WORCESTER --- WPI football sophomore kicker Nathan Napier (Natick, MA) has been named the recipient of the New England Football Writers (NEFW) Association Division II/III Weekly Gold Helmet Award following his four-field-goal performance in the Engineers' 36-12 victory at Maritime. The award is presented by the Jack Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Football Foundation.
Napier also earned New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Football Special Teams Athlete of the Week recognition and was selected as one of the Fred Mitchell Award Kickers of the Week for Week 8.
Napier was perfect on four field-goal attempts against the Privateers, connecting from 20, 53, 55 and 44 yards while twice establishing a new career long. He closed the first half with a 53-yard field goal before surpassing that mark with a 55-yarder in the fourth quarter. Napier added two extra points to account for 14 points and placed a punt inside Maritime's 20-yard line.
The NEWMAC selection is Napier's second of the season and third of his career. He previously earned the honor on September 14 after drilling a 50-yard field goal as time expired to lift WPI past the University of New England, 22-21. His first conference weekly recognition came on September 22, 2025, when he shared the award after making three field goals, including the late game-winner, in a 15-13 victory at Husson.
Napier's Week 8 Fred Mitchell recognition marks his second selection of the season. He previously earned Kicker of the Week honors in September following his game-winning performance against UNE.
The Fred Mitchell Award annually recognizes the nation's top collegiate place-kicker among more than 750 eligible programs across FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA and NJCAA football. The award considers excellence on the field along with character and community service off the field.
Napier is now 12-for-13 on field-goal attempts this fall. WPI improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in NEWMAC play with the victory and returns home to host Merchant Marine on Saturday, October 31, at noon.
NEFW Release
NEWMAC Release
