The WPI Department of Athletics is proud to continue its 2025–2026 Athletics Celebration, a daily series highlighting the top moments from each varsity program's season. The celebration will also recognize each team's Ray Cherenzia '73 Award honoree and selected programs' major award winners, as chosen by WPI Athletics' head coaches.

Top Moment: Fourth-Quarter Surge Sends WPI Past Clark on Senior Day
WPI closed the regular season with a commanding 53–33 victory over Clark on February 21 inside Harrington Auditorium. The Engineers entered the fourth quarter leading by three before outscoring the Cougars 22–5 over the final 10 minutes, securing a memorable win and carrying momentum into the NEWMAC Tournament.

Ava Giansiracusa powered the decisive finish with 10 fourth-quarter points and completed the afternoon with a game-high 18 points, five rebounds and three steals. WPI held Clark to 24.5 percent shooting, limited the Cougars to one three-pointer and controlled the glass by a 47–28 margin. The complete team effort made the regular-season finale one of the defining performances of the campaign.
Clark Victory Recap

Senior Day Reflection: Engineers Celebrate Carson, Ouellette, Stone and MacPhetres
Before tipoff, WPI recognized Kayleigh Carson, Corinn Ouellette, Megan Stone and Delaney MacPhetres for their dedication and contributions to the women's basketball program. The four seniors helped shape the team through their leadership, consistency and care for those around them, making the ceremony a celebration of an impact that extended well beyond the box score.

The group's final regular-season appearance at Harrington Auditorium ended with a victory that reflected the qualities the class brought to the program. Stone collected five rebounds, including four on the offensive glass, while the Engineers combined defensive discipline, rebounding and an energetic closing run to make Senior Day a fitting tribute to the class.
Women's Basketball Senior Day Recap
 
Ray Cherenzia '73 Award Recipient: Kayleigh Carson
Kayleigh Carson was selected as the women's basketball program's recipient of the Ray Cherenzia '73 Award. The honor is presented to a member of each varsity team who exemplifies the spirit of an "unsung hero"—someone who works hard every day, puts the team first over personal goals and performs the often-unrecognized responsibilities that are vital to the team's success.

Carson's selection recognizes the commitment, selflessness and character shown while representing WPI in competition, in the classroom and in the community. Following the season, the senior earned NEWMAC Academic All-Conference recognition and was selected for the WBCA's "So You Want To Be A Coach" program, completing the national professional development initiative during the association's annual convention.
 

John P. Coghlin Award Recipients: Laura Biagotti and Hannah Samson
The John P. Coghlin Award is presented to a team manager who is eligible for a varsity letter and has carried out invaluable service for the team. The award is presented in memory of John Coghlin, who died during his junior year while a student at WPI. Laura Biagotti and Hannah Samson were selected as the 2025–2026 recipients for women's basketball.

Biagotti and Samson set a new standard for the program's team managers through their dedication from October through February, including practices and games during academic breaks. They arrived early to prepare for practices, stayed late to rebound and support the coaching staff, and approached every responsibility with exceptional care and attention to detail.

Their impact extended far beyond traditional manager duties. Biagotti and Samson tracked and analyzed practice statistics, reorganized the team closet, repaired the ball cart, created an all-time records board and helped lead the program's community-service efforts. They also supported the first-year players' transition to college life while continuing to excel academically, strengthening both the team's daily operation and its culture.
 

Additional Season Honors
Megan Stone represented WPI women's basketball on the NEWMAC Winter All-Sportsmanship Team. The honor recognizes student-athletes who best demonstrate the ideals of the conference and its Code of Conduct.
NEWMAC Winter All-Sportsmanship Team

Carson was among 66 student-athletes from across the nation selected for the WBCA "So You Want To Be A Coach" program. The initiative provided education, mentorship and networking opportunities designed to prepare aspiring coaches for careers in women's basketball.
Kayleigh Carson Completes WBCA Coaching Program

Nine Engineers earned NEWMAC Academic All-Conference recognition, tying for the second-highest total in the league. Ouellette, Stone and MacPhetres became three-time honorees; Emmy Allyn, Allison Fullem, Femke Jansen, Leila Nielsen and Hailey Zembrzuski repeated as selections; and Carson received the honor for the first time.
NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team

Allyn, Stone, Nielsen and Fullem were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. The quartet helped WPI finish 15–11 overall and 6–5 in NEWMAC play while continuing to excel in the classroom.
CSC Academic All-District Team

Assistant coach Armando Dunn was selected to the WBCA Thirty Under 30 list, which recognizes 30 rising women's basketball coaches age 30 and under for their community service, mentorship, professional conduct and impact on others.
Armando Dunn Named WBCA Thirty Under 30 Honoree

Giansiracusa earned All-NEWMAC Second Team honors for the second consecutive season. The junior led WPI in scoring, assists and three-pointers, producing 305 regular-season points and averaging 12.2 points per game while starting all 25 contests.
Ava Giansiracusa Earns All-NEWMAC Second Team Honors

The 2025–2026 WPI Athletics Celebration will continue with features highlighting each of the Engineers' varsity programs. Follow WPI Athletics on Instagram (@wpiathletics), Facebook and X (@WPIAthletics) to keep up with the series.
Fans can also follow WPI Women's Basketball on Instagram (@wpiwomensbasketball) and X (@WPIWBasketball) for the latest program news and updates.