The University of New England held its annual Athletics Awards Ceremony yesterday (April 26) afternoon, with each team recognizing its Coach's Award winner.  In addition, the department recognized its major award winners for 2008-09.

Swimmer Ali Wagner took home the Female Athlete of the Year Award.  Wagner earned all-New England status in three different events this past year to give her eight all-New England accolades for her career.  She won three races at The Commonwealth Coast Conference Invitational and finishes her career as the Nor'easters' all-time leader in points.

Men's basketball player Jaykyri Simpson was voted Male Athlete of the Year.  Simpson helped lead the Nor'easters to the program's first-ever TCCC title and NCAA Tournament appearance after averaging 12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists.  He was selected TCCC Defensive Player of the Year, as well as first team all-conference and second team all-state.

Women's basketball player Alli Gamache was recognized as Senior Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.  An elementary education major, Gamache carries a 3.84 cumulative grade point average and is a three-time TCCC academic all-conference selection.  She led the Nor'easters in scoring average (12.3) and finished her career second in three-pointers (233).  Gamache was a first team all-conference selection and second team all-state pick.

Men's lacrosse player Paris Mansmann was honored as Senior Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.  Mansmann has a 3.63 GPA as a mathematics major.  He is a three-time member of the TCCC all-academic team and is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma.  On the playing field, Mansmann has been a four-year starter and one of the team's top defenders.

Women's soccer player Maggie Mahoney earned Female Rookie of the Year accolades after leading the team with 37 total points and tying for the team lead with 15 goals.  She was chosen TCCC co-Rookie of the Year.

Men's basketball player Quentin Thompson was recognized as Male Rookie of the Year.  Thompson averaged 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds, which led to his selection as Rookie of the Year in The Commonwealth Coast Conference and Maine Men's Basketball Coaches and Writers Association.

Field hockey player Heather Laferriere earned the Female Senior Leadership Award.  Laferriere serves as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Golfer and men's basketball player Matt VanDeusen was awarded the Male Senior Leadership Award.  One of just a few two-sport athletes at UNE, VanDeusen is respected by his coaches and peers for his unselfish attitude and strong work ethic.

Ashley Ruggiera was honored as the Athletic Training Student of the Year.

A listing of the Coach's Award winners can be found below:

Sport	Student-Athlete
Basketball, Men's	Steve Belmonte
Basketball, Women's	Heather White
Cross Country, Men's	Dan Kelleher
Cross Country, Women's	Kaitlyn DiRenzo
Field Hockey	Anne Cowles
Golf	Cory Guenette
Ice Hockey	Nate Frechette
Lacrosse, Men's	Paris Mansmann
Lacrosse, Women's	Mallory Long
Soccer, Men's	Brad Carlson
Soccer, Women's	Katie Caron
	Alice Read
Softball	Angie Damon
Swimming, Men's	Bobby Cochrane
Swimming, Women's	Lauren Stephenson
Volleyball	Josie Raphaelito