BEVERLY, Mass. – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has selected four Endicott student-athletes as 2020 All-American Athlete Award recipients.
The four NSCA All-American recipients include Mackenzie Kennedy (Andover, Mass./Women's Volleyball), Caroline Hughes (Andover, Mass./Women's ice hockey), Kristen McCarthy (Danvers, Mass./Women's Field Hockey) and Conor O'Brien (Pinellas Park, Fla./Men's ice hockey)
The NSCA All-America award is given to student-athletes based on athletic accomplishments and dedication to strength and conditioning. Below, Endicott Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Performance James Daley, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, PES, provided his thoughts on each All-American student-athlete.
MACKENZIE KENNEDY | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL | SENIOR | DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST
Mackenzie Kennedy was named Libero of the Year and 1st-Team All-Conference by the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) again this year. Followed by an AVCA All-American Honorable Mention nod, Kennedy has seen the dedication that she has put into strength & conditioning pay off. She recorded a conference-best 356 digs in the Fall season and averaged 5.53 digs per set. She had 20+ digs in 16 matches this year, topping out with 31 in a five-set match. Kennedy continues to demonstrate strong leadership and effort in the athletic performance center. She drives her teammates to be better and is well respected.
KRISTEN MCCARTHY | FIELD HOCKEY | SENIOR | FORWARD
Kristen McCarthy was a driving force in our athletic performance center. She clearly understands how her work with our strength & conditioning staff transferred onto the playing surface. Hard work and commitment are a part of her DNA. There is a direct correlation between the success she has had in all of these areas due to the fact that she puts her all into everything that she does and demands the best of herself. She has a high expectation of herself and sets the standard for those around her. Her commitment to strength & conditioning and her leadership has helped create a culture within the field hockey program that led to another conference championship and another NCAA Tournament First Round victory in 2019. McCarthy was named to her second straight Commonwealth Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Year and 1st-Team All-Conference, finishing in the top three in goals (18), assists (10), and points (46). Kristen's success on the playing field - weight room - classroom and beyond are a testament to who she is as a person. Kristen has been a part of our field hockey program for only two years - she has rewritten the record book in every offensive single-season statistical category, won two Conference Championships, she is our program's first-ever Regional Player of the Year and first 2x First Team All American.
CONOR O'BRIEN | MEN'S ICE HOCKEY | JUNIOR | GOALTENDER
Conor O'Brien started all but one game in goal for the Gulls and posted league bests in wins (19), goals against average (1.72), and save percentage (.941). He was also credited with three shutouts, which tied for the league lead. O'Brien's numbers also make him one of the top-10 goaltenders in all of Division III. He had eight 30-plus save performances, including two in which he eclipsed the 40- save mark. His highest save total for the year came when he stopped 48 chances. 2019-2020 Commonwealth Coast Conference Goaltender of the Year. 2019-2020 CCC All-Conference First Team. 2019-2020 Joe Concannon Award Semifinalist.
CAROLINE HUGHES | WOMEN'S ICE HOCKEY | CLASS OF 2019 | FORWARD
Caroline Hughes was one of the most competitive individuals that we have had the pleasure of coaching. She is a tireless worker, who set the tone for our team on and off the ice. Caroline's commitment to strength and conditioning was unmatched. Her strength and athleticism combined with her desire to succeed were evident every time she stepped on the ice. Caroline played in every game her senior year, scored key goals, and helped lead our team to the 2019 Colonial Hockey Conference Championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament. Because of the deadline last year, Caroline was unable to be nominated because her season had not ended prior to March 1st. Last year, Hughes was a 2018-19 AHCA All-American Scholar and a member of the 2018-19 CHC All-Academic Team.
About the National Strength & Conditioning Association
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession around the world.
The NSCA advances the profession by supporting strength and conditioning professionals devoted to helping others discover and maximize their strengths. We disseminate research-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, and continuing education opportunities. The NSCA community is composed of more than 45,000 members and certified professionals who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength coaches, personal trainers, and other roles in related fields.
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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)
