By Keith Cook & Michael Pedro
Western New England University has numerous student-athletes, each with their own drive to compete. These students span numerous years of academia, and as they go through their years, each sets their sights on something to play for.
Austin Montero is part of the Western New England wrestling family in more than one way. He is the third of four brothers to wrestle for Western New England University, as well as the son of a committed Golden Bear in his own right. Growing up in a household where wrestling was a major focus, it was inevitable that Monteiro would grow up with an early appreciation for the sport. Ever since, he has been committed to carrying on the Monteiro family tradition.
This year, he has his goals firmly set on competing at the national championships and achieving the coveted NCAA All-American honors. On the mat, Monteiro’s dedication and drive are matched off the mat by his leadership. He’s become a mentor and role model to the freshman wrestling class, constantly challenging them to work hard and stay focused in practice and competition.
Despite wrestling’s strict requirements, Monteiro never loses sight of his student identity. He always prioritizes his studies because he knows that being a student-athlete means being successful in both academics and sports. His dedication to balancing both is the reason he is an esteemed leader among his peers and coaches.
Another student-athlete who’s a little newer to the collegiate sports world is Maddie Ripley. Ripley, a freshman on the field hockey team, loves the strong community aspect of competing on a team, as well as playing sports. These two things go hand in hand. The support and pride from the community fuel the team, while the sport gives players the chance to showcase their hard work and dedication.
This season, there’s a lot of talent and determination on the field. The team is confident it can make a strong run, with hopes of competing deep into the championship.
The goals are clear for both of these athletes: continue improving each day, sharpen their skills, build team chemistry, and learn from every game. Beyond winning, the focus is on growth—pushing to the next level, setting new standards, and creating a foundation for many future successes.
