PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State University Department of Athletics has announced the winners of its major awards for the 2022-23 academic year, honoring nine students for their accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and within the greater Plymouth community.
 
The awards, presented annually, honor former coaches and educators who were pioneers in the development of physical education and athletics at Plymouth State. The nine winners represent the best of more than 700 students who were involved with Panthers' athletics as student-athletes or support staff members during the 2022-23 school year. The award winners, selected following a vote by head coaches and department administrators, will be honored on campus in the fall.
 
"I am so proud of this year's major department award winners," said Director of Athletics Kim Bownes. "The selection for these awards is always difficult because there are so many deserving student-athletes. I want to thank them for being the best of the best and representing Plymouth State in the most positive ways."
 
  The most decorated player in the history of the men's ice hockey program, senior Myles Abbate (Norwell, Mass.) was selected as the Paul E. Arold Male Athlete of the Year. The 5-10 forward earned First Team All-America honors from the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) after leading the Panthers to a historic season. Abbate was named the New England Hockey Writers Association DII-III Co-Most Valuable Player, the New England Hockey Journal D3 Men's College Player of the Year, and was awarded the Joe Concannon Award by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston as the best American-born college hockey player in New England at the Division II/III level. The two-time MASCAC Player of the Year scored his 100th career point and finished his career tied for fifth among the program's all-time scoring leaders (115 points), while leading PSU to a school record for wins (23-4-1), an unbeaten run through the MASCAC (18-0-0), the program's highest-ever national ranking (#8), a program-best 19-game winning streak, a fourth-straight MASCAC Tournament title, and a home NCAA Tournament game for just the second time in school history. Abbate recently signed a contract with the Worcester Railers, an affiliate of the New York Islanders, in the North Division of the ECHL.
 
From Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach Craig Russell: "Myles had a special year and led with his work ethic first. We were a younger team than last year, and the two guys he played most with graduated last spring. There were certainly some uncertainties surrounding how we would continue to get the most out of Myles, but he just showed up every day with a smile and led by example. This was most important for him, given that he took on a leadership role this season. He was supportive, encouraging, and firm when needed. He put together another great season, helping mentor two younger players that he found great chemistry with. His statistics speak for themselves, but the true measure of what he did for our group lies within the walls of our locker room, and for that we are grateful to call him one of our own and know that he leaves our program better than when he found it."
 
  Junior Taylor Healey (Campton, N.H.) was voted the Janet Nell Female Athlete of the Year after setting a new standard for the field hockey program for points in a season. Named National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Region II First Team, Healey amassed 60 points on the year to set a new program mark. The All-LEC First Teamer recorded the third-most goals (26) in program history, while also tearing it up in the classroom. Healey was named College Sports Communicators Academic All-District, an NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and NFHCA National Academic Squad honoree as a Public Health major. Healey opened the campaign with goals in each of the first seven games, while registering at least a point in 16-of-17 contests for the season. She notched six game-winning goals and poured in five goals and four assists in a lopsided win over UMass Dartmouth in late-September. She finished the year with three hat tricks and seven multi-goal games, while leading the Panthers to the most wins since 2017 (11-6).
 
From Former Head Field Hockey Coach Bonnie Lord: "Not only do Taylor's record-breaking statistics afford her this nomination, but it is her character, work ethic and leadership that make me think of Coach Nell. She was a passionate leader for women's sports and the players of the game when she brought field hockey to Plymouth State in 1968. Taylor is one of the most passionate, self-motivated, and humble athletes that I have coached in my 43 years. The beauty of coaching Taylor has been her humility. Ever the team player, she is supportive and positive no matter the situation. From the locker room to the field, she brings dedication and fun to the culture of the program. Taylor is the supreme ambassador for PSU as she is community-oriented and well-known throughout the youth programs. She brings an innocence to her abilities as she redirects praise to her teammates. Coach Nell would be so very proud and excited watching Taylor on and off the field."
 
  Junior Jenna Freni (Lynnfield, Mass.) was a tri-captain as a defender on the field hockey team, helping the Panthers post a 9-3 record in LEC play for the most conference wins since 2015. Winner of the team's Panther Award, Freni was also honored by the NFHCA as a Scholar of Distinction, National Academic Squad member and LEC All-Academic Team member for her outstanding work in the classroom. She played a significant role in the team's work with the local Thundercats Youth Field Hockey program and the team's mission for childhood cancer awareness through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.
 
From Former Head Field Hockey Coach Bonnie Lord: "Jenna was our Panther Award winner for all of the reasons of this award, and then some. She is a top student-athlete in the classroom, in the community and on the field. In addition to her academic honors through NFHCA and the LEC, Jenna is one of the kindest and most genuine people that I know. She has matured into a confident and strong student and athlete. Jenna is committed to her studies, her team, and her future career as a teacher. She organizes our instruction and coaching for the youth Thundercats Field Hockey program, leads our mission for childhood cancer awareness and stays connected with Arielle [the team's adoptee] throughout the year. Jenna has empathy for children with challenges and one young boy who has had multiple health issues has adopted her and it is amazing to watch. Jenna has matured immensely since her freshman year and is highly respected by her teammates and coaches. She leads with her heart and positive support of her teammates on and off the field. She, along with the other captains, is to be credited with the 360-degree turnaround of the team culture and is even more determined to give 110% to her academics and her team as she enters her senior season.
 
   
Senior Julia Mahoney (Stratford, Conn.) was a two-year captain, leading the women's lacrosse team to its ninth LEC Tournament title, the most in league history and first since 2019. The midfielder ranked among team leaders in draw controls (21) and caused turnovers (5) despite missing nine games due to injury. She added a goal and five assists to her stat sheet while also spearheading community service projects in her spare time.
 
From Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach Craig Russell: "Ben continued to amaze us this season, somehow improving himself and those around him each and every day. We had a bit of a younger group this year and Ben took it upon himself to make sure everyone felt welcomed and comfortable the moment they stepped on campus. He added more intensity to his game this year, making sure to push his teammates harder in practices throughout the season. Few athletes can play at their "game speed" during practices, but Ben certainly did that. Throughout his career, and especially this season, Ben has played a major role in raising our standards. He always made time for others, whether they were a teammate or not, and showed his commitment and love to PSU and our program. He is one of the most impressive human beings I've ever had the pleasure of coaching. He will continue to make PSU proud for many years to come."
 
From Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Becky Dale: "Julia has led the lacrosse team as a captain for two years. She was the recipient of the team's Panther Award two years straight due to her leadership on and off the field. She has gotten the team involved with various community service projects, is always supporting her teammates and coaching staff, and is well-respected by her peers, coaches, and administrators alike."
 
   
Junior Ryley McNeeley (Easton, Mass.) was dynamic as a rightside attacker for the women's volleyball team, helping the Panthers to a third straight regular season title and another 20-win season. McNeeley was particularly impressive during the championship game of the LEC Tournament when she smashed a match-best 20 kills without an error and chipped in four blocks. She finished the year with an outstanding .258 attack percentage and 27 blocks.
 
From Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach Craig Russell: "Jokingly, I refer to Ben as the Mayor of Plymouth. His ability to lead by example and support his teammates is remarkable. What some aren't able to see is how he treats everyone he comes in contact with. He makes everyone feel like the most important person, which is a trait (according to his parents) that he's always had. He was involved in countless clubs and alumni or advancement efforts throughout the year. He put together his own community service ideas, setting the program up for the future. He gave his time to so many and never seemed tired or unwilling to give more. He leaves a legacy that will be nearly impossible to recreate, and we are all better people because of Ben and what he's given to our program, PSU and the Plymouth community."
 
From Head Women's Volleyball Coach Joan Forge: "Ryley possesses an infectious energy with her upbeat and charismatic personality that immediately draws people in. Her teammates describe her as friendly, positive, and always sporting a smile. She is a dedicated and hardworking individual who consistently goes above and beyond, putting in extra time and effort. Her eagerness to learn and her desire to continuously improve make her a true role model for her teammates and peers. She genuinely cares about the growth and well-being of not only herself but also those around her. Ryley's strong moral compass guides her actions, and she demonstrates the importance of ethical behavior. She has earned a near-perfect GPA and in addition to her role as a captain on our team, she is involved in the spring play and collaborates with university communications to promote and market Plymouth State. She actively contributes and demonstrates her compassionate nature through her involvement in numerous charity events, including Lace Up for Pediatric Cancer, Dig Pink, the Angel Tree Project, the Circle Program, and the Pemi Baker Literacy Program. There is no doubt that Ryley is committed to leaving a positive impact on society. Her positive influence on others, commitment to excellence, and contributions to society make her an exceptional athlete and individual."
 
  Junior Athena Comeau (Rutland, Mass.) excelled as a multi-sport athlete as both a midfielder on the field hockey team and sprinter for the women's indoor and outdoor track & field teams. In addition to maintaining an exceptional GPA, Comeau also competes in competitive freestyle snowboarding during the winter months. She poured in 13 goals during the fall season, notching a point in ten straight games late in the season, set a school record in the 200m Dash during indoor season and was part of a record-breaking 4x100m Relay team during outdoor season this spring. Comeau earned All-LEC Second Team recognition during field hockey season, All-LEC First Team (4x200m Relay) and Second Team (60m Dash) honors at indoor season, and a pair of All-LEC Second Team nods (100m Dash and 4x100m Relay) after outdoor season.
 
From Former Head Field Hockey Coach Bonnie Lord: "Coach Dot would have loved to coach Athena! A ball of passion and energy that is focused on the team, Athena is a force on the field. She also excels in the classroom, and her work ethic is the most organized I have ever seen. Athena is a true athlete, as she not only plays field hockey, but competitively snowboards in the winter and breaks records for PSU track. An NFHCA and LEC All-Academic honoree, I always ask her how she gets it all done. Athena's passion, often humorous and loud, brings her teammates to the next level. Opponents and officials marvel at her speed and, as she enters her senior season, she works hard every day at matching her speed to carry the ball. I love to watch her play and know that Coach Dot would surely appreciate a student-athlete like Athena. She is a favorite coach in our youth programs as the young players gravitate to her and get caught up in her contagious spirit. You can talk about Athena's statistics all day long, however I feel that the Dot Diehl Award is about heart and soul, purpose and passion, respect and hard work – a confident focus on the field and fitness off of it. Athena is the definition of this award and the coach that it honors.
 
  Freshman Hanna Larsson Nathhorst (Stockholm, Sweden) was perhaps as impactful as a first-year competitor as anyone in Plymouth State history. The alpine skier earned a trip to the National Collegiate Skiing Championship where she took 11th-place in both the GS and slalom, finishing one spot shy of All-America status by just 0.11 and 0.17 seconds. She won three straight carnival races during the season, leading the women's team to its first carnival win since joining the EISA in 2012, and claimed EISA Rookie of the Year and First Team All-East Region honors along the way. Her racing ability was matched only by her excellence in the classroom, where she maintained a perfect GPA.
 
From Director of Athletics Kim Bownes: "Hanna is the perfect example of a student-athlete. Both her in-classroom and on-hill excellence not only earned her the John P. Clark Award, but also earned her a full athletic scholarship at the University of Vermont. It is rare to see a Division III student-athlete earn a scholarship to a Division I school for their sport, but this is well deserved. We will obviously miss Hanna very much, but we wish her all the best.
 
  Senior Nichole Savoy (Somersworth, N.H.) was a student worker who filled several roles on the event staff and as a building supervisor during the 2022-23 academic year. In addition to helping staff all home athletics events, she assisted with facilities scheduling, laundry, managing the equipment room and several other smaller tasks to ensure the department ran smoothly.
 
From Associate Director of Athletics Courtney O'Clair: "Nichole is the epitome of this award. She has been an outstanding student-worker for her entire undergraduate career at PSU. There is nothing in the department she hasn't done or couldn't tackle for us. You name it … she's done it – scheduling facilities, running scoreboards and shot clocks, manning the goal horn at hockey games, helping in the equipment room or with laundry, setting the turf field light schedule and more. I would say the thing that sets her above the rest is her loyalty and the hard work she has given to this department. She worked six days a week while going to school and doing an internship, graduating with an almost perfect GPA. She put all her efforts into PSU athletics. This was more than a student work study job for her. She took pride in being a Panther. We are indebted to Nichole for the role she stepped into during her senior year when she helped us stay afloat in the main office after our administrative assistant left. Nichole picked up so many little tasks that allowed us to be able to move forward without having too many things fall through the cracks. She was also completely trustworthy, and we were able to trust her with tasks that we wouldn't normally give a student."