PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State University Department of Athletics has announced the winners of its major awards for the 2025-26 academic year, honoring nine students for their accomplishments in athletics, academics and community service.
 
The annual awards honor former coaches and educators who were pioneers in the development of physical education and athletics at Plymouth State. The winners represent the best of more than 700 students who were involved with Panther athletics as student-athletes and student support staff during the 2025-26 school year. The award winners, selected following a vote by head coaches and department administrators, will be honored on campus in the fall.
 
"One of the greatest privileges of this job is recognizing people who make our department stronger every day," said Director of Athletics Kim Bownes. "These award winners have set an incredible example through their dedication and resilience. Each of them has earned the respect of their teammates, coaches and our campus community through their achievements, leadership and commitment to serving others. Their accomplishments have made a lasting impact on Plymouth State Athletics, and I couldn't be more proud of what they've achieved.
 
 
   
After leading the men's ice hockey team in goals and points for the third straight year, senior Will Redick (Collingwood, Ontario) was voted the Paul E. Arold Male Athlete of the Year. The 5-9 forward closed out his career with 17 goals, 17 assists and 34 points to earn All-Little East Conference (LEC) First Team recognition – his third straight season of First Team honors. Redick ranked first in the LEC in shots and shots per game, second in face-off wins, and was one of just two players in program history to reach 150 career points. He finished second in career goals (72), assists (85) and points (157), while leading the Panthers to the semifinals of the LEC Tournament.
 
From Head Coach Craig Russell: "Will was a difference maker for us every game during his career, and could have challenged for the career goals, assists and points records had he not sustained injuries that caused him to miss over a dozen games in his four years. He jumped into a leadership role this season and set a great example for our players throughout the year. Entering into a new conference this year, with a higher level of competition every game, Will elevated his game and made big plays in big moments for us. He will embark on a pro career this fall, and will go down as one of the best players to ever play for Plymouth State."
 
 
   
Graduate student Ella Koelb (Auburn, N.H.) was voted the Janet Nell Female Athlete of the Year after leading the women's volleyball program to its second LEC Tournament crown and NCAA Tournament appearance. Koelb became just the third AVCA All-American in program history while also earning AVCA All-Region 1 First Team, All-LEC First Team, and LEC Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors, captaining the program to its first title since 2004. She finished the year with seven triple-doubles, tied for the most in the country, and ranked top-five in the LEC in kills, kills per set, points per set and points.
 
From Head Coach Joan Forge: "Ella earned All-America honors, becoming the third All-American in PSU volleyball history. She finished the year ranked first in the nation with seven triple-doubles and was named LEC Tournament Most Outstanding Player and First Team All-LEC. She was a major contributor to our 23-8 season and first LEC championship in 21 years. She did it all for our team – leading the team in kills as our setter. She elevated her play in the LEC Tournament, averaging more than six assists and four kills per set, including a match-high 18 in a sweep of UMass Boston in the semifinals."
 
 
   
As a dual-sport athlete, senior Morgan Cunningham (Wrentham, Mass.) was selected as the Van Hartman – Vernon Kelly Award winner for the second straight year. Cunningham posted seven points (two goals, five assists) for the women's ice hockey team, including five points during an eight-game stretch to help PSU secure a playoff spot. In the spring, Cunningham led the women's lacrosse team with a team-high 59 points (40 goals, 19 assists), including five game-winning goals as PSU advanced to the LEC Tournament semifinals. Named a Top-20 Senior and recipient of PSU's Norma Wilkinson Award, Cunningham spearheaded several campus and athletics events, including Morgan's Message and Skate for the 22 games to raise awareness about the importance of mental health among student-athletes and veterans.
 
From Head Women's Ice Hockey Coach Ben Chipman: "A dual-sport athlete in ice hockey and lacrosse, Morgan has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to academic achievement, community service, leadership and selflessness. Academically, she has excelled while balancing the demanding responsibilities of two varsity sports and completing her student-teaching placement, while remaining involved in campus and community initiatives. She is a leader who understands that belonging matters and who actively works to create it for others. She has played a leading role in our Morgan's Message initiatives because she wants student-athletes to know they are supported. She helped organize our Skate for the 22 event, served as a PEMI Ambassador, was named a Top-20 Senior and received the Norma Wilkinson Award and our team's Panther Award. Her commitment to helping others succeed makes her truly deserving."
 
 
     
Men's lacrosse senior captain Zach Marvel (Raynham, Mass.) anchored the Panthers' defense before an injury cut his season short. A three-time All-LEC honoree, Marvel scooped up nine ground balls and five caused turnovers while also contributing a goal and an assist offensively.
 
Cunningham served as a captain for both the women's ice hockey and women's lacrosse teams, leading both teams to the postseason. A two-time All-LEC recipient in lacrosse, she also filled several leadership roles throughout campus and the community.
 
From Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Mike Wilus: "Zach has been the ultimate leader and athlete since he arrived at PSU. He has excelled both in the classroom and on the field. Playing a selfless position (defensive midfield), he gained his teammates' trust through his actions on a daily basis."
 
From Head Women's Ice Hockey Coach Ben Chipman: "What makes Morgan deserving is the way she elevates those around her. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated the leadership, character, and selflessness that define this award. Morgan led by example every day, earning the respect of teammates and coaches through her work ethic, accountability and commitment to team success. She has been a mentor to younger teammates and a welcoming presence for first-year students. After serving the community as a teaching intern at a local elementary school, Morgan will continue her studies at Boston University."
 
From Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Becky Dale: "Throughout her career, Morgan has been recognized by both our athletic department and the broader campus community for her leadership, character and commitment to service. Most notably, this year she was named a Top-20 Senior, an honor awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional campus involvement, strong character, academic excellence and outstanding communication skills over their four years at Plymouth State. During the campus Senior Leadership Awards, she was recognized for her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between athletics and academics. She was also the recipient of PSU's Norma Wilkinson Award for her contributions supporting staff within campus organizations. Her involvement as a PEMI Ambassador and volunteer within the University's Office of Student Advocacy and Well-Being (OSAW) reflects her dedication to serving and improving the campus community. Her tireless work ethic, leadership and consistency over the past four years have positioned her as a trusted leader among her peers, a role model within campus organizations, and a respected voice connecting students, staff and the athletics community."
 
 
   
Junior Marco D'Addona (Torrington, Conn.) is a dual-sport athlete in men's soccer and men's swimming. He tallied a goal across seven games on the soccer pitch in the fall, then posted the team's fastest times in the freestyle events in the pool.
 
Senior Katie Moore (Salem, N.H.) anchored the women's lacrosse team's defense, finishing among the team leaders in ground balls and caused turnovers. She collected a season-high six ground balls to help the Panthers top UMass Boston in the LEC Tournament.
 
From Head Men's Swim Coach Anne Barbeau: "Marco has been a member of our team for the past three seasons. He has been chosen as a team captain again for next season after being a captain this past year. Marco leads by example. He works extremely hard in practice and is well disciplined. He has a positive attitude and is both kind and caring towards his teammates."
 
From Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Becky Dale: "Katie has become one of the most respected leaders within our program. She deeply values the campus community and understands the importance of giving back in meaningful ways. This past year, she played a pivotal role in expanding our team's involvement in community service initiatives, collaborating with the Office of Community Impact and Plymouth Beautification Committee to organize our team's participation in community cleanups, fall leaf-raking events and the Angel Tree Project. Her commitment to service extends far beyond our team, as she was recognized as Student Worker of the Year at the campus Student Leadership Awards for her outstanding contributions within the Alumni Office and her dedication to supporting the University community. She was instrumental in this year's fundraising efforts during Giving Week, and personally created more than 400 individualized thank-you videos for donors. The level of care, effort and attention speaks volumes about her work ethic and genuine appreciation for others. What makes her especially impactful is the way she leads these efforts. She approaches every event with positivity, energy and authenticity, creating an environment where service feels rewarding and enjoyable for everyone involved."
 
 
   
Senior Katie Porrello (Milford, Conn.) finished as the top goal-scorer for both the field hockey and women's ice hockey teams. She led the field hockey squad with eight goals and 22 points, recording a season-high five points in a win over Rivier in her lone season with the team. On the ice, she tallied seven goals and 17 points, wrapping her career as the program's all-time assists leader (35) while finishing second in career points (55) and third in career goals (20).
 
From Head Women's Ice Hockey Coach Ben Chipman: "Katie has been an influential leader in our program, consistently leading through her actions rather than words. She established the standard for work ethic, accountability, preparation, and competitiveness every day. She was our hardest worker and could always be trusted to put the team's needs ahead of her own. She approached challenges with humility, professionalism, and a team-first mindset. Katie was coachable, embraced every role asked of her, never complained and demonstrated the type of leadership that elevated everyone around her. She helped shape the culture of our program and will continue her career on the ice playing professionally in Sweden, serving as an example for young female athletes that those opportunities exist for them as well. Through her involvement with youth hockey in the community, she has become a role model for young girls who now see new possibilities for themselves because of her example."
 
 
   
Freshman Sya McKay (Somersworth, N.H.) claimed LEC Rookie of the Year honors after guiding the women's volleyball team to its first conference title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 21 years. She ranked among the top ten in the LEC in nearly every statistical category and set program single-match records for solo blocks and total blocks in a win at Framingham State, while maintaining a near-perfect GPA.
 
From Head Women's Volleyball Coach Joan Forge: "Sya was a dominant outside hitter in high school but stepped outside her comfort zone to transition to middle hitter this season. She trusted the coaching staff and agreed to do whatever was best for the team. She embraced every challenge that came with learning a new position and quickly established herself as a force at the net. Her blocking ability became an immediate asset, while her offensive game continued to evolve into a dynamic and consistent threat. Her combination of natural athletic ability, coachability and relentless work ethic allowed her to excel and make an impact at the collegiate level, becoming one of the most impactful players in the LEC."
 
 
   
Junior Rachael Grieve (Cumberland, R.I.) filled multiple roles for the Athletics department, assisting with the daily operations at the PE Center and tackling several tasks at home events. She helped with everything from event setup and breakdown to operating game clocks and scoreboards, and taking on any other tasks as required.
 
From Associate Director of Athletics Courtney O'Clair: "Rachael has consistently gone above and beyond what would be expected of a student worker. Last August, she jumped in with both feet to help manage operations at the PE Center and quickly became an invaluable member of our team. She assisted with event setup and breakdown, worked countless athletic events, operated both shot clocks and game clocks, and willingly took on any task that needed to be done. What truly sets Rachael apart is her commitment and reliability. She regularly worked six days a week and was always willing to help the department in any capacity. No matter the challenge, she approached every responsibility with enthusiasm, professionalism and a positive attitude. Beyond her strong work ethic, Rachael brought tremendous energy to our department and our events. Her positivity, teamwork and willingness to support others made a meaningful impact on both staff and student-athletes. She has been vital to our operations and has represented our department with excellence. We are incredibly fortunate to have Rachael on our team. Her dedication, service and positive influence make her a deserving recipient."