University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: Gil Talbot
UNH Athletics Announces Award Winners at 2024 Night at the WESPYs
5/9/2024 7:23:00 AM | Field Hockey, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Men's Ice Hockey, Women's Ice Hockey, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming and Diving, Skiing
DURHAM, N.H. – Grad student Jemma Woods (Frimley, England) of the field hockey team and senior Max Brosmer (Roswell, Ga.) of the football team were named recipients of the 2024 Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year Award at the University of New Hampshire athletic department's sixth annual Senior Showcase, a Night at the WESPYs, on Tuesday night.
The event, hosted by gymnast Maya MacDonald (East Greenbush, N.Y.) and men's basketball player Jaxson Baker (Phoenix, Ariz.), was held at Lundholm Gym to celebrate UNH's outstanding athletic achievements of the 2023-24 season and honor student-athletes of the senior class.
2024 UNH Senior Showcase, a Night at the WESPYs: Award Recipients
Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year: Jemma Woods, Max Brosmer
Cathy Coakley Student-Athlete Community Involvement Award: Ande Allison
Tina True Strength and Conditioning Award: Annie Berry, Jaxson Baker
Wildcat Award for Academic Excellence: Ande Allison, Ashley Buchheit, James Schneider
Granite Strong Award: Anna Hewlett
Director of Athletics Leadership Award: Annie Berry, Jaxson Baker
Performer of the Year: Tasmin Cookman, Dylan Laube
Rookie of the Year: Sedona Blair, Ryan Conmy
Highlight of the Year: Alivia Kelly, women's soccer, game-winning goal from 40 yards
Event of the Year: Swimming and diving team wins the last event of the meet to defeat UConn on Senior Day
CLICK HERE to watch the 2024 WESPYs
CLICK HERE to view the Photo Gallery
CLICK HERE to view a list of 2024 nominees and finalists
CLICK HERE to view a list of past recipients
JIM URQUHART STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
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.
Jemma Woods was a five-year starting goalkeeper for the UNH field hockey team. She broke the program record for games played (84) and started (82) by a goalie, and became only the third UNH goalie to surpass 5,000 minutes played (5015:16); her 39 career wins ranks fourth all-time and she finished her Wildcat career with eight shutouts.
Woods was honored as the America East Goalkeeper of the Year and named to the All-Conference First Team this past year, when she led the conference in both save percentage (.704) and shutouts (three). She finished with a personal-best 1.90 GAA and 12 wins, and had two shared shutouts in addition to her three. She played 1072 of a possible 1164 minutes (92.1%).
In eight conference games, Woods finished with a 6-2 record and her stats improved to a 1.20 GAA and .775 save percentage, which once again was best in America East. Her two shutouts in conference play was also best in the league.
Woods' 2023 season highlights included back-to-back shutouts of nationally-ranked UMass Lowell and the University of Maine. She made 10 saves to backstop UNH to a 1-0 win against UML to hand the River Hawks their only home loss in 12 regular-season home games. Woods then blanked Maine and extended her shutout streak to 188 minutes, 45 seconds.
Her other highlights included an 11-save effort against nationally-ranked Boston College and lifting UNH to a 1-0 overtime win against Columbia University in the regular-season finale, which was her last game at Memorial Field.
As a senior in 2022, Woods ranked No. 4 in the nation in saves per game (7.53) and 19th in save percentage (.757). In the abbreviated 2020-21 season, she posted a career-high .775 save percentage as well as a 1.92 GAA.
Woods was named to the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll twice and the Academic Honor Roll once. She has also been named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association National Academic Squad.
Woods is the second field hockey player to receive the Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year Award; the previous honoree was Marcie Boyer (2003).
Max Brosmer was voted runner-up for the Walter Payton Award, which is presented annually to the top offensive player in FCS. The quarterback also earned All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, Stats Perform, FCS Football Central, and Phil Steele. Other accolades included the Gold Helmet Season Award and All-New England Team.
Brosmer completed 294 of 459 passes for 3,464 yards and 29 touchdowns in 11 games. That's an average of 314.9 yards per game on a 64.1 completion percentage. Those numbers rank second on UNH's list of single-season superlatives in completions, pass attempts and passing yards.
The captain led FCS football in two statistics: passing yards per game and total offense (325.0 yards/game). He also ranked #2 in passing yards, passing touchdowns and points responsible for per game, as well as #4 in completions per game and points responsible for.
Brosmer passed for 300+ yards five consecutive games and topped 300 passing yards six times overall in 2023. In fact, he surpassed 400 passing yards three times and threw multiple TDs in 9 of 11 games, including the same stretch of five games he threw for 300+ yards.
Brosmer passed for a career-high 493 yards at FBS school Central Michigan; he completed 23 of 51 passes with four TDs. He had career highs of 41 completions and 60 attempts at Rhode Island; he threw for 430 yards a pair of touchdowns and also had a 20-yard TD run in that game vs. the Rams.
He was named the FCS National Performer of the Week by College Performance Awards on Sept. 5 following the season opener at Stonehill College in which he completed 19 of 25 passes for 284 yards and career-high five TD passes for a season-high 237.4 QB efficiency rating.
Brosmer compiled a 3.88 GPA while earning his Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science - Medical and Veterinary Sciences. He recorded a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a graduate degree in kinesiology.
Brosmer became the first repeat recipient of the CAA Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year award this season. He also received the 2023 CAA Football Chuck Boone Leadership Award and he earned a spot on the conference's Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll every year.
His other academic accolades included the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team, CSC Academic All-District Team and the National College Athlete Honor Society – all for the second consecutive year in 2023 – and he was also named to the 2024 NFF Hampshire Honor Society.
Brosmer was a finalist for the Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year award and semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy in '23.
Brosmer is the ninth football player to receive the Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year Award; the previous honorees were Jerry Azumah (1999), Derek Stank (2006), David Ball (2007), Ricky Santos (2008), Brian McNally (2012), Matt Evans (2013), Seamus O'Neill (2014) and Neil O'Connor (2019).
CATHY COAKLEY STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD
This award recognizes senior student-athletes who have 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 2024 recipient is Ande Allison (Carlisle, Ohio), a student coach on the women's soccer team. Allison played eight games in two seasons (2020-21) before her career was cut short because of injury. She continued with the program as a student assistant coach in the 2022 and '23 seasons.
Allison has served as both co-President and Mental Health Chair of SAAC, and is also on the athletic department's Committee of Mutual Respect. She has also been a SHARPP counselor and peer mentor, a Strong Girls United representative, and a UNH Student Social Change forum member.
Allison is a Dean's ambassador/mentor, TA writing assistant and worked with Suicide Prevention and Partnership Counseling.
In Spring 2023, Allison represented UNH and the America East conference at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership. She has helped lead and read at various local schools through her years as a Wildcat.
Allison has been a tremendous leader and advocate for the UNH women's soccer program, UNH athletics and the University, and has represented the America East conference with dignity, respect and inclusivity. She has been a passionate and uncompromising leader with class and humility.
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 2024 recipients are grad student Annie Berry (Milton, Mass.) of the women's hockey team and Jaxson Baker.
Berry is someone who always entered the weight room with an awesome attitude and she stood apart in her dedication and great leadership. She frequently sought out the strength and conditioning staff in her quest to constantly improve.
Baker was recognized for his work ethic, ability as a leader and someone who is always trying to make those around him better as well.
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-athlete with the highest cumulate grade point average.
The 2024 recipients are Allison and teammate Ashley Buchheit (Downington, Pa.) of the women's soccer team, and senior men's Nordic skier James Schneider (Plymouth, Minn.).
Allison has recorded a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA in pursuit of both Sport Management & Leadership and Women's & Gender Studies degrees. Her academic accolades include being named to the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll every year as well as being named to the National Collegiate Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma, twice.
Buccheit also has recorded a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA while pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science: medvet science. She has also been named to the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll every year as well as being named to the National Collegiate Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma, twice.
Schneider, who has a 3.92 cumulative GPA, was named to the National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team every year and he is another two-time member of the National Collegiate Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma. He is completing a degree in Analytical Economics.
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 2024 recipient is Anna Hewlett (Webster, N.Y.), a two-time captain of the women's soccer team who checks off all the boxes in the description of the award. The senior midfielder started 57 games in 60 career appearances, many of which she played through pain and injury.
Prior to the 2022 season, Hewlett was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that required two surgeries and radiation treatment. But the captain started all 18 games that year and rarely came off the field to lead the Wildcats to an America East championship. She led by example with passion, humility and positivity.
Hewlett's ability to adapt, overcome adversity and learn from it was a major key to not only her success, but the team's as well.
As a teammate, she was a driving force on the field and in the locker room and set an example for the younger 'Cats by creating an inclusive, positive and open environment for all.
She has given her heart and soul to UNH, is well-respected in the women's soccer program, and embodies what it means to be Granite Strong.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Director of Athletics Leadership Award was introduced this year 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 inaugural recipients of the award are Annie Berry and Jaxson Baker.
Berry, a two-time captain of the women's hockey team, was always first to volunteer for community service, serving on committees, working events, autographs, interviews and other various events. She was a two-time recipient of the Hockey East Sportsmanship Award.
Berry was selected to represent all UNH student-athletes on the search committee for the Director of Athletics in her senior year. She accepted the responsibility while the team was in-season and went through the process with the thoughtfulness and thoroughness that being on the committee commanded.
Her work ethic and dedication to UNH led the women's hockey program to improve not only on the ice, but in its culture.
Berry has a mindset of gratefulness and giving. She has been – and always will be – loyal and appreciative of her time at UNH.
Baker was a captain of the men's basketball team in his second – and final – year as a UNH Wildcat in the 2023-24 season. Baker's leadership was evident in his first year as a Wildcat and, at the end of the season, he was an integral part of the search committee to hire the new men's basketball coach.
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 2024 recipients are sophomore Tasmin Cookman (Woking, England) of the field hockey team and senior Dylan Laube (Westhampton, N.Y.) of the football team. Laube also received the Performer of the Year award in 2023.
Cookman's accolades this past season included NFHCA All-America Second Team, NFHCA Northeast Region First Team, America East Offensive Player of the Year and All-Conference First Team, and All-ECAC First Team.
She ranked No. 8 in the nation in goals per game (0.95) and No. 9 in points per game (2.16). She was third in the conference in both those stats. Cookman was UNH's leader in goals (18), points (41), shots (90) and shots on goal (57), and she tied for third in assists (five).
Both the 18 goals and 41 points rank No. 8 on UNH's list of single-season superlatives.
The forward started all 19 games and recorded a point in 10 of the 19 games. Cookman scored three goals in a game three times in the 2023 season and that included back-to-back seven-point efforts against the University of Maine and Merrimack College; she also scored three times vs. UC Davis. Including those three-goal performances, Cookman had five multiple-goal games.
Cookman was a two-time NFHCA National Offensive Player of the Week and three-time America East Offensive Player of the Week in '23.
Laube received a total of six All-America Team honors from various organizations, including the AFCA and Associated Press. His other accolades included CAA Football Special Teams Player of the Year and All-New England Team.
The running back compiled 2,095 all-purpose yards and a total of 18 touchdowns in 10 games. He ran the ball 160 times for 749 yards and nine TDs, caught 68 passes for 699 yards and seven TDs, had 15 kickoff returns for 467 yards and a TD, and 16 punt returns for 180 yards and one score.
With those stats, Laube led UNH in rushes, rushing yards, rushing TDs, receptions, receiving yards, TD receptions, kickoff return yards and KO return average, and punt return yards.
Laube led the nation in all-purpose yards for the second consecutive year with an average of 209.5 yards per game. He was also #2 in scoring; #3 in both total touchdowns and kickoff returns; #8 in both combined kick returns and receptions per game; and #16 in punt returns.
The captain led UNH in rushing yards 9 of 10 games played, in receptions seven times and receiving yards four times. He topped 100 rushing yards twice (180 vs. Dartmouth; 132 vs. Villanova) and 100 receiving yards twice, as well as 200 all-purpose yards six times.
Laube scored at least one touchdown every game with a rushing TD in 7 of 10 games and a receiving touchdown in six games.
Laube received a total of five awards Sept. 11 following his record-setting performance of 295 receiving yards Sept. 9 at Central Michigan. His 12 catches included 80- and 71-yard touchdowns. He amassed a season-high, but not career-high, 371 all-purpose yards in that game.
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 2024 recipients are Sedona Blair (Eden Prairie, Minn.) of the women's hockey team and Ryan Conmy (Alexandria, Va.) of the men's hockey team.
Blair broke UNH's single-season saves record with 917 in her rookie season with the Wildcats. Those 917 saves ranked 10th in the nation, and her other national rankings included fourth in minutes (2131:18), 11th in wins (18) and tied for 15th in shutouts (five).
On the Hockey East leaderboard, Blair was second in both wins and minutes, third in shutouts and fourth in saves. In league-only games, she tied for first in wins (14), ranked third in minutes (1594:28), and tied for third in shutouts (three).
Blair made 30+ saves in a game 11 times and that included a high of 40 in a 3-1 win at Providence College on Nov. 3.
Blair was named to the Hockey East Third Team All-Star and All-Rookie Team, and she was voted runner-up for the league's Rookie of the Year award. She was also named a New England All-Star.
Her other league accolades included four-time Pro Ambitions Rookie of the Week, Player of the Week and Stop It Goaltending Goaltender of the Week.
In her first postseason game, Blair stopped all 15 shots she faced to record her fifth shutout and backstop third-seeded UNH to a 3-0 victory against the University of Vermont in a Hockey East quarterfinal.
Blair recorded three consecutive shutouts against Harvard University, Holy Cross and Vermont as part of a total shutout streak of 193 minutes, 1 second.
Conmy, who skated in 34 of 36 game as a rookie, recorded 14 goals and 17 assist for 31 points to lead UNH in both goals and points. He was also atop the team leaderboard in shots and power-play goals (five), tied for the lead in game-winning goals (three), and he ranked second in both assists and plus/minus (+9).
Conmy was one of two Wildcats to record three assists in a game in the 2023-24 season. He did that in the season-opening 6-4 win against Boston University, which was ranked #1 in the nation. With those three assists, he was one of six 'Cats with a three-point game last season.
Conmy recorded a point each of the his first four career games with one goal and six assists in that span. He had a season-best five-game point streak in December, during which he tallied eight points on five goals and three assists.
Overall, the forward recorded a point in 20 of 34 games with 10 multiple-point efforts.
Conmy scored a career-high two goals Nov. 24 at RIT, and the next night he scored with 5.3 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime, where the 'Cats prevailed.
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 Alivia Kelly's game-winning goal against NJIT at Wildcat Stadium on Oct. 15. On a direct kick from 40 yards on the left side of the field, Kelly's strike on goal went over the goalie's head and under to crossbar to give UNH a 1-0 lead in the 81st minute.
CLICK HERE to watch
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 UNH swimming and diving team defeating UConn, 152-147, on Senior Day by winning the last event of the meet, the 200-yard freestyle relay, with a Swasey Pool record time of 1 minute, 35.35 seconds; the score was tied, 141-141, entering that final race. [Jan. 20, 2024]
RECAP
The event, hosted by gymnast Maya MacDonald (East Greenbush, N.Y.) and men's basketball player Jaxson Baker (Phoenix, Ariz.), was held at Lundholm Gym to celebrate UNH's outstanding athletic achievements of the 2023-24 season and honor student-athletes of the senior class.
2024 UNH Senior Showcase, a Night at the WESPYs: Award Recipients
Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year: Jemma Woods, Max Brosmer
Cathy Coakley Student-Athlete Community Involvement Award: Ande Allison
Tina True Strength and Conditioning Award: Annie Berry, Jaxson Baker
Wildcat Award for Academic Excellence: Ande Allison, Ashley Buchheit, James Schneider
Granite Strong Award: Anna Hewlett
Director of Athletics Leadership Award: Annie Berry, Jaxson Baker
Performer of the Year: Tasmin Cookman, Dylan Laube
Rookie of the Year: Sedona Blair, Ryan Conmy
Highlight of the Year: Alivia Kelly, women's soccer, game-winning goal from 40 yards
Event of the Year: Swimming and diving team wins the last event of the meet to defeat UConn on Senior Day
CLICK HERE to watch the 2024 WESPYs
CLICK HERE to view the Photo Gallery
CLICK HERE to view a list of 2024 nominees and finalists
CLICK HERE to view a list of past recipients
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.
Jemma Woods was a five-year starting goalkeeper for the UNH field hockey team. She broke the program record for games played (84) and started (82) by a goalie, and became only the third UNH goalie to surpass 5,000 minutes played (5015:16); her 39 career wins ranks fourth all-time and she finished her Wildcat career with eight shutouts.
Woods was honored as the America East Goalkeeper of the Year and named to the All-Conference First Team this past year, when she led the conference in both save percentage (.704) and shutouts (three). She finished with a personal-best 1.90 GAA and 12 wins, and had two shared shutouts in addition to her three. She played 1072 of a possible 1164 minutes (92.1%).
In eight conference games, Woods finished with a 6-2 record and her stats improved to a 1.20 GAA and .775 save percentage, which once again was best in America East. Her two shutouts in conference play was also best in the league.
Woods' 2023 season highlights included back-to-back shutouts of nationally-ranked UMass Lowell and the University of Maine. She made 10 saves to backstop UNH to a 1-0 win against UML to hand the River Hawks their only home loss in 12 regular-season home games. Woods then blanked Maine and extended her shutout streak to 188 minutes, 45 seconds.
Her other highlights included an 11-save effort against nationally-ranked Boston College and lifting UNH to a 1-0 overtime win against Columbia University in the regular-season finale, which was her last game at Memorial Field.
As a senior in 2022, Woods ranked No. 4 in the nation in saves per game (7.53) and 19th in save percentage (.757). In the abbreviated 2020-21 season, she posted a career-high .775 save percentage as well as a 1.92 GAA.
Woods was named to the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll twice and the Academic Honor Roll once. She has also been named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association National Academic Squad.
Woods is the second field hockey player to receive the Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year Award; the previous honoree was Marcie Boyer (2003).
Max Brosmer was voted runner-up for the Walter Payton Award, which is presented annually to the top offensive player in FCS. The quarterback also earned All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, Stats Perform, FCS Football Central, and Phil Steele. Other accolades included the Gold Helmet Season Award and All-New England Team.
Brosmer completed 294 of 459 passes for 3,464 yards and 29 touchdowns in 11 games. That's an average of 314.9 yards per game on a 64.1 completion percentage. Those numbers rank second on UNH's list of single-season superlatives in completions, pass attempts and passing yards.
The captain led FCS football in two statistics: passing yards per game and total offense (325.0 yards/game). He also ranked #2 in passing yards, passing touchdowns and points responsible for per game, as well as #4 in completions per game and points responsible for.
Brosmer passed for 300+ yards five consecutive games and topped 300 passing yards six times overall in 2023. In fact, he surpassed 400 passing yards three times and threw multiple TDs in 9 of 11 games, including the same stretch of five games he threw for 300+ yards.
Brosmer passed for a career-high 493 yards at FBS school Central Michigan; he completed 23 of 51 passes with four TDs. He had career highs of 41 completions and 60 attempts at Rhode Island; he threw for 430 yards a pair of touchdowns and also had a 20-yard TD run in that game vs. the Rams.
He was named the FCS National Performer of the Week by College Performance Awards on Sept. 5 following the season opener at Stonehill College in which he completed 19 of 25 passes for 284 yards and career-high five TD passes for a season-high 237.4 QB efficiency rating.
Brosmer compiled a 3.88 GPA while earning his Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science - Medical and Veterinary Sciences. He recorded a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a graduate degree in kinesiology.
Brosmer became the first repeat recipient of the CAA Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year award this season. He also received the 2023 CAA Football Chuck Boone Leadership Award and he earned a spot on the conference's Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll every year.
His other academic accolades included the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team, CSC Academic All-District Team and the National College Athlete Honor Society – all for the second consecutive year in 2023 – and he was also named to the 2024 NFF Hampshire Honor Society.
Brosmer was a finalist for the Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year award and semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy in '23.
Brosmer is the ninth football player to receive the Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year Award; the previous honorees were Jerry Azumah (1999), Derek Stank (2006), David Ball (2007), Ricky Santos (2008), Brian McNally (2012), Matt Evans (2013), Seamus O'Neill (2014) and Neil O'Connor (2019).
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CATHY COAKLEY STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD
This award recognizes senior student-athletes who have 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 2024 recipient is Ande Allison (Carlisle, Ohio), a student coach on the women's soccer team. Allison played eight games in two seasons (2020-21) before her career was cut short because of injury. She continued with the program as a student assistant coach in the 2022 and '23 seasons.
Allison has served as both co-President and Mental Health Chair of SAAC, and is also on the athletic department's Committee of Mutual Respect. She has also been a SHARPP counselor and peer mentor, a Strong Girls United representative, and a UNH Student Social Change forum member.
Allison is a Dean's ambassador/mentor, TA writing assistant and worked with Suicide Prevention and Partnership Counseling.
In Spring 2023, Allison represented UNH and the America East conference at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership. She has helped lead and read at various local schools through her years as a Wildcat.
Allison has been a tremendous leader and advocate for the UNH women's soccer program, UNH athletics and the University, and has represented the America East conference with dignity, respect and inclusivity. She has been a passionate and uncompromising leader with class and humility.
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 2024 recipients are grad student Annie Berry (Milton, Mass.) of the women's hockey team and Jaxson Baker.
Berry is someone who always entered the weight room with an awesome attitude and she stood apart in her dedication and great leadership. She frequently sought out the strength and conditioning staff in her quest to constantly improve.
Baker was recognized for his work ethic, ability as a leader and someone who is always trying to make those around him better as well.
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-athlete with the highest cumulate grade point average.
The 2024 recipients are Allison and teammate Ashley Buchheit (Downington, Pa.) of the women's soccer team, and senior men's Nordic skier James Schneider (Plymouth, Minn.).
Allison has recorded a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA in pursuit of both Sport Management & Leadership and Women's & Gender Studies degrees. Her academic accolades include being named to the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll every year as well as being named to the National Collegiate Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma, twice.
Buccheit also has recorded a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA while pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science: medvet science. She has also been named to the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll every year as well as being named to the National Collegiate Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma, twice.
Schneider, who has a 3.92 cumulative GPA, was named to the National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team every year and he is another two-time member of the National Collegiate Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma. He is completing a degree in Analytical Economics.
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 2024 recipient is Anna Hewlett (Webster, N.Y.), a two-time captain of the women's soccer team who checks off all the boxes in the description of the award. The senior midfielder started 57 games in 60 career appearances, many of which she played through pain and injury.
Prior to the 2022 season, Hewlett was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that required two surgeries and radiation treatment. But the captain started all 18 games that year and rarely came off the field to lead the Wildcats to an America East championship. She led by example with passion, humility and positivity.
Hewlett's ability to adapt, overcome adversity and learn from it was a major key to not only her success, but the team's as well.
As a teammate, she was a driving force on the field and in the locker room and set an example for the younger 'Cats by creating an inclusive, positive and open environment for all.
She has given her heart and soul to UNH, is well-respected in the women's soccer program, and embodies what it means to be Granite Strong.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Director of Athletics Leadership Award was introduced this year 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 inaugural recipients of the award are Annie Berry and Jaxson Baker.
Berry, a two-time captain of the women's hockey team, was always first to volunteer for community service, serving on committees, working events, autographs, interviews and other various events. She was a two-time recipient of the Hockey East Sportsmanship Award.
Berry was selected to represent all UNH student-athletes on the search committee for the Director of Athletics in her senior year. She accepted the responsibility while the team was in-season and went through the process with the thoughtfulness and thoroughness that being on the committee commanded.
Her work ethic and dedication to UNH led the women's hockey program to improve not only on the ice, but in its culture.
Berry has a mindset of gratefulness and giving. She has been – and always will be – loyal and appreciative of her time at UNH.
Baker was a captain of the men's basketball team in his second – and final – year as a UNH Wildcat in the 2023-24 season. Baker's leadership was evident in his first year as a Wildcat and, at the end of the season, he was an integral part of the search committee to hire the new men's basketball coach.
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 2024 recipients are sophomore Tasmin Cookman (Woking, England) of the field hockey team and senior Dylan Laube (Westhampton, N.Y.) of the football team. Laube also received the Performer of the Year award in 2023.
Cookman's accolades this past season included NFHCA All-America Second Team, NFHCA Northeast Region First Team, America East Offensive Player of the Year and All-Conference First Team, and All-ECAC First Team.
She ranked No. 8 in the nation in goals per game (0.95) and No. 9 in points per game (2.16). She was third in the conference in both those stats. Cookman was UNH's leader in goals (18), points (41), shots (90) and shots on goal (57), and she tied for third in assists (five).
Both the 18 goals and 41 points rank No. 8 on UNH's list of single-season superlatives.
The forward started all 19 games and recorded a point in 10 of the 19 games. Cookman scored three goals in a game three times in the 2023 season and that included back-to-back seven-point efforts against the University of Maine and Merrimack College; she also scored three times vs. UC Davis. Including those three-goal performances, Cookman had five multiple-goal games.
Cookman was a two-time NFHCA National Offensive Player of the Week and three-time America East Offensive Player of the Week in '23.
Laube received a total of six All-America Team honors from various organizations, including the AFCA and Associated Press. His other accolades included CAA Football Special Teams Player of the Year and All-New England Team.
The running back compiled 2,095 all-purpose yards and a total of 18 touchdowns in 10 games. He ran the ball 160 times for 749 yards and nine TDs, caught 68 passes for 699 yards and seven TDs, had 15 kickoff returns for 467 yards and a TD, and 16 punt returns for 180 yards and one score.
With those stats, Laube led UNH in rushes, rushing yards, rushing TDs, receptions, receiving yards, TD receptions, kickoff return yards and KO return average, and punt return yards.
Laube led the nation in all-purpose yards for the second consecutive year with an average of 209.5 yards per game. He was also #2 in scoring; #3 in both total touchdowns and kickoff returns; #8 in both combined kick returns and receptions per game; and #16 in punt returns.
The captain led UNH in rushing yards 9 of 10 games played, in receptions seven times and receiving yards four times. He topped 100 rushing yards twice (180 vs. Dartmouth; 132 vs. Villanova) and 100 receiving yards twice, as well as 200 all-purpose yards six times.
Laube scored at least one touchdown every game with a rushing TD in 7 of 10 games and a receiving touchdown in six games.
Laube received a total of five awards Sept. 11 following his record-setting performance of 295 receiving yards Sept. 9 at Central Michigan. His 12 catches included 80- and 71-yard touchdowns. He amassed a season-high, but not career-high, 371 all-purpose yards in that game.
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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 2024 recipients are Sedona Blair (Eden Prairie, Minn.) of the women's hockey team and Ryan Conmy (Alexandria, Va.) of the men's hockey team.
Blair broke UNH's single-season saves record with 917 in her rookie season with the Wildcats. Those 917 saves ranked 10th in the nation, and her other national rankings included fourth in minutes (2131:18), 11th in wins (18) and tied for 15th in shutouts (five).
On the Hockey East leaderboard, Blair was second in both wins and minutes, third in shutouts and fourth in saves. In league-only games, she tied for first in wins (14), ranked third in minutes (1594:28), and tied for third in shutouts (three).
Blair made 30+ saves in a game 11 times and that included a high of 40 in a 3-1 win at Providence College on Nov. 3.
Blair was named to the Hockey East Third Team All-Star and All-Rookie Team, and she was voted runner-up for the league's Rookie of the Year award. She was also named a New England All-Star.
Her other league accolades included four-time Pro Ambitions Rookie of the Week, Player of the Week and Stop It Goaltending Goaltender of the Week.
In her first postseason game, Blair stopped all 15 shots she faced to record her fifth shutout and backstop third-seeded UNH to a 3-0 victory against the University of Vermont in a Hockey East quarterfinal.
Blair recorded three consecutive shutouts against Harvard University, Holy Cross and Vermont as part of a total shutout streak of 193 minutes, 1 second.
Conmy, who skated in 34 of 36 game as a rookie, recorded 14 goals and 17 assist for 31 points to lead UNH in both goals and points. He was also atop the team leaderboard in shots and power-play goals (five), tied for the lead in game-winning goals (three), and he ranked second in both assists and plus/minus (+9).
Conmy was one of two Wildcats to record three assists in a game in the 2023-24 season. He did that in the season-opening 6-4 win against Boston University, which was ranked #1 in the nation. With those three assists, he was one of six 'Cats with a three-point game last season.
Conmy recorded a point each of the his first four career games with one goal and six assists in that span. He had a season-best five-game point streak in December, during which he tallied eight points on five goals and three assists.
Overall, the forward recorded a point in 20 of 34 games with 10 multiple-point efforts.
Conmy scored a career-high two goals Nov. 24 at RIT, and the next night he scored with 5.3 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime, where the 'Cats prevailed.
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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 Alivia Kelly's game-winning goal against NJIT at Wildcat Stadium on Oct. 15. On a direct kick from 40 yards on the left side of the field, Kelly's strike on goal went over the goalie's head and under to crossbar to give UNH a 1-0 lead in the 81st minute.
CLICK HERE to watch
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 UNH swimming and diving team defeating UConn, 152-147, on Senior Day by winning the last event of the meet, the 200-yard freestyle relay, with a Swasey Pool record time of 1 minute, 35.35 seconds; the score was tied, 141-141, entering that final race. [Jan. 20, 2024]
RECAP
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Women's Ice Hockey
G
/ Women's Ice Hockey
QB
/ Football
F
/ Men's Ice Hockey
F
/ Field Hockey
M
/ Women's Soccer
B
/ Women's Soccer
RB
/ Football
V, BB, FX
/ Women's Gymnastics
Nordic
/ Skiing
GK
/ Field HockeyUNH Women's Hockey vs Holy Cross Highlights 11-22-25
Sunday, November 23
UNH Football vs Maine Highlights 11-22-25
Sunday, November 23
UNH Men's Hockey vs UCONN Highlights 11-21-2025
Saturday, November 22
UNH Women's Basketball vs NEC Highlights 11-16-25
Sunday, November 16