SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (October 20, 2025) – Western New England women's cross country junior Olivia Kay and WNE men's soccer sophomore Owen Dieterle have been named this week's Golden Bear Athletes of the Week, recognizing student-athletes who played a major part in the success of their team during the past week, but were not selected for conference weekly awards. 

Kay ran at this past weekend's Western New England Invitational, her home course, amassing a career-best run in the 6k event. Kay ran the course in 24:31, the top time among Golden Bear runners, and finished 21st overall out of 175 competitors. Kay and the Golden Bears finished in fifth place overall out of 22 teams at the event, marking an impressive run for the team. Kay's 24:31 ranks inside the top 25 all-time for a 6k race in program history. 

Dieterle helped the WNE men's soccer team claim two big Conference of New England victories this week, picking up points in both wins over Endicott College and Wentworth Institute of Technology. Dieterle opened the week with an assist on the game's only goal — the game-winner in a 1-0 win over Endicott College. Dieterle connected with teammate Tyler Lewis on a corner kick to give the Golden Bears the lead and eventual victory. In last Saturday afternoon's win over Wentworth, Dieterle found the back of the net for his first career goal, giving the Golden Bears insurance in a 3-1 victory. Dieterle now has five points (1 G, 3 A) on the season. 

The Western New England women's cross country team is back in action next Saturday, November 1 at the Conference of New England Championships, hosted by Gordon College. 

WNE men's soccer travels to Trinity College (Conn.) for their final non-conference game of the season this Wednesday, October 22 at 7:00 PM.