SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (January 30, 2026) – The Little East Conference has released its biannual Academic Honor Roll Team, with 11 Golden Bears named this season, the most in program history since officially joining the conference in 2021-2022.
In total, 2,745 student-athletes were named to the Fall 2025 LEC Academic Honor Roll, competing across the conference's 24 championship sports. To be named to the LEC Academic Honor Roll, a student-athlete must earn a semester GPA of 3.00 or better and have been an active member of the team at the conclusion of the semester.
The 11 members honored from Western New England women's swimming include
Molly Butler (Wethersfield, Conn.),
Gianna Calabrese (Watertown, Conn.),
Olivia Emanuele (Westford, Mass.),
Bella Giard (East Longmeadow, Mass.),
Caitlin Guntly (Chicopee, Mass.),
Sarah Morrissey (Wethersfield, Conn.),
Sofia Piantedosi (Pembroke, Mass.),
Ella Smith (Chicopee, Mass.),
Vicky Stepien (Bristol, Conn.),
Alexandra Watroba (West Springfield, Mass.), and
Olivia Young (Glastonbury, Conn.). Calabrese, Emanuele, Guntly, Piantedosi, Smith, and Stepien earned honors again this season, while Butler, Giard, Morrissey, Watroba, and Young have earned honors for the first time in their respective careers.
By the numbers:
420 student-athletes had a 4.00 semester GPA.
685 student-athletes had a semester GPA of 3.90 or higher.
1,153 student-athletes had a semester GPA of at least 3.75 or higher.
1,816 student-athletes had a semester GPA of at least 3.50 or higher.
In total, 342 student-athletes from affiliate members of the Little East Conference have been recognized this season, including 143 from women's swimming and diving.
The Western New England women's swimming team wrapped up the regular season last weekend with a win against Little East Conference foe, Westfield State University, picking up a 158-103 win. WNE went 7-4 overall in the pool this season, including a perfect 3-0 at home. The Golden Bears will now focus on the Little East Conference Championships, which will take place over three days, beginning Friday, February 13, and concluding Sunday, February 15.
