student-athletes like Lavender and Quinn underscores the importance of academic achievement in college athletics, emphasizing that success is measured not just on the ice, but also in the classroom.