University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: Alex Miller
UNH Athletics Announces 2026 Award Winners at Night at the WESPYs
5/5/2026 4:30:00 PM | Field Hockey, General, Men's Ice Hockey, Men's Track & Field, Women's Basketball, Women's Ice Hockey, Women's Soccer, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball, Skiing
DURHAM, N.H. – Senior Nicole Poulakis (Ajax, Ontario) of the field hockey team and senior Yoofi Abaka-Amuah (Worcester, Mass.) of men's track & field team were named recipients of the 2026 Jim Urquhart Outstanding Student-Athlete Award at the University of New Hampshire athletic department's eighth annual Senior Showcase, a Night at the WESPYs, on Monday night.
The event, hosted by UNH sportscaster Justin McIsaac, was held at the Granite State Room of the Memorial Union Building to celebrate UNH's outstanding athletic achievements of the 2025-26 season and honor student-athletes of the senior class.
2026 UNH Senior Showcase, a Night at the WESPYs: Award Recipients
Jim Urquhart Outstanding Student-Athlete Award: Nicole Poulakis, Yoofi Abaka-Amuah
Cathy Coakley Student-Athlete Community Involvement Award: Elaina Grenz
Tina True Strength and Conditioning Award: Kenzie Matulonis, Caden Zalenski
Wildcat Award for Academic Excellence: Delaney Hesler, Zachary Hooper, Abbi Maier
Granite Strong Award: Maddie Kolb, Morgan Winters
Director of Athletics Leadership Award: Kelly Harty, John Murphy
Performer of the Year: Nicole Poulakis, Yoofi Abaka-Amuah
Rookie of the Year: Lucy Chertock, Roman Elvidge
Highlight of the Year: Women's soccer – Abbi Maier goal at UAlbany
Event of the Year: Field hockey wins the America East championship game, 1-0, in overtime
CLICK HERE to view a list of 2026 nominees and finalists
CLICK HERE to view a list of past recipients
CLICK HERE to watch the WESPYs on YouTube
JIM URQUHART OUTSTANDING STUDENT-ATHLETE AWARD
This award, which has been the most prestigious student-athlete award at UNH since its inception in 1999, is given to both the most outstanding female and male senior student-athlete based on athletic success, community involvement and academic achievement through their Wildcat careers.
It is named in memory of longtime UNH coach Jim Urquhart, who coached the New Hampshire men's lacrosse team for 17 years and wrestling team for 11 seasons before taking the position of Associate Director of Event Management in 1997.
Nicole Poulakis earned a plethora of academic and athletic awards in her four years as a UNH Wildcat. The two-time captain capped her exemplary career with a standout senior season in 2025, when she ranked #3 nationally in goals per game (1.21) and #4 in points per game (2.84) to garner NFHCA All-All-America Second Team accolades.
Poulakis was named the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year by both America East and ECAC, garnered All-Conference and All-ECAC First Team recognition, and she was named the America East Field Hockey Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
As a senior, Poulakis was the team and conference leader in goals per game, points per game and game-winning goals (five) – she was the first 'Cat to lead America East in either goals or points since 2011. She also ranked eighth in the conference in assists per game (0.42).
Her season totals included 23 goals and eight assists for 54 points. The 23 goals rank third on UNH's list of single-season superlatives and 10th in America East history, and the 54 points is No. 5 on the UNH leaderboard. Both the 23 goals and 54 points are the highest totals by a UNH Wildcat since 2011.
Poulakis led New Hampshire to the 2025 America East title – and NCAA tourney – by scoring the game-winning goal in both the semifinal and championship games. She scored a total of three goals in the conference tourney with two in the semis and the championship game's only goal in double overtime to earn America East Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Tournament Team.
Poulakis, a four-time America East Offensive Player of the Week in 2025, had a nine-game goal-scoring streak within her point streak of 15 games. She scored multiple goals seven times, including a career-high four goals and eight points at UMass Lowell.
Following the conclusion of the season, she was also named to the NFHCA Senior Team.
Poulakis finished her Wildcats career with 60 goals and 29 assists for 149 points to rank second in UNH history in both goals and points, as well as fifth in assists. As a sophomore in 2023, she ranked #12 nationally in points/game, #13 in assists/game and #18 goals/game. Poulakis was 25th in the nation in points per game as a rookie.
Poulakis was voted to the NFHCA Northeast Region First Team this past year after being selected to the Second Team in both 2023 and 2024. She was named to the America East All-Conference First Team three consecutive years after garnering Second Team and All-Rookie Team honors in 2022.
Poulakis' list of academic awards is equally impressive. She is a two-time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and been named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad all four years. Poulakis earned America East All-Academic Team recognition all three years and was selected to the CSC Academic All-District Women's At-Large Team in 2024 and 2025 (the 2026 team has not been named yet).
She has a 3.90 cumulative GPA in pursuit of a sport management & leadership degree and completed a senior internship in the Wildcat Internship Program with the marketing track.
In her time at UNH, Poulakis has been involved as a youth counselor and coach at camps. She has also coached youth field hockey with the Dolphins Field Hockey Club and been a volunteer community coach. Poulakis has also worked as a banquet volunteer on the planning and event staff with Field Hockey Ontario Nationals.
Poulakis is the third field hockey player to win this exalted award.
Yoofi Abaka-Amuah was named the 2026 Indoor Track & Field Performer of the Year to become the first Wildcat to earn that accolade. He was named the conference's Field Performer of the Week twice during the indoor season and twice more during the outdoor season.
Abaka-Amuah capped his senior indoor season with a NEICAAA Championship win in the men's shot put with a 60 foot-2 inch toss to mark his third New England championship in the event in as many years with the Wildcats; he previously took home the top spot in 2025 and 2024.
Preceding his third consecutive New England championship, Abaka-Amuah swept the throws at the 2026America East Indoor Championship by winning the men's weight throw with a 69-6 toss before leading the competition in the men's shot put with a 61-4.75 throw to break the America East Championship meet record.
At the end of the indoor season, Abaka-Amuah paced the conference in both the men's weight throw (69-6) and the men's shot put (63-9.75) to break the UNH men's indoor track and field school record in the shot put while also finishing the season ranking 17th in the NCAA – one place from qualifying for the national meet.
He has continued to excel through the 2026 outdoor season and broke the school record in the shot put with a mark of 18.92m (62-1) at the UNH Wildcat Invitational on April 25. Abaka-Amuah also recorded a personal-best throw of 52.65m (172-9) in the discus at that meet.
One week earlier at the Virginia Challenge, Abaka-Amuah had a personal-best effort of 60.39m (198-1).
As the team heads into the America East championships May 9-10, Abaka-Amuah is ranked 13th in the East region in the shot put, which would advance the senior thrower to the NCAA Regional. He is also No. 1 in the conference in that event and second in discus, as well as sixth in the hammer.
Abaka-Amuah did advance to the 2025 outdoor NCAA Regional in the shot put after winning gold in that event at both New Englands and America East. He was runner-up in the shot put at the America East outdoor championships.
Abaka-Amuah recorded a 3.55 GPA in the fall 2025 semester to raise his cumulative GPA to 3.05 in pursuit of a math education degree. He has also logged a number of observation hours toward his teaching career.
Abaka-Amuah is first on the team to volunteer during team community service events, and he also helps direct and organize teammates as a strong leader in the program.
Abaka-Amuah is the fourth men's track & field athlete to win this prestigious honor.
CATHY COAKLEY STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD
Since its inception in 2011, this award has annually recognized a senior student-athlete who has demonstrated a commitment to serving the University, UNH athletic department and the larger community with involvement in campus organizations, volunteer work, University or other athletic department committees, and other service-oriented activities.
It is named in memory of Cathy Coakley, a former student-athlete (Class of '72) and coach at UNH who served as coordinator of student-athlete development. She was a lifelong battler for and supporter of Wildcat student-athletes.
The 2026 recipient is Elaina Grenz (River Edge, N.J.) of the UNH women's soccer team. Grenz has done a lot of work for the betterment of UNH and the surrounding community.
As the social media executive of SAAC, Grenz has dedicated numerous hours to promote and organize events such as Bench Out the Stigma (mental health awareness), Mental Health Trivia and Trivia Unite, Food Frenzy (collect food for the Durham Cornucopia), Hoops for Hunger, Spread Respect, and Strong Girls United.
She combined that role with her internship in the Wildcat Internship Program to expand the reach and impact of SAAC.
Grenz is also part of Helping Hands, which provides UNH tours for Nashua eighth graders to show positive aspects of college.
This is the third consecutive year a women's soccer player has received this distinction.
TINA TRUE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING AWARD
The Tina True Award started in 2007 and is presented to a pair of Wildcat seniors for commitment to strength and conditioning. The award is named in memory of Tina True, who was a co-captain and coxswain of the women's crew team from 2000-02; her commitment to training and her passion for her sport greatly contributed to the success of the team; in January 2002 (her junior year), Tina's life was tragically cut short in a car accident.
The 2026 recipients are Kenzie Matulonis (Raynham, Mass.) of the women's basketball team and Caden Zalenski(Milford, N.H.) of the men's track & field team.
Matulonis impressed the strength and conditioning staff with her attitude and coachability by doing what is asked of her without hesitation and always having a positive attitude about it. She worked hard regardless of the situation – in the offseason or after a long day and hard practice. Matulonis consistently made the time and effort to do the extra work, whether it was extra work to stay healthy, or maximize her potential.
Matulonis, a four-year captain and five-year point guard for the women's basketball team, was also a finalist for the Director of Athletics Leadership Award.
Zalenski, as part of the throws group on the track & field team, has helped establish a national reputation through sheer work ethic and determination. In the weight room, he served as a leader, coach and mentor to his teammates. His knowledge of lifting has made a lasting impact, helping to elevate both his teammates and program as a whole.
In the past six months, he has spent six days a week in the weight room either lifting, doing extra mobility, or viewing the next training plan. He has shown up day-in and day-out ready for training and has demonstrated a high level of dedication.
Zalenski won gold in the weight throw at the 2026 New England Indoor Championship and bronze at the America East conference championship meet. In the 2025 outdoor track & field season, Zalenski was an NCAA Regional qualifier in the shot put.
WILDCAT AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Wildcat Award for Academic Excellence was first presented in 2010 and is given to the female and male senior student-athletes with the highest cumulate grade point average.
The 2026 recipients are Delaney Hesler (Steep Falls, Maine) of both the women's cross country and track & field teams, Abbi Maier (Cincinnati, Ohio) of the women's soccer team, and Zachary Hooper (Concord, N.H.) of both the men's cross country and track & field teams.
Hesler has earned America East Commissioner's Honor Roll accolades every season with a 3.98 GPA and a major in education.
Maier was voted the America East 2025 Women's Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year for outstanding achievement in athletics and academics. She is a Health Sciences major with a 3.98 GPA, and was a finalist for both Performer of the Year and the Jim Urquhart Outstanding Student-Athlete Award.
Hooper was voted the America East 2025 Men's Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the Year for his athletic and academic excellence. He has had an exemplary career in the classroom with a perfect 4.0 GPA in pursuit of a neuroscience degree.
GRANITE STRONG AWARD
The Granite Strong Award, which started in 2019 as the Coaches Award, is presented to a senior student-athlete who has either overcome adversity, or is an unsung hero, or is a team leader, or has gone above and beyond.
The 2026 recipients are Maddie Kolb (Tolland, Conn.) of women's soccer and Morgan Winters (Osprey, Fla.) of men's hockey.
Kolb is described by UNH women's soccer head coach Steve Welham as a student-athlete who paid her dues, developed, worked tirelessly, sacrificed, supported and loved her teammates and became one of the greatest defenders in program history. Kolb is a captain who leads with integrity and professionalism, embodies what it means to be a Wildcat and exhibits the spirit of a Wildcat every day.
Kolb was also a finalist for the Director of Athletics Leadership Award.
This is the third consecutive year a women's soccer player has received this award.
Winters' career was one of grit and determination. The captain had five surgeries and battled back every time, which illustrated his commitment to the team, work ethic and leadership, as well as being both physically and mentally strong. He was an outstanding captain who led by example and showed teammates everyday how important it was to him to be a member of this program.
Winters was also a finalist for the Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year Award.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Director of Athletics Leadership Award was introduced in 2024 and will be given annually to men's and women's senior or graduate student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to serving others.
The 2026 recipients are Kelly Harty (Billerica, Mass.) of women's hockey and John Murphy (Deerfield, N.H.) of the men's cross country and track & field teams.
Harty was unanimously elected captain this year as the most respected player in the locker room. She is a student-athlete who came in as a walk-on, earned every minute of playing time and earned a scholarship. Harty did not play much as a freshman but worked hard. She played a little more as a sophomore and her work ethic did not waver. As a junior, Harty earned more playing time and by the end of the season, she was a mainstay on the second line, penalty kill and power play.
With exceptional leadership and team-first mentality, Harty earned the title and role of team captain as a senior. She excelled as captain and finished her career with her best statistical season by scoring a team-high 17 goals.
Harty's leadership and commitment to others extended beyond the team with her involvement in SAAC.
Murphy, another former walk-on, was a three-time captain as a senior on the cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field teams. He is a great asset to those three programs through his leadership – two examples are effectively leading a practice and teaching new skills to first year students. Murphy overcame a long-term setback (injury and illness) as a sophomore to return to the best racing of his career as a junior and senior. His leadership through action and example is the reason that many younger cross country and track & field student-athletes look up to him.
Murphy connected with the community as a two-year instructor in the program's kids' classes that teach running and field event skills to kids in grades 1-8. Murphy also volunteers at Hogarth Country Day School in Epping.
PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
The Performer of the Year, first presented in 2020, is given to both the most outstanding female and male student-athlete – regardless of class standing – for athletic achievement.
The 2026 recipients are senior Nicole Poulakis of field hockey and senior Yoofi Abaka-Amuah of men's track & field.
This is the second time a student-athlete swept the men's Performer of the Year and Jim Urquhart Outstanding Student-Athlete awards. It is the first time both the men's and women's award winners are the same student-athlete for both awards.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
The Rookie of the Year, first presented in 2019, is given to both the most outstanding female and male rookie for athletic achievement.
The 2026 recipients are Lucy Chertock (Danville, Calif.) of volleyball and men's alpine skier Roman Elvidge(Steamboat Springs, Colo.).
Chertock was named the 2025 America East Rookie of the Year and to both the All-Conference Second Team and All-Rookie Team. She was honored as the conference Rookie of the Week a school-record six times and also garnered one Player of the Week award.
She closed her rookie season with 274 kills across 85 sets (3.22 kills/set) while also producing a 309.5 points (3.64 points/set); she was UNH's leader in both kills and points and ranked fifth in America East in both those stats.
Defensively, Chertock recorded 175 digs (2.06 digs/set) to rank third on New Hampshire's roster. Additionally, she finished the year with seven double-doubles, including each of the last three matches.
Chertock is the first member of the volleyball team to win Rookie of the Year at the WESPYs.
Elvidge had an outstanding rookie season on the slopes as he won the giant slalom at the St. Lawrence Carnival in his collegiate debut and qualified for the NCAA Championships, where he placed 11th in the giant slalom – missing All-America honors by one placement.
Including the win at the St. Lawrence Carnival, Elvidge recorded a Top 10 finish in the giant slalom at all six EISA carnivals. He finished fifth at the EISA Championships as well as the Colby Carnival.
This is the second consecutive year a UNH alpine skier has been named Rookie of the Year.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
The Highlight of the Year, which started in 2020, is determined by fan voting on social media platforms. This year's winner is when senior midfielder Abbi Maier, dribbled past a defender at midfield and from 35 yards out, scored a goal under the crossbar at UAlbany on Oct. 12, 2025 to secure the 3-1 victory.
CLICK HERE to watch on X
EVENT OF THE YEAR
The Event of the Year, first presented in 2021, is also determined by fan voting on social media platforms. This year's winner is the field hockey team defeating top-seeded Vermont, 1-0, in double overtime to win the America East championship game. Tasmin Cookman ripped a rising shot from the top of the circle that was redirected into the goal by Nicole Poulakis. It was UNH's fifth conference title and this is the team's first WESPYs Event of the Year award.
CLICK HERE to read the recap.
THE SENIORS & GRAD STUDENTS
The event, hosted by UNH sportscaster Justin McIsaac, was held at the Granite State Room of the Memorial Union Building to celebrate UNH's outstanding athletic achievements of the 2025-26 season and honor student-athletes of the senior class.
2026 UNH Senior Showcase, a Night at the WESPYs: Award Recipients
Jim Urquhart Outstanding Student-Athlete Award: Nicole Poulakis, Yoofi Abaka-Amuah
Cathy Coakley Student-Athlete Community Involvement Award: Elaina Grenz
Tina True Strength and Conditioning Award: Kenzie Matulonis, Caden Zalenski
Wildcat Award for Academic Excellence: Delaney Hesler, Zachary Hooper, Abbi Maier
Granite Strong Award: Maddie Kolb, Morgan Winters
Director of Athletics Leadership Award: Kelly Harty, John Murphy
Performer of the Year: Nicole Poulakis, Yoofi Abaka-Amuah
Rookie of the Year: Lucy Chertock, Roman Elvidge
Highlight of the Year: Women's soccer – Abbi Maier goal at UAlbany
Event of the Year: Field hockey wins the America East championship game, 1-0, in overtime
CLICK HERE to view a list of 2026 nominees and finalists
CLICK HERE to view a list of past recipients
CLICK HERE to watch the WESPYs on YouTube
JIM URQUHART OUTSTANDING STUDENT-ATHLETE AWARD
This award, which has been the most prestigious student-athlete award at UNH since its inception in 1999, is given to both the most outstanding female and male senior student-athlete based on athletic success, community involvement and academic achievement through their Wildcat careers.
It is named in memory of longtime UNH coach Jim Urquhart, who coached the New Hampshire men's lacrosse team for 17 years and wrestling team for 11 seasons before taking the position of Associate Director of Event Management in 1997.
Nicole Poulakis earned a plethora of academic and athletic awards in her four years as a UNH Wildcat. The two-time captain capped her exemplary career with a standout senior season in 2025, when she ranked #3 nationally in goals per game (1.21) and #4 in points per game (2.84) to garner NFHCA All-All-America Second Team accolades.
Poulakis was named the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year by both America East and ECAC, garnered All-Conference and All-ECAC First Team recognition, and she was named the America East Field Hockey Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
As a senior, Poulakis was the team and conference leader in goals per game, points per game and game-winning goals (five) – she was the first 'Cat to lead America East in either goals or points since 2011. She also ranked eighth in the conference in assists per game (0.42).
Her season totals included 23 goals and eight assists for 54 points. The 23 goals rank third on UNH's list of single-season superlatives and 10th in America East history, and the 54 points is No. 5 on the UNH leaderboard. Both the 23 goals and 54 points are the highest totals by a UNH Wildcat since 2011.
Poulakis led New Hampshire to the 2025 America East title – and NCAA tourney – by scoring the game-winning goal in both the semifinal and championship games. She scored a total of three goals in the conference tourney with two in the semis and the championship game's only goal in double overtime to earn America East Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Tournament Team.
Poulakis, a four-time America East Offensive Player of the Week in 2025, had a nine-game goal-scoring streak within her point streak of 15 games. She scored multiple goals seven times, including a career-high four goals and eight points at UMass Lowell.
Following the conclusion of the season, she was also named to the NFHCA Senior Team.
Poulakis finished her Wildcats career with 60 goals and 29 assists for 149 points to rank second in UNH history in both goals and points, as well as fifth in assists. As a sophomore in 2023, she ranked #12 nationally in points/game, #13 in assists/game and #18 goals/game. Poulakis was 25th in the nation in points per game as a rookie.
Poulakis was voted to the NFHCA Northeast Region First Team this past year after being selected to the Second Team in both 2023 and 2024. She was named to the America East All-Conference First Team three consecutive years after garnering Second Team and All-Rookie Team honors in 2022.
Poulakis' list of academic awards is equally impressive. She is a two-time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and been named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad all four years. Poulakis earned America East All-Academic Team recognition all three years and was selected to the CSC Academic All-District Women's At-Large Team in 2024 and 2025 (the 2026 team has not been named yet).
She has a 3.90 cumulative GPA in pursuit of a sport management & leadership degree and completed a senior internship in the Wildcat Internship Program with the marketing track.
In her time at UNH, Poulakis has been involved as a youth counselor and coach at camps. She has also coached youth field hockey with the Dolphins Field Hockey Club and been a volunteer community coach. Poulakis has also worked as a banquet volunteer on the planning and event staff with Field Hockey Ontario Nationals.
Poulakis is the third field hockey player to win this exalted award.
Yoofi Abaka-Amuah was named the 2026 Indoor Track & Field Performer of the Year to become the first Wildcat to earn that accolade. He was named the conference's Field Performer of the Week twice during the indoor season and twice more during the outdoor season.
Abaka-Amuah capped his senior indoor season with a NEICAAA Championship win in the men's shot put with a 60 foot-2 inch toss to mark his third New England championship in the event in as many years with the Wildcats; he previously took home the top spot in 2025 and 2024.
Preceding his third consecutive New England championship, Abaka-Amuah swept the throws at the 2026America East Indoor Championship by winning the men's weight throw with a 69-6 toss before leading the competition in the men's shot put with a 61-4.75 throw to break the America East Championship meet record.
At the end of the indoor season, Abaka-Amuah paced the conference in both the men's weight throw (69-6) and the men's shot put (63-9.75) to break the UNH men's indoor track and field school record in the shot put while also finishing the season ranking 17th in the NCAA – one place from qualifying for the national meet.
He has continued to excel through the 2026 outdoor season and broke the school record in the shot put with a mark of 18.92m (62-1) at the UNH Wildcat Invitational on April 25. Abaka-Amuah also recorded a personal-best throw of 52.65m (172-9) in the discus at that meet.
One week earlier at the Virginia Challenge, Abaka-Amuah had a personal-best effort of 60.39m (198-1).
As the team heads into the America East championships May 9-10, Abaka-Amuah is ranked 13th in the East region in the shot put, which would advance the senior thrower to the NCAA Regional. He is also No. 1 in the conference in that event and second in discus, as well as sixth in the hammer.
Abaka-Amuah did advance to the 2025 outdoor NCAA Regional in the shot put after winning gold in that event at both New Englands and America East. He was runner-up in the shot put at the America East outdoor championships.
Abaka-Amuah recorded a 3.55 GPA in the fall 2025 semester to raise his cumulative GPA to 3.05 in pursuit of a math education degree. He has also logged a number of observation hours toward his teaching career.
Abaka-Amuah is first on the team to volunteer during team community service events, and he also helps direct and organize teammates as a strong leader in the program.
Abaka-Amuah is the fourth men's track & field athlete to win this prestigious honor.
CATHY COAKLEY STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD
Since its inception in 2011, this award has annually recognized a senior student-athlete who has demonstrated a commitment to serving the University, UNH athletic department and the larger community with involvement in campus organizations, volunteer work, University or other athletic department committees, and other service-oriented activities.
It is named in memory of Cathy Coakley, a former student-athlete (Class of '72) and coach at UNH who served as coordinator of student-athlete development. She was a lifelong battler for and supporter of Wildcat student-athletes.
The 2026 recipient is Elaina Grenz (River Edge, N.J.) of the UNH women's soccer team. Grenz has done a lot of work for the betterment of UNH and the surrounding community.
As the social media executive of SAAC, Grenz has dedicated numerous hours to promote and organize events such as Bench Out the Stigma (mental health awareness), Mental Health Trivia and Trivia Unite, Food Frenzy (collect food for the Durham Cornucopia), Hoops for Hunger, Spread Respect, and Strong Girls United.
She combined that role with her internship in the Wildcat Internship Program to expand the reach and impact of SAAC.
Grenz is also part of Helping Hands, which provides UNH tours for Nashua eighth graders to show positive aspects of college.
This is the third consecutive year a women's soccer player has received this distinction.
TINA TRUE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING AWARD
The Tina True Award started in 2007 and is presented to a pair of Wildcat seniors for commitment to strength and conditioning. The award is named in memory of Tina True, who was a co-captain and coxswain of the women's crew team from 2000-02; her commitment to training and her passion for her sport greatly contributed to the success of the team; in January 2002 (her junior year), Tina's life was tragically cut short in a car accident.
The 2026 recipients are Kenzie Matulonis (Raynham, Mass.) of the women's basketball team and Caden Zalenski(Milford, N.H.) of the men's track & field team.
Matulonis impressed the strength and conditioning staff with her attitude and coachability by doing what is asked of her without hesitation and always having a positive attitude about it. She worked hard regardless of the situation – in the offseason or after a long day and hard practice. Matulonis consistently made the time and effort to do the extra work, whether it was extra work to stay healthy, or maximize her potential.
Matulonis, a four-year captain and five-year point guard for the women's basketball team, was also a finalist for the Director of Athletics Leadership Award.
Zalenski, as part of the throws group on the track & field team, has helped establish a national reputation through sheer work ethic and determination. In the weight room, he served as a leader, coach and mentor to his teammates. His knowledge of lifting has made a lasting impact, helping to elevate both his teammates and program as a whole.
In the past six months, he has spent six days a week in the weight room either lifting, doing extra mobility, or viewing the next training plan. He has shown up day-in and day-out ready for training and has demonstrated a high level of dedication.
Zalenski won gold in the weight throw at the 2026 New England Indoor Championship and bronze at the America East conference championship meet. In the 2025 outdoor track & field season, Zalenski was an NCAA Regional qualifier in the shot put.
WILDCAT AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Wildcat Award for Academic Excellence was first presented in 2010 and is given to the female and male senior student-athletes with the highest cumulate grade point average.
The 2026 recipients are Delaney Hesler (Steep Falls, Maine) of both the women's cross country and track & field teams, Abbi Maier (Cincinnati, Ohio) of the women's soccer team, and Zachary Hooper (Concord, N.H.) of both the men's cross country and track & field teams.
Hesler has earned America East Commissioner's Honor Roll accolades every season with a 3.98 GPA and a major in education.
Maier was voted the America East 2025 Women's Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year for outstanding achievement in athletics and academics. She is a Health Sciences major with a 3.98 GPA, and was a finalist for both Performer of the Year and the Jim Urquhart Outstanding Student-Athlete Award.
Hooper was voted the America East 2025 Men's Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the Year for his athletic and academic excellence. He has had an exemplary career in the classroom with a perfect 4.0 GPA in pursuit of a neuroscience degree.
GRANITE STRONG AWARD
The Granite Strong Award, which started in 2019 as the Coaches Award, is presented to a senior student-athlete who has either overcome adversity, or is an unsung hero, or is a team leader, or has gone above and beyond.
The 2026 recipients are Maddie Kolb (Tolland, Conn.) of women's soccer and Morgan Winters (Osprey, Fla.) of men's hockey.
Kolb is described by UNH women's soccer head coach Steve Welham as a student-athlete who paid her dues, developed, worked tirelessly, sacrificed, supported and loved her teammates and became one of the greatest defenders in program history. Kolb is a captain who leads with integrity and professionalism, embodies what it means to be a Wildcat and exhibits the spirit of a Wildcat every day.
Kolb was also a finalist for the Director of Athletics Leadership Award.
This is the third consecutive year a women's soccer player has received this award.
Winters' career was one of grit and determination. The captain had five surgeries and battled back every time, which illustrated his commitment to the team, work ethic and leadership, as well as being both physically and mentally strong. He was an outstanding captain who led by example and showed teammates everyday how important it was to him to be a member of this program.
Winters was also a finalist for the Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year Award.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Director of Athletics Leadership Award was introduced in 2024 and will be given annually to men's and women's senior or graduate student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to serving others.
The 2026 recipients are Kelly Harty (Billerica, Mass.) of women's hockey and John Murphy (Deerfield, N.H.) of the men's cross country and track & field teams.
Harty was unanimously elected captain this year as the most respected player in the locker room. She is a student-athlete who came in as a walk-on, earned every minute of playing time and earned a scholarship. Harty did not play much as a freshman but worked hard. She played a little more as a sophomore and her work ethic did not waver. As a junior, Harty earned more playing time and by the end of the season, she was a mainstay on the second line, penalty kill and power play.
With exceptional leadership and team-first mentality, Harty earned the title and role of team captain as a senior. She excelled as captain and finished her career with her best statistical season by scoring a team-high 17 goals.
Harty's leadership and commitment to others extended beyond the team with her involvement in SAAC.
Murphy, another former walk-on, was a three-time captain as a senior on the cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field teams. He is a great asset to those three programs through his leadership – two examples are effectively leading a practice and teaching new skills to first year students. Murphy overcame a long-term setback (injury and illness) as a sophomore to return to the best racing of his career as a junior and senior. His leadership through action and example is the reason that many younger cross country and track & field student-athletes look up to him.
Murphy connected with the community as a two-year instructor in the program's kids' classes that teach running and field event skills to kids in grades 1-8. Murphy also volunteers at Hogarth Country Day School in Epping.
PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
The Performer of the Year, first presented in 2020, is given to both the most outstanding female and male student-athlete – regardless of class standing – for athletic achievement.
The 2026 recipients are senior Nicole Poulakis of field hockey and senior Yoofi Abaka-Amuah of men's track & field.
This is the second time a student-athlete swept the men's Performer of the Year and Jim Urquhart Outstanding Student-Athlete awards. It is the first time both the men's and women's award winners are the same student-athlete for both awards.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
The Rookie of the Year, first presented in 2019, is given to both the most outstanding female and male rookie for athletic achievement.
The 2026 recipients are Lucy Chertock (Danville, Calif.) of volleyball and men's alpine skier Roman Elvidge(Steamboat Springs, Colo.).
Chertock was named the 2025 America East Rookie of the Year and to both the All-Conference Second Team and All-Rookie Team. She was honored as the conference Rookie of the Week a school-record six times and also garnered one Player of the Week award.
She closed her rookie season with 274 kills across 85 sets (3.22 kills/set) while also producing a 309.5 points (3.64 points/set); she was UNH's leader in both kills and points and ranked fifth in America East in both those stats.
Defensively, Chertock recorded 175 digs (2.06 digs/set) to rank third on New Hampshire's roster. Additionally, she finished the year with seven double-doubles, including each of the last three matches.
Chertock is the first member of the volleyball team to win Rookie of the Year at the WESPYs.
Elvidge had an outstanding rookie season on the slopes as he won the giant slalom at the St. Lawrence Carnival in his collegiate debut and qualified for the NCAA Championships, where he placed 11th in the giant slalom – missing All-America honors by one placement.
Including the win at the St. Lawrence Carnival, Elvidge recorded a Top 10 finish in the giant slalom at all six EISA carnivals. He finished fifth at the EISA Championships as well as the Colby Carnival.
This is the second consecutive year a UNH alpine skier has been named Rookie of the Year.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
The Highlight of the Year, which started in 2020, is determined by fan voting on social media platforms. This year's winner is when senior midfielder Abbi Maier, dribbled past a defender at midfield and from 35 yards out, scored a goal under the crossbar at UAlbany on Oct. 12, 2025 to secure the 3-1 victory.
CLICK HERE to watch on X
EVENT OF THE YEAR
The Event of the Year, first presented in 2021, is also determined by fan voting on social media platforms. This year's winner is the field hockey team defeating top-seeded Vermont, 1-0, in double overtime to win the America East championship game. Tasmin Cookman ripped a rising shot from the top of the circle that was redirected into the goal by Nicole Poulakis. It was UNH's fifth conference title and this is the team's first WESPYs Event of the Year award.
CLICK HERE to read the recap.
THE SENIORS & GRAD STUDENTS
![Graphic with action shots of each award winner. [L to R] Noemi Martinez, Hannah Rodgers, Nina Rossi, Kelly Harty, Ireland Fredrickson](https://images.sidearmdev.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net%2Fsidearm.nextgen.sites%2Funh.sidearmsports.com%2Fimages%2F2026%2F5%2F7%2Fwhockey_2526_awards_graphic.png&height=340&type=webp)
Players Mentioned
Throws
/ Men's Track & Field
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
F
/ Field Hockey
Alpine
/ Skiing
F
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Ice Hockey
Distance
/ Women's Track & Field
Distance
/ Men's Track & Field
B
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
G
/ Women's Basketball
Distance
/ Men's Track & Field
F
/ Field Hockey
F
/ Men's Ice Hockey
Throws
/ Men's Track & Field2026 Todd Walker Presentation
Wednesday, May 06
2026 WESPYs
Tuesday, May 05
Sean Goldrich - Forged in Durham
Monday, May 04
Our Best 603 Challenge Yet!
Saturday, April 11