BEVERLY, Mass. – The 2024-25 Conference of New England Women's Basketball Postseason Awards were released on Wednesday afternoon, with a wide spread of recognition that highlight's some of the best programs and players in the conference.
Player of the Year - Lilly Hedge, WNE
Hedge has led the Western New England women’s basketball team in nearly every statistical category this season, which has turned into a 23-2 overall record this season for the blue and gold, their most successful regular season in program history. Hedge averaged over 11 points per game on the year while picking up just under eight rebounds per game. The Guilford, Connecticut native recorded six double-doubles on the season to lead Western New England and was named to the New England Women’s Basketball Association Team of the Week twice this year. Hedge’s statistics this season are all career highs (points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, blocks, steals, minutes played, and three-pointers made).
Defensive Player of the Year - Libby Fleming, Endicott
Fleming ranked second in the CNE in rebounding and second in blocked shots per game (1.3). Her versatility on the defensive end was crucial for the Gulls this year, and was a factor in Endicott finishing the season second in the league in scoring defense (57.4 ppg) and second in scoring margin (10.8 ppg).
Rookie of the Year - Maddy Werner, UNE
Werner shined in her opening season in the CNE, collecting six Rookie of the Week honors. Appearing in 26 games with 20 starts, Werner averaged 9.1 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game as a first-year. She ranked third in scoring and first in rebounding on the fourth-seeded Nor'easters for the season. Her rebounding stats earned her a Top 15 spot among the conference ranks.
Scholar-Athlete of the Year - Naomi Nicholson, Gordon
Nicholson is pursuing a double major in Marketing and Business Management, maintaining a cumulative career GPA of 3.99. She is on track to graduate in 2025, completing her degree in just three academic years. A dedicated leader, she has served as a two-year team captain and a Resident Hall Advisor for the past two years. Additionally, she plays an active role in Gordon’s Business Club and participates in various leadership initiatives across campus, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.
Coach of the Year - Jamie Insel, Endicott
In her first season in Beverly, Insel has made an impact for the Gulls - leading them to a six-win upgrade from a year ago and a Co-Regular Season Championship in the conference. Under her leadership this season, the Gulls tied for second in total offense (68.2 points per game), had outright ownership of second in defense (57.4 points per game allowed), and second in win margin (10.8 points per game). She helped guide three Gulls to All-Conference selection, including Libby Fleming as Defensive Player of the Year.
All-Conference First Team
Sophia Coppola, RWU
Amanda DeAngelis, Suffolk
Lilly Hedge, WNE
Emma Shinney, Endicott
Faye Veilleux, UNE
All-Conference Second Team
Shaina Cooney, WNE
Sarah Dempsey, Endicott
Elizabeth Dufrane, RWU
Ami Rivera, Gordon
Abrianna Vazquez, Nichols
All-Conference Third Team
Lauren Dunn, Curry
Libby Flemming, Endicott
Colby Guinta, Suffolk
Sydney Jenisch, UNE
Ava Naszimento, Hartford
In addition to the major awards and all-conference teams, the CNE also announced its new Community Service Team, highlighting one student-athlete per institution who demonstrates a commitment to their community. Each winner was picked and nominated by each program’s head coach.
Community Service Team
Curry - Emerson Cherry
Endicott - Katelyn Konareski
Gordon - Naomi Nicholson
Hartford - Mikaela Williams
Nichols - Rylee Barrieault
Roger Williams - Caroline Aaron
Suffolk - Maddie Stewart
UNE - Faye Veilleux
Wentworth - Kailee McPhillips
WNE - Abby Marasco
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE OF NEW ENGLAND
Originally founded in 1984 as the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), and reconstituted as the Conference of New England (CNE) in 2024, the CNE is an NCAA Division III athletic conference composed of 10 full member and five associate member institutions throughout the New England region. Its membership aims to provide student-athletes with a positive experience in their pursuit of excellence through high academic standards, quality competition, and a meaningful student life. The Conference administers championships in 20 intercollegiate sports.