Keene State Athletics capped a dominant 2024-2025 with championships, NCAA success, academic honors, record fundraising, and community impact—earning the Commissioner's Cup and campus-wide praise.

It has officially been 55 days since an Owl athletic team last took the field. Luckily, that brief pause in the action has presented the perfect time to reflect on just how much the Keene State athletic community has accomplished over the past year—on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. From conference awards to the national stage, the Owls made their mark across a highly successful campaign. 

Fall Recap: Field Hockey Champs, Runners cleanup, Esports Booms

For the Keene State field hockey team, the 2024 season was all about rewriting the narrative. After the heartbreak of the previous year, the Owls bounced back dramatically, capturing the LEC Tournament Championship with a thrilling win over No. 1-seeded Vermont State Castleton. The victory marked Keene State's 15th tournament title, setting a new Little East Conference record.

The team finished the season with a 16–7 overall record (5–1 in conference play) and earned its first NCAA Championship appearance since 2018.

Two key players led the charge:

• Junior forward Grace Bazin, who recorded 26 goals and 7 assists, surpassed the 100-point career milestone.
• Senior midfielder Irini Stefanakos, who notched 11 goals and 18 assists, graduated as the program's all-time assist leader.

Cross Country:

"Anything you can do, I can do better" isn't just a lyric from Annie—it might as well have been the motto for the Keene State men's and women's cross country teams this past fall.

The women's team claimed its third consecutive Little East Conference (LEC) championship—and a record-setting 21st overall—underscoring its long-standing dominance. The men weren't far behind, winning their first LEC title in nine years thanks to a strong team effort that saw all five scoring runners place within the top 12 at the conference meet.

The men's team also produced a standout national performer in graduate student Jake Velazquez, who earned Division III All-American honors after finishing 29th overall at the 2024 NCAA National Championship. In a fitting twist, Velazquez became the 29th All-American in Keene State cross country history—and his achievement ended a 13-year All-American drought, the longest in the program's history.

Esports:

Off the field, Keene State esports took a major leap forward in its second year, finishing the 2024–25 campaign with a 51–36 record across regular and postseason play—a significant jump from the program's 9–16 debut last year.

Fall 2024 saw multiple historic firsts: the program's first two undefeated regular seasons (Overwatch 2 at 7–0 and Rocket League Academy at 6–0), a top-four Varsity Premier finish for Varsity Rocket League, and KSC's first-ever national championship as Overwatch 2 captured the Playfly College Esports Varsity Plus 2 title with a perfect 9–0 run.

Off the screen, KSC Esports launched its first in-person and charity event, a VALORANT scrimmage at Landmark College supporting Alex's Lemonade Stand, and began hosting Keene Karnage—a public monthly Smash Bros. tournament that has drawn players from across New England.

On Twitch, student-led broadcasts reached over 1,300 unique viewers across 112 hours of content, helping solidify the program as a rising force both in-game and on campus.

By the Numbers: 

Here's a look at the list of awards for each respective fall sport. In addition, 284 Owl student-athletes were named to the fall 2024 LEC Academic Honor Roll with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

Field Hockey:

LEC Tournament Champions

LEC Offensive Player of the Year: Grace Bazin (jr.)

1st team All-LEC: Grace Bazin (jr.), Irini Stefanakos (sr.)

2nd team All-LEC: Meghan Daileanes (so.), Hannah Wood (sr.)

12th Player Award: Elyse Picard (so)

NFHCA Division III All-Region 2nd team: Grace Bazin (jr), Irini Stefanakos (sr)

NFHCA Division III All-Academic Squad:

*GPA of 3.50 or higher*

Norah Bargatti (fr.), Lilah Carr (fr.), Kaitlyn Castriotta (jr.), Meghan Daileanes (so.), Ella DiMatteo (so.), Clara Gorman (jr.), Quinn Mailloux (jr.), Grace Murphy (jr.), Molly Murray (sr.), Elyse Picard (so.), Madeline Silvester (jr.), Irini Stefanakos (sr.), Hannah Wood (sr.)

Men's Cross Country:

Team LEC Championship

LEC Coaching Staff of the Year: Dan Roark, Tyler Klockars

All-American: Jake Velazquez (gr.)

East Regional Champion: Jake Velazquez (gr.)

1st team All-LEC: Tyler Bolaske (so.), Griffin Urnezis (so.), Jake Velazquez (gr.)

2nd team All-LEC: Ben Tetu (fr.)

Women's Cross Country:

Team LEC Championship

LEC Coaching Staff of the Year: Dan Roark, Tyler Klockars

All-Region: Maggie St. John (gr.), Anna O'Reilly (jr.)

1st team All-LEC: Sarah Ames (3rd place) (sr.), Anna O'Reilly (6th place) (jr.), Maggie St. John (2nd place) (gr.), Kallie Warner (5th place) (fr.)

2nd team All-LEC: Sara Christian (5th yr.)

LEC Rookie of the Year: Kallie Warner (fr.)

Men's Soccer:

KSC Male Scholar Athlete of the Year: Brandon Comire (sr.)

Women's Soccer:

2nd-team All-LEC: Elizabeth Tschudin (so.)

3rd-team All-LEC: Giuliana Stolfi (jr.)

Volleyball:

2nd- team All-LEC: Molly Weatherbee (sr.), Alexis Small (so.)

LEC Sportsmanship team: Stephanie Olah (sr.)

Coaching Milestone: Jacob Girard earned his first collegiate head coaching win in a 3–0 sweep of Westfield State on August 31, 2024.

Winter Recap: Hockey Debuts, Men's Hoops & Women's Swimming Dynasties Continue, Indoor Track Breaks Records

The 2024–25 season marked a historic expansion for Keene State Athletics with the launch of NCAA Division III women's and men's ice hockey programs. While men's hockey had existed in the past, this year marked its return to NCAA competition for the first time since 1985. Both teams impressed in their inaugural seasons, each finishing with winning records—13–12 for the women and 13–10–1 for the men.

First-year forwards Ava Iantosca and Brianna Finke led the way for the women's team, with Iantosca scoring 15 goals and adding six assists, while Finke contributed 12 goals and 14 assists in standout debut campaigns. On the men's side, Marcus Chrisafideis and Chase Carney emerged as key playmakers, each earning nominations for the prestigious Joe Concannon Award, which honors the top American-born Division II/III player in New England.

The programs' early success was bolstered by a growing partnership with Keene ICE, which provided access to a premier facility and brand-new, state-of-the-art locker rooms—laying the groundwork for a bright future for Owl hockey.

Another milestone awaits next year, as both teams become inaugural members of the newly formed Little East Conference for ice hockey.

Men's Basketball:

The Keene State men's basketball team continued its run of consistent success in 2024–25, maintaining its place atop the Little East Conference.

The Owls secured their fourth consecutive LEC title and earned another trip to the NCAA Tournament. Under first-year head coach Steven Enright—who was named LEC Coach of the Year—Keene State posted a 23–6 overall record, including an unblemished 13–0 mark at Spaulding Gymnasium.

After defeating Western Connecticut in the conference championship, the Owls knocked off Clark University in the NCAA first round before falling to eventual national champion Trinity College in round two. The victory over Clark extended Keene State's streak of winning at least one NCAA Tournament game to four consecutive seasons—further cementing their status as a national contender.

The team also delivered one of the biggest stories of the year in senior guard Octavio Brito, who was named NABC Division III National Player of the Year. A dominant force on both ends of the court, Brito averaged 22 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game—solidifying his legacy as one of the most decorated players in program history. He departs as the second all-time leading scorer in Keene State history.

Swim & Dive:

Few programs in the region have a winning tradition as established as Keene State women's swim & dive. After falling just short of a 20th consecutive conference title last year, the Owls thrillingly reclaimed the throne this season, edging out the competition by just 75 points thanks to a gritty, all-out team performance. The victory marked Keene State's record-setting 20th Little East Conference title, further cementing their place as one of the most dominant programs in conference history.

Freshman diver Ayla Pullen added to the celebration, earning LEC Rookie Diver of the Year honors in her debut season.

Track & Field:

Indoor track at Keene State this winter was all about shattering records. The Owls set seven new school records, as runners and jumpers from both the men's and women's teams etched their names into the record books. Junior Aidan Law accounted for a remarkable trifecta, breaking records in the 200m, 400m, and long jump. Transfer student Kyle Thomas, formerly of Central Connecticut State, made an immediate impact by claiming the 60m record. Meanwhile, rookie Keely Giordano set a new school record in the women's 200m.

In total, 11 athletes from the men's and women's teams earned spots on the All-Conference teams, with four receiving All-Region honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

By the Numbers:

Here's a look at the list of awards for each respective winter sport. 45 Owl student-athletes were named to the winter 2024 LEC Academic Honor Roll with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

*As independent programs in their inaugural seasons, neither the men's nor women's ice hockey teams were eligible for conference awards*

Men's Ice Hockey:

Joe Concannon Award Nominees: Chase Carney (fr.), Marcus Chrisafideis (so.)

Women's Ice Hockey:

3rd among all Division III freshmen in scoring: Ava Iantosca

Ava Iantosca is ranked 16th in goals per game in NCAA DIII Women's Ice Hockey.

Men's Basketball:

LEC Champions

LEC Coach of the Year: Steven Enright

LEC Player of the Year: Octavio Brito (sr.)

1st-team All-LEC: Octavio Brito 

2nd-team All-LEC: Spencer Aronsen (sr.), Mason Jean-Baptiste (5th.), Nate Siow (5th.)

LEC All-Defensive Team: Octavio Brito, Mason Jean-Baptiste 

NABC Division III National Player of the Year: Octavio Brito

NABC & D3hoops.com All-America First Team: Octavio Brito

D3hoops.com First Team All-Region: Octavio Brito

NABC All-American: Octavio Brito

KSC 1,000 point club: Nate Siow 

Program Record for career starts: Mason Jean-Baptiste (121)

Coaching Milestone: Steven Enright earned his first victory at Keene State with an 83-78 win over Western New England on November 26, 2024.

Women's Basketball:

1st-team All-LEC: Brynn Rautiola (so.)

d3hoops.com All-Region: Brynn Rautiola (so.)

Women's Swim & Dive:

LEC Champions

LEC Rookie Diver of the Year: Ayla Pullen (fr.)

Women's 3m Diving - 6 Dive - Megan Strzegowski (so.)

Women's 3m - 11 Dive: Ayla Pullen (fr.)

Men's Swim & Dive:

LEC Runners-Up

Broken School Record in 100 IM (individual medley): Aaron Turgeon (sr.)

Indoor Track & Field:  

1st-team All-LEC: Kyle Thomas (so.), Griffin Urnezis (so.), Keely Giordano (fr.), Sarah Ames (sr.)

2nd-team All-LEC: Aidan Law (jr.), Anna O'Reilly (jr), Kallie Warner (fr), Molly Lu McKellar (jr), Jacqueline Earner (fr.)

3rd-team All LEC: Keith O'Donnell (so.)

LEC All-Rookie Team: Keely Giordano (fr.), Kallie Warner (fr)

USTFCCCA All-Region Honors: Kyle Thomas (so.), Aidan Law (jr.), Molly Lu McKellar (jr.)

Broken Records: 

60m dash: Kyle Thomas (so.) (6.87 seconds)

200m dash: Aidan Law (jr.) (21.91 seconds)

400m dash: Aidan Law (jr.) (49.80)

Long Jump: Aidan Law (Jr.) (7.26 meters)

Pole Vault: Caden Latulippe (so.) (4.30 meters)

200m dash: Keely Giordano (fr.) (26.43)

As winter faded to spring, the Owls' momentum only continued—highlighted by baseball's resurgence, new beginnings in softball, and national recognition for cheerleading and esports.

Spring Recap: Baseball Comes Alive, Softball Retools & Cheerleading Goes National

2025 was a year of breaking records and championship droughts. This was especially true for the baseball team. After stumbling to an 8-13 start, the Owls, under head coach Justin Blood experienced an extreme resurgence in the latter half of the season, going 17-2. Sweeps over conference rivals UMass-Boston, Western Connecticut, and the University of Southern Maine resulted in the Owls claiming the No. 1 seed and hosting the LEC tournament.

The uptick in form was no coincidence as several players had outstanding performances down the stretch. Offensively, junior outfielder Tommy Ahlers proved his caliber at the plate, leading the conference in batting average (.426), slugging (1.148), hits (73), and triples (4) culminating in Ahlers being named the LEC Player of the Year. 

On the mound, Jake Jachym was dealing. The junior led the conference in wins with a record of 6-1 across 12 appearances, nine of them coming as a starter. The Keene Ace sported an ERA of 3.48 across his 64.2 innings of work earning himself the LEC Pitcher of the Year award. 

The Owls paved the way to their first conference title in 17 years, blowing past UMass Dartmouth in the first round before shutting out Southern Maine in the second round. The semi-final was a victory over Rhode Island College, whom the Owls had fallen to earlier in the season. The Championship game was a tight affair vs No. 3-ranked Eastern Connecticut, however, Keene emerged with a 2-1 victory to crown themselves champs and earn an NCAA tournament berth for the first time since 2010. Head coach Justin Blood was named LEC coach of the year after securing the first title in his tenure at the helm.

At the 2025 NCAA Division III Baseball Championships, the Owls were bested in the regional round. Losses to no. 7 Salve Regina and TCNJ would mark the end of a remarkable season. 

However, the postseason accolades did not end. Seven Owls earned All-Region honors between the ABCA and D3baseball.com. Tommy Ahlers headlined the group, landing First Team honors from both outlets and becoming Keene State's first All-American since 2016. Jake Jachym earned Second Team recognition after a dominant postseason run that included LEC Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

Catcher Evan Cali, first baseman Jonathan Chatfield, and pitcher David Floyd were named to the ABCA Third Team, while utility standout Shea Zina was selected to the D3baseball.com Third Team after making key contributions both at the plate and on the mound. Head coach Justin Blood, in his fourth year at the helm, was named D3baseball.com Region II Coach of the Year after leading the Owls to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012.

Softball:

The Keene State softball team started the season under a new head coach for the first time in a decade. Haley Chandler '13 an Owl softball alum took the reins back in July of 2024 and the team showed clear signs of progress throughout the season. Although the Owls still fell short of qualifying for the conference tournament, they more than doubled their win total compared to the previous two seasons combined. Chandler earned her first collegiate coaching victory, marking a significant milestone for both her and the program. On the diamond, the team displayed increased competitiveness, resilience, and effort throughout the season, setting a strong foundation for future success. 

Cheerleading:

It was another strong spring for the Keene State cheerleading team, which returned to the national stage for the third consecutive year. The Owls opened the championship season with a runner-up finish at the New England Cheerleading Association Collegiate Competition on March 30 before heading south to Daytona Beach, Fla., for the National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate Championship. Facing off against top programs from across the country, Keene State held their own—earning a seventh-place finish in a field of 20 teams.

By the Numbers:

Here's a look at the list of awards for each respective spring sport. 235 Owl student-athletes were named to the spring 2025 LEC Academic Honor Roll with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

Baseball:

LEC Regular Season Champions

LEC Tournament Champions

LEC Coach of the Year: Justin Blood

LEC Pitcher of the Year: Jake Jachym (jr.)

LEC Player of the Year: Tommy Ahlers (jr.)

1st-team All-LEC: Jake Jachym (jr.), Tommy Ahlers (jr.)

2nd-team All-LEC: Evan Cali (jr.), Jonathan Chatfield (jr.), Evan McCue (jr.), Ethan Rainha (so.)

3rd-team All-LEC: David Floyd (jr.), Camden Thomas (so.), Liam Conley (sr.)

All-American: Tommy Ahlers

ABCA/Rawlings All-Region 1st-team: Tommy Ahlers

ABCA/Rawlings All-Region 2nd-team: Jake Jachym

ABCA/Rawlings All-Region 3rd-Team: Evan Cali, Jonathan Chatfield, David Floyd

d3baseball.com All-Region 1st-team: Tommy Ahlers

d3baseball.com All-Region 2nd-team: Jake Jachym

d3baseball.com All-Region 3rd-team: Shea Zina

d3baseball.com Region II Coach of the Year: Justin Blood

Softball:

LEC All-Rookie Team: Abby Weiterman (fr.)

KSC Female Scholar Athlete of the Year: Carissa Miller (sr.)

Milestones:

Haley Chandler earned her first collegiate coaching win in an 11-3 victory over Salem State on March 17, 2025.

100 career hits: Olivia Whittier (sr.)

150 career hits: Molly Murray (sr.)

150 career strikeouts: Carissa Miller (sr.)

300 career strikeouts: Lilah Demmy (sr.)

Women's Lacrosse:

1st-team All LEC: Tess Brown (jr.), Lola Smith (sr.), 

2nd-team All-LEC: Mabelle Bessette (jr.), Riley Devine (jr.), Lola Varrichione (fr.), 

LEC sportsmanship team: Carlie Jamieson (sr.)

IWLCA All-Region 2nd-team: Tess Brown (jr.)

Men's Lacrosse:

1st-team All LEC: Rex Maccarini (sr.), Ty Cougler (so.)

Program Record Breakers:

Most Assists in a season: Rex Maccarini (41)

Most Caused Turnovers in a season: Ty Cougler (47)

Track & Field: 

Women's:

1st-team All-LEC: Maggie St. John (gr.) – 5,000m, Caroline Cooper (fr.)– Triple Jump, 

4x800m Relay: Sarah Ames (sr.), Helena Papadopoulos (fr.), Maggie St. John, Anna O'Reilly (jr.)

2nd-team All-LEC: Sarah Ames (sr.) – 1500m, Anna O'Reilly (jr.) – 1500m, Molly Lu McKellar (jr.) – 100m Hurdles

4x100m Relay: Molly Lu McKellar (jr.), Caroline Cooper (fr.), Drea Defreitas (fr.), Keely Giordano (fr.), 

LEC Rookie Track Athlete of the Year: Keely Giordano (fr.)

3rd-team All-LEC: Sara Christian (sr.) – 10,000m,

All-Rookie Team: Keely Giordano – 100m, 200m, Kallie Warner – 10,000m, Caroline Cooper – Triple Jump

Men's:

1st-team All-LEC: Tyler Bolaske (so.) – 1500m, Jake Velazquez (gr.) – 10,000m, Eden Damis (jr.) – Triple Jump

2nd-team All-LEC: Kyle Thomas (jr.) – 100m, 200m, Aidan Law (jr.) – 200m, Tyler Bolaske (so.) – 5,000m, Nicholas Terranova (fr.) – Steeplechase

3rd-team All-LEC: Aidan Law (jr.) – Long Jump, Jayden Baker (fr.) – Shot Put

4x100m Relay: Aidan Law (jr.), Sean Von Ranson (fr.), Jonathan DeAguiar (fr.), Kyle Thomas (so.)

All-Rookie Team: Kyle Thomas (jr.) – 100m, 200m, Ben Tetu (fr.) – 5,000m, Nicholas Terranova (fr.) – Steeplechase