Courtesy of Sean Elliot
While most college students enjoyed a prolonged winter break following the end of the first semester, a majority of student-athletes on Connecticut College’s winter sports teams enjoyed shorter breaks full of training camps and competitions. Here is how each of the College’s winter sports teams have performed so far.
Men’s Basketball
Following a season in which the men’s basketball team finished 14-11 and secured back-to-back appearances in the NESCAC playoffs for the first time since 2009, the Camels have built on last season’s success. The team earned a spot in the NCAA Division III men’s basketball regional rankings for the first time since 2001 and are currently 18-6, with only two losses in NESCAC competition. Center David Murray ‘24 has led the charge for the Camels, leading the team in points scored, rebounds, and blocks. Both Murray and RJ Casey ‘26 have won NESCAC player of the week honors this season. Guard Cam Schainfeld ‘25 and forward Ben Rice ‘24 have both played a large part in the team’s success, starting all of the team’s games so far this season. The Camels finished third in the NESCAC regular season standings and are primed to make a deep run in the NESCAC playoffs.
Women’s Basketball
With the loss of six of the team’s players from last season, the women’s basketball team has found wins hard to come by this season. Despite close games against Hamilton and Middlebury, the Camels only won one game in the competitive NESCAC conference this season. Forward Rebecca Oberman-Levine ‘24 was a bright spot for the team, starting all 23 games and leading the team in minutes played, points scored, rebounds, and blocks. First years Mia Xeras ‘27 and Addi Hunter ‘27 both played key roles for the team, starting nearly all of the team’s games and finishing second and third respectively in average points per game.
Men’s Ice Hockey
After a disappointing season in which the men’s hockey team won only two NESCAC games all season, the Camels have enjoyed a much improved season this year. Currently 7-9 in the NESCAC, the team has already enjoyed highlights such as winning the Codfish Bowl Tournament and handing #10 Trinity College their first loss of the season. Captain Sean Dynan ‘24 has enjoyed an outstanding season in goal and was named a semifinalist for the Joe Concannon Award recognizing the best American-born player in New England in D-II/III. Forward Quinn Kennedy ‘27 leads the team in points and assists, while a number of Camels have played in all of the team’s games so far this season. The team faces a vital pair of games this weekend on the road against Colby and Bowdoin to determine NESCAC post-season placing.
Women’s Ice Hockey
Coming off a season in which the women’s hockey team made the quarterfinals of the NESCAC tournament, the Camels have had a difficult time securing NESCAC conference wins this season. With only two conference wins this season, the Camels currently sit at the bottom of the NESCAC standings. However, the team still has a shot to make the NESCAC playoffs with a crucial double-header at home against Colby this weekend. Currently, Casey Chesner ‘26 leads the team in goals scored and total points, while Alana Brum ‘26 leads the team in assists.
Men’s Squash
The men’s squash team recently wrapped up regular season play with a 6-11 record. The Camels enjoyed strong wins over the University of California, Haverford, and Fordham this season. The team led by Alex Lorenzo-Cruz ‘24, Sam Lovejoy ‘24, and Ryan Mach ‘24 matched their regular season win total from last season. With regular season play finished, the Camels look to build off their success at the CSA national championships.
Women’s Squash
After a 6-12 finish last season, the women’s squash team matched their win total with a 6-8 regular season record this season. The Camels enjoyed large victories against Vassar, Haverford, and Brown this season. The team also enjoyed their first NESCAC win since 2020, defeating Hamilton on the road. Like the men’s team, the Camels now shift their focus to the CSA national championships.
Men’s Swim and Dive
Following a short training camp in Naples, Fla., the #23 men’s swim and dive team enjoyed a strong regular season and finished with an 8-2 record. Led by captains Andrew Bartolomucci ‘24, Matthew Laclef ‘24, and Will Nash ‘24, the team picked up memorable wins against Colby, Middlebury, and NCAA Division I Holy Cross. The team enjoyed strong performances from returning All-American swimmer Justin Finkel ‘25, who broke numerous pool records, and Evan Lyons ‘27, who was honored as NESCAC Performer of the Week. With the completion of the regular season, the Camels will hope to better last season’s fifth place finish at the upcoming NESCAC Championships.
Women’s Swim and Dive
After a sunshine filled training camp in Florida, the women’s swim and dive team improved on their regular season record from last season and finished 4-5. With the addition of 14 first-year athletes, the Camels notched strong NESCAC wins against Trinity and Wesleyan. The team captained by Sarah Franco ‘24 and Marie-Eve Hebert ‘24 will now look to improve on their ninth place finish last season at the NESCAC Championships.
Men’s Indoor Track and Field
Following a program-best sixth place finish at the indoor New England Division III Championships last year, the men’s indoor track and field team looks to improve upon last year’s success. Captain Jayson Firmin ‘25 currently leads the team in points scored and is followed closely by captain Ethan Bush ‘24 and sprinter Dylan Haime ‘26. Many individual athletes have already secured time qualifiers for the upcoming New England championships and hurdler Errol Apostolopoulos ‘27 was able to break a school record in the 60m hurdles.
Women’s Indoor Track and Field
After a strong fall cross-country season in which the Camels qualified as a team for the NCAA DIII National Championships for the first time in program history, the women’s indoor track and field team has only built on program success. Returning NCAA Nationals qualifier Emma Wheeler ‘24 currently leads the team in points scored and set school records in the pentathlon and 60m hurdles. Alexa Estes ‘26 set school records in the 600m and 1000m events and is currently 6th across DIII in the 800m. Estes, Grace McDonough ‘26, Lilla Kate Tucker ‘27, and Abby Fernald ‘26 set the school record in the DMR, while Estes, McDonough, Fernald, and Edin Sisson ‘24 set the school record in the 4x800m. The Camels will hope to better last season’s tenth place finish at the indoor New England Division III Championships.
