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: Engineers Capture the NEWMAC Tournament Championship
Top-seeded and No. 12 WPI captured the 2026 NEWMAC Tournament Championship with a 10-3 victory over No. 25 MIT on May 10 at Rooftop Field. The Engineers scored five runs in the fifth inning and three in the sixth to turn a 3-2 deficit into a commanding championship win.

The victory improved WPI to 42-3, extended the program record for wins and secured its fourth NEWMAC tournament crown—and first since 2022. Sandy Fairbairn earned Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors, while Naomi Boldebuck delivered a complete game in the circle. The title also earned WPI the conference's automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
NEWMAC Championship Recap

Ray Cherenzia '73 Award Recipient: Amelia Davis
Amelia Davis was selected as the softball 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 vital to the team's success.

Davis's selection recognizes the consistent effort, selflessness and character she brought to the program throughout a historic season. Her dependable support of teammates reflected the team-first spirit celebrated by the award and helped strengthen WPI Softball's culture.
 

Senior Day: Five Seniors Celebrated in NEWMAC Sweep
Before its April 18 doubleheader against Salve Regina, WPI honored Emma Nagy, Mia Francisco, Liz Jordan, Meg Sherwood and Destiny Lum for their dedication and contributions to the program. The five seniors were recognized as part of a class that helped elevate WPI Softball through its leadership, resilience and commitment.

The Engineers marked the occasion with a conference sweep. Nagy went 4-for-5 with a home run, five RBI and two runs across the doubleheader, while Virginia McKinney totaled three hits, five runs, three RBI and three stolen bases.
Senior Day Recap
 

Major Award Winners

The Sue Chapman Award — Destiny Lum
Presented to the outstanding senior athlete from a women's team who exemplifies the high standards expressed in "The WPI Athlete" throughout a career at WPI. The WPI Athlete achieves success above and beyond ability through hard work, high character and a positive attitude while representing the University with distinction.

A two-year captain and leader since her first season, Destiny Lum's influence extended across campus and throughout the softball community. The Skull First-Year of the Year, NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program participant and Crimson and Gray Award recipient also earned three All-NEWMAC selections and NFCA All-Region recognition. Despite an ACL injury early in conference play, Lum batted .447 with seven doubles, two home runs, 12 RBI and a 1.305 OPS in 16 games, remaining a central source of leadership for the Engineers.
 

The Coach's Award — Abby Merchant
Presented to the outstanding female athlete in the freshman class.

Abby Merchant quickly established a commanding and confident presence in the circle. The first-year pitcher handled starting, relief and closing responsibilities and finished the regular season unbeaten. Merchant was later voted NEWMAC Rookie of the Year after leading the conference with 24 victories and 11 league wins, posting a 2.11 ERA with 85 strikeouts, 13 complete games and four shutouts through the conference tournament.
 

The Patricia Graham Award — Virginia McKinney
Presented to the outstanding female athlete in the junior class.

Virginia McKinney authored an exceptional season while balancing competition, academics and regular chemotherapy treatments in New York City. McKinney returned from treatment weeks to contribute immediately and remained one of the NEWMAC's most productive and dynamic players. She earned All-NEWMAC Second Team recognition after batting .377 with 43 hits, 38 runs, 28 RBI, 21 stolen bases and a .448 on-base percentage entering NCAA play.
 

The Varsity Club Award — Emma Nagy
Presented to the female senior athlete in recognition of achievements, contributions, character, leadership, sportsmanship and promotion of school spirit at WPI.

A two-year captain and aerospace engineering major, Emma Nagy concluded one of the finest careers in program history. WPI's career home-run record holder delivered a career-best senior campaign, earning First Team All-NEWMAC recognition after batting .397 with 17 home runs, 58 RBI and an .865 slugging percentage. Nagy also posted a .993 fielding percentage at first base and later added NFCA All-Region and All-America honors.
 

Additional Season Honors
WPI captured the NEWMAC regular-season championship and matched the program record for wins before claiming the tournament crown. The Engineers then opened the NCAA Worcester Regional with a 9-0 victory and advanced to the regional final behind another postseason win.
NEWMAC Regular-Season Championship
School Win Record Equaled
NCAA Regional-Opening Victory
Engineers Advance to Regional Final

The record-setting campaign produced a league-best seven All-NEWMAC selections, NEWMAC Rookie of the Year honors for Merchant and Coaching Staff of the Year recognition. WPI then placed a program-record seven players on the NFCA All-Region teams.
NEWMAC Postseason Awards
Program-Record Seven NFCA All-Region Selections
Merchant Named NFCA Freshman of the Year Finalist

Nagy, Merchant and Lucy Latour earned NFCA Division III All-America recognition, highlighting the program's national impact. Five Engineers were also named CSC Academic All-District.
NFCA Division III All-America Honors
CSC Academic All-District Team

The Engineers added a NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship selection, 16 Academic All-Conference honorees and 17 NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes. Lum capped the year as WPI's nominee for NEWMAC Student-Athlete of the Year.
NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship Team
NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team
NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes
Lum Named NEWMAC Student-Athlete of the Year Nominee

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 Softball on Instagram (@wpisoftball) and X (@wpisoftball) for the latest program news and updates.