O’DONNELL GARNERS AMERICA EAST SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Colin O'Donnell (Springfield, Mass.), a junior at the University of New Hampshire, was named the men's soccer recipient of the America East scholar-athlete award by the conference on Wednesday afternoon.

O'Donnell, a goalkeeper on the men's soccer team, was a rock in net for the ‘Cats this season, ranking first in the conference in goals against average and save percentage with marks of 0.76 and .831, respectively. He also compiled 59 saves this year, a total that ranked sixth in the conference.

In addition, the goalkeeper led the Wildcats to their first regular-season crown since 1994 and their first-ever outright regular-season title. New Hampshire's 6-0-1 record in America East play was the best conference record since also compiling a 6-0-1 mark in 1994. For UNH, it was also the first time it completed the conference schedule without a loss since 1997.

Such on the field accomplishments earned him an America East All-Conference first team selection, as well as the conference's Goalkeeper of the Year award.

O'Donnell, an occupational therapy major with a 3.36 grade point average, was named to the NSCAA Scholar All-East Region first team in January. He was also selected as a member of the America East Academic Honor Roll in 2008 and 2009 for his impressive academic performance.

The America East Scholar-Athlete award is given annually to one student-athlete in each of the six fall championship sports, who demonstrates excellence both on the field and in the classroom. To be considered for the honor, each recipient must be a starter or a prominent reserve and carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20.