BOSTON — The America East Conference recognized a pair of Hartford student-athletes for their academic achievements and community involvement on Wednesday, as seniors Kaitlyn D'Andrea and Nyrik Antoine were named to the America East Helping Hands Team.
 
D'Andrea, who was a four-year midfielder on the women's lacrosse team, has served the community both on and off campus. A native of Cheshire, Conn., she volunteered with the Women's Advancement Leadership Club for two years at Give Kids the World, a non-profit organization that partners with Wish Granting Organizations to provide families with children who have life threatening diseases an opportunity to vacation stress and cost free. 
 
Serving as team captain this past season, D'Andrea helped organize a community service day where the team helped clean the Hartford community. A seven-time Dean's List honoree who was a three-time member of the President's List and America East Commissioner's Honor Roll, she held a 3.78 GPA as a health science major.
 
"Kaitlyn is strong and kind and always seeks out ways to contribute, to care, and to show love to those around her," said women's lacrosse head coach Meg Decker. "As long as I have known her, she has given back to her community through service. It is a special moment where her community is recognizing her commitment and I believe she deserves that."
 
On the field, D'Andrea has been a member of the Hawks' women's lacrosse team since the program's inaugural season in 2018. She peppered her name throughout Hartford's record books, as her 159 draw controls and 72 ground balls are the most in program history. In addition, D'Andrea finished her career tied for fourth in points while ranking third in goals.  
 
A native of Baldwin, N.Y., Antoine was a four-year forward for the men's soccer team. In the community, Antoine worked with LEVO International to help combat food insecurity in low-income neighborhoods around Connecticut by distributing Bokits, which grow different microgreens. He also served as an intern for Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan of the 2nd District of Connecticut this past semester, where he helped with constituent responses and aided older residents schedule COVID-19 vaccines.
 
Antoine was exceptional in the classroom, posting a 3.14 GPA as a criminal justice major. A three-time member of the Dean's List, he was also a member of the 2019 America East Honor Roll. Earlier this month, he was also named a nominee for the America East Man of the Year Award.
 
"Nyrik is a great representative of our soccer program and athletic department," said men's soccer head coach Tom Poitras. "A tremendous student-athlete with a passion for helping others, Nyrik scored some big goals during his time in our program, but his biggest influence is definitely the example he sets by giving his time, effort and energy towards people who could use some support. This is well deserved recognition for Nyrik."
 
On the pitch, Antoine, appeared in 34 career games during his four years with the Hawks. He compiled two career goals and one assist for a total of five points
 
The America East Helping Hands Team recognizes one male and one female student-athlete from each of the conference's 10 institutions who are model student-athletes and also outstanding citizens as demonstrated through their significant community service efforts. The honorees exhibit exemplary efforts in the area of community service, while remaining in good academic standing.
 
Each institution, at its discretion, selects a male and female representative to be recognized annually by the America East Conference. The winners represent 11 different sports and feature 12 seniors, six juniors and two freshmen.