Lancers showed their school pride during a weekend of celebratory Homecoming events, which brought thousands of alumni and Under clear blue skies, attendees enjoyed a festival-like atmosphere, complete with food trucks, lawn games, a flower arranging booth and cider bar. Other highlights included the traditional Family Day, which brought parents, guardians and siblings of Worcester State students to campus, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs hosting alumni for a night of networking and a performance by the Grammy-nominated string duo Black Violin. The proverbial cherry on top? The football team beat Bridgewater State, securing its first win of the season. Here’s a look at the best in photographs from another unforgettable Homecoming weekend.

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Worcester State inducted five former student-athletes, one coach, and the 1972 men’s outdoor track and field team into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame on September 27.

Above: The individual inductees are, clockwise from top, Thomas Moore, head coach of men’s basketball from 1989 to 1994; Courtney (Salisbury) Peloquin ’17, M.O.T. ’18, softball and women’s volleyball; Jeremy Gaucher ’08, football; Lindsay (DelleChiaie) Rocco ’10, women’s basketball; Marcus Price ’15, football; and Terrence Gibson ’16, men’s track and field and football. 

Celebrating the 1972’s Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Team

Inducted into Worcester State’s Athletic Hall of Fame on September 27, the team posted a 17-1 record during the 1972 season and won the inaugural Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference Championship, scoring 89 points, taking home the top prize in five events, and establishing Massachusetts State College records in the process. Pictured at the ceremony are (left side, from top) President Barry M. Maloney (top left) and team members Paul Blaquiere, Don Hurme, Jim MacCallum, Pat Mahoney, Eric Adamson, Curt Blanchard, Ken Warchol, Ernie Dew, and Ron Wilmont, as well as (right side, from top) team members John Delaney, Don Gribbons, Keith Scott, Bill Hamilton, Dennis Mulryan, Gary Jusseaume, Kevin Campbell, Steve Widen, Rich Riley, and Bill Johnson. Not pictured are team members Mike Loosemore, Paul Ludvigson, Ken Troy, Don Bergan, and the late Bob Knox.

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Women’s basketball star Katie Hurynowicz ’25 leads by example on and off the court. In January, she achieved a rare milestone.

Photos by Frank Poulin

Resilience and dedication have defined Katie Hurynowicz ’25’s college basketball journey. On January 13, the guard/forward achieved a rare feat, scoring her 1,000th career point during the Lancers’ 58-34 victory over Mount Holyoke College. 

Hurynowicz had a tough start as a collegiate athlete. With her first season cut short by COVID, she managed only 74 points. Sophomore year, she scored 255, and from there, her numbers skyrocketed: 440 as a junior and 399 as a senior, bringing her four-year total to 1,168. “She worked extremely hard to accomplish this goal,” said women’s basketball coach Karen Tessmer. “She is an excellent leader and sets the example for all her teammates in work ethic, commitment, loyalty, and passion.”

Hurynowicz—a Communication Sciences and Disorders major whose goal is to work as a speech pathologist—spoke with us about her accomplishment.

What brought you to Worcester State, and to basketball?

Hurynowicz is among the best in the league.

When I stepped onto campus, I loved the sense of community. It made my decision so easy. My family brought me to basketball: I have three older brothers, and they all played. My dad and mom played too. I was born into it, and I fell in love with it.

This was your second time reaching 1,000 career points. The first was at Tyngsborough High School. What was the transition from high school to college basketball like for you?  

My first full season—my sophomore year—was difficult. Most Division III athletes were the best in their high school and are used to playing the entire game, but then you come to college and that’s how it was for everyone else on your team, too. I didn’t get the playing time I thought I deserved—which, looking back, I know I didn’t deserve. 

Now you’re one of the best in the league and a two-time MASCAC All Conference Player. How did you do it? 

I listened to Coach and followed her advice, even though at times I didn’t like to hear it. I put in the work in the offseason to get into college shape, so I could go up against bigger, stronger girls. And that paid off.

Can you tell us about the moment on January 13 when you got your 1,000th point?

I had come into the previous game 32 points away and scored 20 in the first half. In the locker room at halftime, Coach said, “Just so everybody knows, Katie is 12 points away.” The jitters were there for sure. I ended up with 10 more that day—two short. The next game, I just let it come to me. I was relaxed. It actually happened on a free throw, which is how it happened for me in high school, too. It was a full-circle moment, and my whole family was there.

You’re a leader on your team. What do you strive for in that role? 

I try to lead by example, to be the teammate that I want to have. As a younger player, I always had people on the team I looked up to. I took their words and incorporated them into my game—and into my life. It’s nice for me to now be a teammate someone can listen to on and off the court.

What advice do you have for next year’s new players?

Push yourself and don’t give up. The transition from high school to college is difficult. Some freshmen on my team right now might not play at all. They can look at me and say, “Well, Katie didn’t really play either.” I can give them hope that if they work hard, it does pay off.  

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Late 1800s-early 1900s

Students have been playing sports at Worcester State for more than 100 years. The university’s archives contain photos of women’s basketball from 1897 and women’s volleyball from around 1920. In the 1910s, women played in softball tournaments. These early athletics activities began as physical education before expanding into clubs such as the Men’s and Women’s Athletics Associations that hosted both weekly and intercollegiate competition.

1940s

In the 1940s, athletics grew thanks to the efforts of World War II veteran Al G. Fotiades ’50 and several of his fellow Lancers. As a freshman at Worcester State Teachers College, Fotiades along with nine other students formed the 1946-47 men’s basketball team. The team played their home games in a standing-room-only gymnasium that was located on the first floor of the Shaughnessy Administration Building and went 8-1 in their inaugural season.

1950s

Baseball started in 1951, the second varsity team at the college, and has had an impressive record in its nearly 75 years. From 1966 to 2022, the team had 561 wins and, under the leadership of Coach Dirk Baker (1996-2022), went to the NCAAs six times.

By 1953, Worcester State Teachers College was in need of a better logo and identity for the players. At the time, uniforms simply read “State,” but most of the teams they played were also state colleges and had the same word on their uniforms. John Mockler, the first athletic director and catalyst for most of the men’s sports at Worcester State, studied the Massachusetts state seal for some inspiration and landed on “Lancers,” based on the arrow in the state seal. He commissioned an artist at the school newspaper to draw the first Lancer. Everyone loved the horse-mounted lancer, and the first athletics logo was born.

1960s

The 1960s were years of rapid expansion. Men’s ice hockey started in 1966, and women’s basketball followed in 1967. In the late 1960s, the university started indoor and outdoor men’s track, men’s cross country, and a men’s tennis team.

Football had been played at Worcester State College since 1969 as a club sport for the first decade and a half of its existence. It was a successful club sport, too; both the 1980 and 1984 club football teams took home the National Collegiate Football Association championship. After an 11-0 season in 1984 that culminated in a dramatic victory against the two-time national champion Bentley College, the team’s continued success could no longer be denied. A varsity football program was established the following year.

1970s-1990s

Field hockey at Worcester State first began as a varsity sport in 1970, and the program quickly established a winning culture. In only their second season, the team began a run of three straight Massachusetts State College Tournament titles from 1971 to 1973, the first ever 3-peat in the history of Worcester State athletics. Hall of Fame inductee Debra (DiPadua) Tambeau ’74 anchored the team as their goalie, with her 15 shutouts in 34 games helping them maintain dominance over that three-season span. The 2023 Worcester State field hockey team holds the honor of winning the sport’s first ever MASCAC post-season championship under the leadership of first-year coach Sophia Monopoli.

Led by legendary head coach John Coughlin Sr., men’s hockey went on a historic run in the 1970s that began with the 1971-72 season. The team won the first of three consecutive ECAC championships and set numerous records that have yet to be broken by any Lancer men’s hockey team since. Their single-season record of 21-3 remains the best in program history, as does the team’s win percentage (.875) and total goals scored (252). To commemorate their performance that season, the entire 1971-72 men’s ice hockey team was inducted into the Worcester State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. (Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the print edition which states the team did not win a championship.)

The Lancer women’s basketball team earned national recognition for their dynamic victory of the 1980 AIAW National Championship. Led by longtime women’s basketball head coach Donna Devlin, the team finished with a record of 24-2 and won the first national championship in Worcester State history. The championship game was a closely contested matchup against Wisconsin-La Crosse that finished with a final score of 76-73. The women’s basketball team returned to the AIAW tournament the following season, falling short in the Final Four.

The 1983-84 men’s golf team tied for third place in the 1984 NCAA Division III tournament and enjoyed a successful year from start to finish. The softball team went 21-3 in 1987, capturing the MASCAC Championship and making its first NCAA appearance.

In the 1990s, men’s basketball star Al Pettway ’94 reached unprecedented scoring heights during his time as a Lancer, leading the Lancers to the NCAA Tournament in 1994. His 2,205 career points are still the most in program history by a wide margin, and he remains high on the list of scoring accolades such as points per game, field goals made, and three-point shots made. In 2024, Worcester State Athletics welcomed Pettway back home as the new men’s basketball coach.

The 1990s closed out with a remarkable accomplishment for the Lancer history books. Track and field athlete Elke Aun ’97 was the first Worcester State College athlete to receive an NCAA $5,000 postgraduate scholarship. Considered the best female track and field athlete in Worcester State history, her achievements include the 1996 NCAA Division III National Championship in the heptathlon, four-time All-American, All-ECAC 13 times, All-New England 18 times, ECAC Champion in four events, and New England Champion in two events. She remains the Lancer record holder in the 50-yard hurdle and the 400-meter, 500-meter, 600-meter, 800-meter, and 1,000-meter in running.

2000s

The 2001 men’s soccer team made history by capturing the program’s first-ever MASCAC title before stunning #3 Williams College in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. The squad tied a program record that season with 15 wins, finishing at 15-3-3.

The mid 2000s were a time of dominance for the women’s soccer team, which won four straight MASCAC championships from 2004 to 2007. The team’s 16 wins in both the 2006 and 2007 season are tied for most in program history, and several standout players from this era have since been enshrined in the Athletic Hall of Fame. In the final year of this stretch, the team made it to the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament, the farthest postseason run of any Lancer women’s soccer team to date.

Another track and field star followed Elke Aun to became a national champion in 2013. Terrence Gibson ’16 was the first Worcester State male athlete to win a national championship when he won the 60-meter hurdle at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Volleyball player Amari King ’19 was named 2017 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Volleyball Player of the Year after she led the Lancers to a perfect 7-0 mark during conference play. King was a standout player, leading the team to back-to-back MASCAC Championships and NCAA appearances. In 2024, she returned to Worcester State as the assistant volleyball coach.

In the 2021-22 season, Worcester State established its first women’s ice hockey program. After Becker College closed in 2021, Worcester State recruited 13 members of its women’s ice hockey team, along with head coach Eliza Kelley, to play in the Lancers’ inaugural season. The team wasted no time making their presence known, winning their first ever game 5-0 and finishing the season as the 2022 ECHA champions. They have now won three straight ECHA crowns.

In 2022, during her 28th season as head coach of the women’s basketball team, Karen Tessmer reached the milestone of 350 games won. Tessmer coached her first season of Lancer women’s basketball in the 1994-95 season, and she still leads the program today. Her 350th victory was an emphatic win against Fitchburg State University that the Lancers won by 36 points.

Worcester State saw two ice hockey athletes selected to represent Team USA in international games between 2022 and 2023. Max Roth ’22 was selected to represent Team USA at the Maccabiah Games in Israel, an event that runs every four years and is open to participants of Jewish faith from around the world and Israelis of any faith. Israel hosted the 21st games with over 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries, and it was one of the most widely attended sporting events of 2022.

In January, Lancer graduate student Clare Conway ’22 represented Team USA in the 2023 International University Sports Federation World University Game in New York. In addition to playing ice hockey, Conway was an outstanding lacrosse player during her time at Worcester State.

The men’s basketball team, led by Coach Tyler Hundley, finished the 2022-23 season with a conference-best 22-6 record, defeating Westfield State in a rematch to claim the MASCAC title and reach the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time since 1994. The Lancers went on to repeat as MASCAC champions the following year, earning their second straight NCAA tournament berth.

Top image: Worcester Normal School students played softball.

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Thanks to trailblazers worldwide who fight for equal treatment and the persistent dedication of players and coaches, female athletes are being promoted and recognized for their accomplishments more than ever. Karen Tessmer, associate athletic director and women’s basketball head coach, says that it is important to keep fighting for the recognition of women in sports, as it is easy for them to be overshadowed by male athletes.

“We need to give recognition to our talented women’s teams. And I think Worcester State’s doing it,” Tessmer said. “It’s the right thing to do to make sure that every student athlete has the same experience and that they’re getting the recognition they deserve. And it should be regardless of their gender or their sport.”

As Worcester State Athletics has set a solid foundation for their female athletes, there has been notable success across all its programs this past year both on and off the field. Young talent is prominent in women’s soccer and basketball, school records are being broken by our female track and field athletes, and the ice hockey and field hockey teams were recently crowned conference champions.

“I think women have a lot of pride too. They want to be good, and they want to represent Worcester State and win championships,” Tessmer said, noting that it is all done for the love of the game.

Off the field, female athletes have performed in the classroom as well. Of the 193 female athletes at Worcester State, 83% achieved a GPA of 3.2 or above in the fall 2023 semester. Last year, the cumulative GPA average for all women’s team was a 3.50 while 165 female athletes made MASCAC All-Academic Teams this past fall. Many of these women are taking difficult majors as well, such as nursing, occupational therapy, and communication science disorders.

“We have kids that have tough schedules, balancing labs and their sports. And I will say our student athletes have really stepped up,” Tessmer said.

As a woman in a leadership role, Tessmer is able to provide a valuable perspective and ensure people are paying attention to women in sports. At 91´ŤĂ˝, it is impossible to miss all the great things our women’s teams are accomplishing. Here are highlights from fall 2023 and spring 2024.

Field Hockey

Championships have been no stranger to our women’s teams this year, with field hockey earning one for themselves. Head coach and Lancer field hockey alumna Sophia Monopoli had her hands full at the beginning of fall 2023, being hired just two and half weeks before preseason. Despite these uncertainties, Monopoli would lead the Lancers to win the inaugural MASCAC Field Hockey Championship in November 2023, posting a 9-1 conference record while doing so.

Monopoli returned to Worcester State after a prolific four-year career as a starting forward for the Lancers where she was a member of the first ever Little East Conference Championship team in 2019 and was named to the Little East All-Conference team that same year. She finished her career as a Lancer with 70 games played, recording 21 goals and 18 assists. As the new head coach, she knew how crucial it was to gain trust from her players while also maintaining personal connections.

“I am clearly pretty young when it comes to being a head coach and it’s kind of tricky finding that balance of connecting with them and making sure they know I understand, so that’s really what I focused on the most – finding that medium and making sure that they know I can relate very personally to them, especially because I was a player at Worcester State,” Monopoli said.

Alongside the championship, the Lancers would also lead the conference in nearly every offensive category and saw six players earn spots on MASCAC All-Conference teams. The 9-1 conference record came by grinding out three overtime wins and scoring 51 goals in 20 games.

“They want to win. They want to play field hockey. They love the sport – every single one of them. They also love and respect each other. It all really intertwines with one another and it works and they’re incredible,” Monopoli said of her team.

The offensive success in part was due to senior Grace Adams, who was awarded MASCAC Offensive Player of the Year and NFHCA All Region Second Team. Adams would start in all 41 career games, scoring 30 goals and 8 assists. Despite the accolades, Adams’ sole focus was on the team. For her, achieving that championship feeling as a team, alongside the women she loves. was much more meaningful than any personal triumph.

“I still get chills thinking about it because you hear about it, and then you finally do it and you’re like, ‘Wow, that’s the best feeling in the world,’” Adams said.

With a team built around trust, resilience, and belief in one another, Monopoli is looking ahead as prep work for the 2024 season has already begun, reminding her team that in order to stay at the top, they must continue to work hard and remain level headed. Most importantly, Monopoli is dedicated to making sure every player has a positive experience as a Lancer.

“Their overall experience is my number one concern, whether it’s field hockey or school, it all matters to me,” she said. “That was my biggest thing going into this is just them knowing that I care.”

The women’s ice hockey team is the three-time ECHA Conference champion.

Women’s Ice Hockey

Starting with the most recent triumph, Worcester State Women’s Ice Hockey has accomplished the extraordinary, winning their third ECHA Championship in a row by defeating Rivier 2-1 in a thrilling overtime battle. Joining as an official sport in 2021, the Lancers have wasted no time in building a dynasty, led by senior Cassidhe Wozniak and first-year standout Fiona Hatton, who scored the winning goal in overtime off an assist from Wozniak. Hatton said it was exciting to score the goal, but it took everyone to make it happen.

“Our entire team and staff worked tirelessly this season to make this moment a reality; everyone earned this,” Hatton said. Her undeniable dominance this season has also earned her the title of ECHA Rookie of the Year.

Now a senior, Wozniak has continued to build an extensive resume in her playing career. This season, she has scored 16 goals and recorded 13 assists in just 26 games. Wozniak was named ECHA First Team All-Conference at the conclusion of the season. Reflecting on her career as a Lancer, Wozniak is grateful for the experience she had, knowing that not all athletes can say they are a three time champion.

“I feel lucky and grateful to have been a part of such a strong and successful program. Not many athletes get to experience what it is like to win a championship at this level and to have done it three times in a row is truly something special,” Wozniak said.

Goaltender Kelsey Czerniawski was named the ECHA MVP of the championship tournament allowing just a single goal in two games while captain Katie Puumala was named ECHA Player of the Year, leading the conference with 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points. Puumala, now a graduate student, has been a part of the program from the start and helped it get off the ground as a leader of the team.

“Being one of the team leaders and helping the team to a third straight championship title is a highlight and the best feeling to end my college career on. I feel so proud of everyone for all of the hard work that resulted in us bringing home the trophy,” Puumala said.

The Lancers will join the MASCAC next year looking to make another statement and continue their dominance under head coach Eliza Kelley, who was just named ECHA Coach of the Year following the championship win.

“We want to represent the University well. We want to give the campus community something to celebrate. We want to honor our program by continuing the winning culture we are establishing,” Kelley said.

Jadah Stokes

Women’s Indoor Track & Field

On top of winning championships, Worcester State female athletes are also breaking school records and achieving individual success. Making her mark clear this season for Worcester State’s indoor track and field team is freshman Jadah Stokes. Stokes, who throws shot put and weight throw for the Lancers, has claimed MASCAC Rookie of the Week honors six times this season. Stokes has shaken off the initial first-year nerves, saying her season is going really well thus far.

Ciara Adu-Addo

“I was nervous to compete at the collegiate level at first, but as the season goes on, I’ve come to learn that many of my opponents share my feelings, so I’ve decided to simply go out there and give it my all,” Stokes said.

One of Stokes best performances this season was during the week of February 13 when she claimed the top spots in shot put and weight throw at MASCAC Championships. She threw an 11.48m shotput and 13.90m weight throw to reach first in each event.

“I put a lot of effort into my practice sessions every week to get ready for the competition. Whether it’s lifting or throwing, I know that giving it my all will benefit me in the long term and during competition,” Stokes said.

Stokes recently accomplished school history at the New England DIII Indoor Track Championships in Boston, alongside teammate and first year, Ciara Adu-Addo. At the event, Stokes and Adu-Addo broke school records in their respective events. Stokes threw a 12.49m shot put, while Adu-Addo posted a 5.54m long jump. Looking ahead, Stokes says she is excited to keep competing for the Lancers, and hopes to continue growing the women’s throwing team.

“I’m excited to train hard in both indoor and outdoor track and field at Worcester State in the coming years, as well as to perform well in my outdoor track season. In the next three years, I also hope to help grow our women’s throwing team,” Stokes said.

Women’s 91´ŤĂ˝

Worcester State women’s soccer has plenty of young talent this season. Posting a 5-2 conference record this past fall and making a trip to the MASCAC semi-finals, the Lancers made a competitive conference run and is one of the youngest teams on campus. Welcoming 14 freshmen this past year, some of them earning starting roles, the Lancers are building a solid foundation for next season.

Some of the most notable first-year contributions came from the likes of Ava Lemanski, Lucy Watson, and Jessica Forbes. Lemanski would become the team’s leading goalscorer on the season, netting 7 of her own and tallying 1 assist for 15 points. Watson became a regular contributor and an integral part of the Lancer playoff run, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist. On the other hand, Forbes has proven to be both a defensive and offensive force on the pitch, frequently being switched between the defensive line and midfield. Forbes netted 3 goals, two of them against Mass Maritime in a decisive 5-0 win.

Erin Condon

Sophomore Erin Condon has proved to be the heart of the team in just her first two years. Prior to the season, she was named team captain and went on to tally 6 goals and 7 assists for the Lancers in the fall, being named to the MASCAC First Team All-Conference for the second year in a row. Condon says she is never chasing these accolades, and goes into every game day with the same mindset.

“My favorite mindset is just have fun, and I say this to the team before every game,” she said. “I’m going out there to play with some of my best friends. There’s no pressure at all to be the best. Just go out there, do your role, and have fun with it.”

Condon says a major focus this past season was team bonding and chemistry. Building connections early on and making sure every person felt heard. One of the benefits of being such a young team is that the squad is filled with contagious energy.

“I think the biggest thing about being young is that they’re hungry,” she said. “That energy and that fire was the entire year. It was contagious. They’re all so excited to be there that it almost felt like it was a new year for me too,” Condon said.

With preparations for the 2024 season already underway for Worcester State Women’s 91´ŤĂ˝, they look to continue feeding off the youthful energy as it translates well both on and off the field.

Women’s Basketball

Lena Waldron

Continuing with the trend of young talent is Worcester State women’s basketball where first year Lena Waldron has been firing on all cylinders. Waldron was just named MASCAC Rookie of the Year after being named Rookie of the Week nine times this season. Head Coach Karen Tessmer says Waldron is coachable, wants to get better, and that the sky’s the limit for her.

“She’s going to be someone to watch from her freshman year to her senior year in basketball growth, because she has worked so hard to develop all areas of her game. She’s just so fast. She can get down the court and score in transition and she has worked on her 3-point shooting,” Tessmer said. “People who watch her as a freshman and think she’s really good, just wait until they see her in three years. She’s going to develop into an outstanding all-around player.”

Waldron has started all but two games this season, averaging 10.1 points per game and 6 rebounds per game. She scored a career high 18 points twice this season, against MCLA in a 75-25 win and Salem State in the MASCAC quarter-final matchup.

Katie Hurynowicz

Alongside Waldron, senior and captain Katie Hurynowicz had an All-Conference season, landing a spot on the MASCAC second team. Hurynowicz recorded seven double-doubles and has been a consistent force on the court for the Lancers. She averaged 17.6 points per game and 8.0 rebounds per game. As far as her leadership, Tessmer had high praise, saying she has empowered others, displayed resiliency and continuously helped the younger players of the team.

“She’s always been a competitor and that’s what I love about her. She sets the example at practice. She works so hard, she wants to win, and doesn’t back off. She’s just been a great example for her teammates,” Tessmer said.

Looking ahead, Hurynowicz plans to return for her 5th year of eligibility next season as her and the Lancers will hone in on what’s next, ready to make a competitive run.

Women’s Volleyball

Competitive playoff runs is the norm for Worcester State women’s volleyball who bring plenty of athletic prowess, with multiple standouts helping them to a 6-1 conference record in the fall. The Lancers deep playoff runs the past two seasons were made possible in part because of the team captains, graduate student Camryn Burgio and senior Maeve Cadogan.

Camryn Burgio

Burgio was an outside hitter/libero for the Lancers, leaving a strong legacy as Worcester State’s digs leader with over 1,300 digs in her collegiate career. As a result of her efforts, she was named MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons and named to the MASCAC First Team All-Conference. Burgio found the same success off the court, graduating from the Worcester State Nursing Program and earning herself a spot on the CSC Academic All-District Team.

Maeve Cadogan

Cadogan played as a middle blocker for the Lancers, and she left her mark on the program by becoming Worcester State’s career block assist leader with 144 to her name. Her efforts also earned her a spot on the MASCAC Second Team All-Conference.

Looking to build and cement their own legacies in the upcoming season is junior Angela Colonis and freshman Beatrice Gamboa-Estrella. Colonis is a steady presence for the Lancers, becoming a reliable setter for the team and named to the MASCAC First Team All-Conference. She has recorded 1,211 career assists so far in her career. Off the court, she was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team for her academic successes in the nursing program. Estrella is another player to watch this upcoming fall, as she looks to accomplish even more on the court after becoming a regular starter for the Lancers in her freshman season, being named MASCAC Rookie of the Week twice.

Women’s Lacrosse

91´ŤĂ˝ Women’s Lacrosse finished last season with a 5-2 conference record, making a trip to the MASCAC semi-finals led by Shea Jarvis, graduate student and returning captain of the Lancers, as well as standout midfielder, McKayla Fisher.

Shea Jarvis

Jarvis has been a key attacking presence for the Lancers, starting all 19 games in her senior season last spring. She totaled 47 goals and 20 assists for 67 points last year, ultimately helping her reach 100 career points and 100 career goals as a collegiate athlete.

Splitting the captain duties with Jarvis this season are seniors Sarah Melanson and Hannah Leahy, and junior Ava Gesner. Continuing a tradition, they have come up with a motto for the team as they look to continue building off successes from last season.

“Every year we have a motto going into the season and this year the captains chose ‘More.’ They want to give more each and every day at practice, in games, in the locker room, in the weight room and in the classroom,” said head coach Kelly Downs.

McKayla Fisher

With just one season under her belt, sophomore McKayla Fisher has already cemented herself as a pivotal player for the Lancers. Last season, Fisher was named MASCAC Rookie of the Week three times. She scored 28 goals and 22 assists for 50 points last season, earning her a spot on the MASCAC All-Conference Second Team. Also a part of the nursing program, Fisher finds success off the field, earning her a spot on the MASCAC All-Academic Team in 2023.

With the veteran presence and energizing young talent this team possesses, Coach Downs is looking forward to the 2024 season.

“The energy going into the year has a different vibe about it which is exciting. They have their mind set on a MASCAC championship so we’re excited to get started to work towards that goal,” Downs said.

Softball

Worcester State Softball kicked off the 2024 season in Florida over spring break, bringing home five wins as sophomore Bella Gasbarro and senior Emily Bartlett return after having dominant performances last season.

Bartlett has started off the season strong at the mound, being named MASCAC Pitcher of the Week after several convincing performances over a long stretch of games. She tallied 28 strikeouts and appeared in 4 games, two of them being complete. Bartlett is also rising in the record books as she now has the fourth most strikeouts in Lancer history with 400 and counting.

Gasbarro saw a return as well after a standout freshman year in 2023. Appearing in all 11 games over spring break, she tallied 16 RBI’s, 6 runs, and a 0.486 batting average to start off the season. Coach Keri Bianchini is excited to have these standouts back and continue building off these early performances.

“Last year we had a relatively young team and accomplished a lot of goals offensively so it is exciting to have them back, working hard and ready to pick up where we left off,” said Head Coach Keri Bianchini.

Gasbarro, who is an infielder,had an impressive first year with the Lancers. She maintained a batting average of .409 (5th in the MASCAC), as well as totaling 33 RBI’s on the season. These performances earned her a spot on the MASCAC First Team All-Conference and the NFCA All-Region Second Team. Off the field, Gasbarro’s academic successes are just as impressive, being named to the MASCAC All-Academic Team.

Captain and pitcher Emily Bartlett continues to own the mound after a standout junior season. Last year, Bartlett recorded 145 strikeouts, leading the MASCAC. Her statistics were impressive enough to claim a spot on the MASCAC Second Team All-Conference. Bartlett also made the MASCAC All-Academic Team and is in the Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society for her academic excellence.

Last season, five other Lancers joined Gasbarro and Bartlett on MASCAC All-Conference teams. This amount of representation from the MASCAC is a testament to the depth and talent of the team.

“We have a lot of depth returning this season and are looking forward to building off of last year’s success and in particular with our strong hitting,” Bianchini said.

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Allison Coppinger

Worcester State women’s ice hockey player Clare Conway celebrated her 23rd birthday on January 18 like no other—in front of 3,000 people, competing on Team USA in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University game against Canada.

The games are among the world’s largest collegiate winter multi-sports competitions, and they were held in Lake Placid, NY, over 10 days at the start of 2023. The women’s ice hockey team competed against Canada, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Japan.

“One of the coolest moments was wearing a Team USA jersey. I loved having the Team USA jersey with my last name on it,” said Conway.

During the game against Canada, Conway experienced a special moment with a young fan. “A little girl was banging on the glass as my back was facing towards her. I turned around, and she asked for my puck. That was crazy for me to experience that. I used to be her. It was one of the best birthdays,” said Conway. 

Conway, who grew up in Billerica, Mass., has been playing hockey for as long as she can remember, since she was about three years old. When her brother decided to play hockey, she wanted to follow in his footsteps. She also plays lacrosse, a sport she picked up around age eight.

Her Division III hockey playing began at Becker College where she tallied 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points in 63 ice hockey games with the Hawks. When Becker closed, it was tough for Conway to process since Becker is where she found her first home in Worcester. Worcester State’s Athletic Director Michael Mudd offered a new home for Becker women’s ice hockey players by starting a program at Worcester State with former Becker coach Eliza Kelley. Conway also played a role in getting her Becker teammates excited to come to Worcester State, Kelley said. 

Worcester State’s women’s ice hockey program has had two seasons so far and has won the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Alliance (ECHA) championship both seasons. “Not too many second-year programs have 18 wins,” said Kelley. 

Clare has been a team captain for the past four seasons, and 2022-23 was her last season of play at Worcester State. She is known for having “a love for the game and being one of the loudest to celebrate her teammates. She is super tough and enjoys the pressure of playing at a high level. She carries herself with a ton of confidence, the type of player that you notice when she walks into a locker room or steps on the ice,” said Kelley.

Conway finished her Worcester State bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2022 and is earning a master’s in nonprofit organization management. She has experience volunteering and helping at nonprofits and coaching youth ice hockey and events for the Special Olympics.

“Clare has helped set the program up in her two years here at Worcester State. She’s leaving the program having made such a big impact and really has created a legacy for those that will follow behind her,” said Kelley.

Allison Coppinger is a 2023 Worcester State graduate and writing intern in the Worcester State Office of Communications.

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The 16-member Athletics Hall of Fame committee had the significant task of selecting the former student-athletes who would join the venerated Hall of Famers already enshrined in the Worcester State record books.

The master of ceremony for the night was local Spectrum News 1 reporter Kevin Shea, who opted to break away from the traditional introduction and speech style for a more personal and in-depth interview style that brought both history and energy to the proceedings. Shea brought seriousness with levity as he questioned the inductees, even digging up forgotten memories that brought tears to the eyes of many.

Many expressed gratitude throughout the evening to Worcester State and the Athletics program for the support they have received, not only during their time as student-athletes but through every success, struggle, and accomplishment that has come their way since leaving Worcester State.

Sacha (Ashton) Langford recalled the continued support of her coach, Women’s Basketball Head Coach Karen Tessmer, not only during her playing career as a single mother but also in continually encouraging her to complete her degree. Langford is now paying forward that support. After graduating in 2021, she took a position in Worcester State’s Academic Success Center.

The 1971-72 Men’s ice hockey team. Standing, from left: Mike Correa ’73, Paul Janowski ’74, Robert Tavolieri ’75, Frank Hughes ’77, Ken Gliesman, Richard Gilmartin, Jim Roach ’83, and the late Phil Dumas, who passed away in January 2023. Seated, from left: Thomas “Tiger” White ’76, Robert Farley ’75, Jack Coleman III ’72, Joe Rinaldi ’73, Jack Hehir ’73, and Mark Bombard ’74.

The inductees throughout the night spoke of how humbled they felt by the nomination, and more so, to be seen as role models and inspirations for student-athletes today and in the future.

With tears in her eyes, Alumna Christine (Mitchell) Gaffney spoke about the honor of being nominated by fellow Worcester State volleyball star, and her own daughter, Erin Gaffney, to the Hall of Fame.

“Knowing the health challenges I faced as a kid and overcame, after having open heart surgery at the age of 12, it motivated me and gave me the courage to be the best athlete I could be,” said Gaffney. “I’m hoping I have been an inspirational role model for my daughter and I’m so proud of all the athletic accomplishments she has achieved over the years, even after persevering through multiple knee surgeries. My hope is for all young women to have the confidence and courage to face their own challenges with a positive outlook and to be the best athlete and person they can be. I am now an Athletic Hall of Fame inductee thanks to my daughter’s nomination and the will and strength of that 12-year-old girl that wasn’t going to let heart disease stop her from playing the sports she loved.”

The Men’s Ice Hockey Team, which had two individuals and a team inducted, continued the inspirational night, looking back on their experiences, sharing laughs on stage, and at their tables. They ended the night by calling upon the crowd to pass on the legacy to the current squad, “They are the future.”

2022 Athletics Hall of Fame

Christine “Chrissy” Mitchell Gaffney ’89 
Volleyball, Basketball, and Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field

Posthumous Award
James “Jim” Hughes ’76
Men’s Ice Hockey

Kemani J. Jones ’16
Football 2011–2012, 2014-15

Sacha Ashton Langford ’21
Women’s Basketball 1995–01

Thomas W. “Tiger” White ’76
Ice Hockey 1971–75

Malcolm “Big Dog” Person
Contributor, Basketball 1971–74

Richard “Sonny” Price
Contributor, Basketball 1972–75

1971–72 Men’s Ice Hockey Team

2020 Honoree
Alyssa L. (Jasper) Guzman ’15

Top image: Worcester State’s 2022 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees, from left: Richard “Sonny” Price; Sacha Ashton Langford; Kemani Jones; Frank Hughes, accepting on behalf of his late cousin James “Jim” Hughes; Christine “Chrissy” Mitchell Gaffney; Thomas White; and Alyssa (Jasper) Guzman.

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