BOSTON, Mass. (November 26, 2025) – Emerson College has had five student-athletes from their respective sports named to the 2025 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Fall Sportsmanship Team the Conference announced.

Lanza |

Kardos |

Maira |
 |

O'Meara |

Yoo |
The NEWMAC Sportsmanship Team is intended to recognize one student-athlete from each team, in every sport, who best demonstrates the ideals of the NEWMAC and its Code of Conduct, regardless of their overall performance or statistics for the season. The honorees, selected by their respective coaching staffs, have distinguished themselves through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior that go above and beyond the sport's playing rules and etiquette.
Emerson's five Sportsmanship Team selections for the 2025 fall season, listed with a quote from their head coach, are:
Men's Cross Country: Senior John Lanza ran at all seven events for Emerson this fall, highlighted by his first collegiate win at the Coach Dann Runnin' Monks Invitational, hosted by Saint Joseph's College of Maine, completing the eight-kilometer course in 29:02.6. He also led the Lions with a 54th place finish at the NEWMAC Championships (28:28.3-8K) and 112th place at the NCAA III East Regional Championships (27:38.7).
Head Coach Brandon Fox, '12 says: "John is a terrific captain and teammate. John's leadership helped guide a team that was a 60/40 blend of veterans and new runners. John is able to keep the tone light while also holding himself and his teammates accountable. He encourages everyone to always be at their best."
Women's Cross Country: Senior Olivia Kardos competed in six of Emerson's meets this fall and turned in a fifth-place finish at the Coach Dann Runnin' Monks Classic at Saint Joseph's of Maine, completing the six-kilometer course in 26:17.2. She also produced a personal-best 73rd place finish at the NEWMAC Championships (25:46.8-6K) and placed 109th at the NCAA III East Regional (24:59.5-6K).
Head Coach Brandon Fox, '12 says: "Olivia has been an outstanding captain for us this year. She leads by example and is always positive. Her camaraderie at practice and in the team huddle is infectious, and her teammates thrive off her energy. We will miss her immensely next season."
Men's Soccer: Senior Kyler Maira started all 18 games for Emerson which made its second-straight trip to the NEWMAC Tournament. He led the Lions in scoring with four goals and nine points, also dishing an assist. He scored two goals and an assist for the Lions against Springfield College.
Head Coach Liam McKersie says: "Kyler has been an exceptional teammate and competitor. His work rate sets a great example to his team and opposition. He gives maximum effort at all times and does so with class. We are so proud of Kyler and the immense impact he has made on Emerson Men's Soccer and in the NEWMAC."
Women's Soccer: Junior Kaylin O'Meara started eight of the 12 matches she played as a member of the Emerson defensive backline that ranked fourth in the NEWMAC with a 1.14 team goals against average and posted five shutouts, qualifying for the NEWMAC Tournament for the sixth-straight year. She shared the team lead with her four assists, while contributing a goal for six points.
Head Coach David Suvak says: "Kaylin represents everything we value in our program - integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates. She plays with genuine love for the game and brings joy to every training session and match. Kaylin consistently leads with respect, positivity, and grace, making her a standout example of true sportsmanship in the NEWMAC."
Women's Volleyball: Junior Lauren Yoo appeared in all 28 matches for Emerson as its libero and qualified for the NEWMAC Tournament for the sixth-straight year. She averaged a team-high 3.35 digs per set (10th NEWMAC) and was a key contributor for a Lions team that led the NEWMAC in service aces, with 0.49 to rank third on the team and 10th in the Conference.
Head Coach Ben Read says: "Lauren was selected as captain this year for a lot of the same reasons for earning this award. She goes above and beyond in everything she does, always putting others first and is one of the most positive people on our team. Lauren was an easy pick for the NEWMAC Sportsmanship Award."
For the latest on Emerson Athletics, follow the Lions via social media on Instagram as well as online at emersonlions.com powered by SIDEARM Sports.