Frongillo Earns Second Straight NEWMAC Athlete of the Year Honor

Marlborough, Mass. – Emerson College senior Bri Frongillo has been recognized as the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row, the conference announced Wednesday morning.

Frongillo’s Dominant Performance

Frongillo’s achievement marks a historic moment for Emerson College, making her the first student-athlete in program history to receive the NEWMAC Athlete of the Year accolade twice. She also secures her third consecutive selection to the All-NEWMAC first team.

“Frongillo sits third in the conference in overall scoring at 19.0 points per game, which improves to 19.5 in conference play. She leads conference play with 5.1 assists per game (3.8 overall).” NEWMAC

The senior guard also leads the league in free throw percentage at 90 percent and is second in field goal percentage at 42 percent. She is fourth in 3-point field goal percentage at 40 percent.

Postseason Awards Announced

Alongside Frongillo’s recognition, Smith College’s Hannah Martin was named Defensive Player of the Year, and MIT’s Ruth Lanouette earned Rookie of the Year honors. The coaching staffs from Smith College and Clark University shared the Coaching Staff of the Year award.

All-Conference Selections

The All-Conference First Team includes Emily Flynn (Babson College), Cyriah Coleman (Clark University), Bri Frongillo (Emerson College), Sofia Neary (Salve Regina University), Virginia Johnson (Smith College), Hannah Martin (Smith College), and Natalie Lucas (Springfield College). Dorothy Stotts (U.S. Coast Guard Academy) also earned a spot on the First Team.

The Second Team selections are Atiya Watson (Clark University), Ruth Lanouette (MIT), Mary Lobon (MIT), Felicia Fongemie (Smith College), Amanda Leary (Springfield College), Trinity Barrow (Wellesley College), Ava Shane (Wellesley College), and Ava Giansiracusa (WPI).

Coaching Accolades

Clark University, led by head coach Bridgette Reyes, and Smith College, led by head coach Lynn Hersey, were jointly awarded the Coaching Staff of the Year honor. Smith College achieved an undefeated conference record and secured their sixth consecutive NEWMAC Championship.

Did You Know?

Smith College’s six-straight NEWMAC Championships is the first such feat in the conference’s history.

FAQ

• Who was named NEWMAC Athlete of the Year? Bri Frongillo of Emerson College.
• Who won the Defensive Player of the Year award? Hannah Martin of Smith College.
• Which player was selected as Rookie of the Year? Ruth Lanouette of MIT.

This marks a significant achievement for all award recipients, showcasing the talent and dedication within the NEWMAC women’s basketball conference.