For Immediate Release:
8 September 2025                                         

Weston, MA- The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) has announced that Dean College field hockey sophomore Emma Gragen (Brattleboro, VT) has earned Offensive Player of the Week honors. Junior Shea Cassani (Belgrade, ME) also earned GNAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Over the course of three games, Gragen had the best stretch of her career. In field hockey's matchup with WestConn, Gragen scored two goals, two assists, and six total points. She followed-up her strong afternoon with an even better one on Friday. Versus Manhattanville, she scored another two goals, including the game-winner in the final minute of action. She rounded up the week with a shot versus Marywood (PA) on Saturday.

In total, Gragen scored a total of 11 points, four goals, and three assists. She has 15 total points on the season.

On the other side of the ball, Cassani had a defensively strong week. The junior recorded two defensive saves: one against WestConn on Wednesday, and another on Saturday versus Marywood. Cassani also had one shot versus WestConn.

In just four games, Cassani has already tied her career-high in defensive saves from last year.

Along with the Player of the Week honors, goalkeeper Sara Gardner (Hampstead, MD) earned a spot on this week's GNAC Honor Roll. Gardner collected 19 saves and only allowed three goals in the two games she appeared in.

This is the first time in program history that three players have earned weekly honors in the same week.

FULL GNAC RELEASE

To learn more about Gragen, Cassani, and the Dean College field hockey program, visit any of the respective links above.

For Media Inquiries:
Brett Chaves
Sports Information Director, Dean College Athletics
(508) 541-1826
BChaves@dean.edu