FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Sacred Heart women's hockey team has its leaders for 2025-26. Head Coach Thomas O'Malley announced that Jillian Petruno and Olivia LaRoche will serve as captains, while Sami Bowlby and Isabella Chaput were selected as assistant captains. 
 
"Jillian, Olivia, Sami, and Izzy have been leaders since their respective arrivals on the Sacred Heart University campus. They will collectively continue to build our team culture, and team game both on and off the ice, as people, and as role models who lead, drive, and put into play every day the standards and foundation that our program is built on, and continues on," O'Malley said. 
 
All four bring considerable experience to their roles. Petruno, a goaltender, missed much of the 2024-25 season due to injury. In 2023-24, she was named second team All-NEWHA after leading the league in goals against average (1.93) and finishing second in save percentage (.942). 
 
LaRoche has appeared in 113 games on defense in her Pioneer career. This season, she led the team with 11 assists, including three in the postseason. She also scored in the series clinching victory over Assumption in the NEWHA playoffs. 
 
Bowlby made a strong impression in her first season at SHU after transferring from Quinnipiac. Her 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists) tied for third on the team, and her three game-winning goals tied for second. Two of her goals came in the postseason. 
 
Chaput led the team with 14 goals and 21 points. She was named to the All-NEWHA second team. In her two seasons at SHU, she has scored 26 goals and added 14 assists. In addition, she was the 2024 NEWHA Rookie of the Year. 
 
In addition to the naming of the captains, the team awards were recently presented. 
 
Dr. Ruth M. Grant Academic Achievement Award: This award is presented annually to the Women's Hockey Player, or Players who have achieved as an underclassman a term grade point average of 3.5 or better, or as a senior a term or cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Through her success in the classroom, on and off the ice and in the Sacred Heart University Community, this person truly exemplifies what being a student athlete is all about. To be presented by Dr. Ruth Grant. 
         - The recipients were: Sydney Antonakis, Alyssa Antonakis, Peyton Bennetts, Nicole Bessinger, Lake Bethard, Addie Bowlby, Sami Bowlby, Isabella Chaput, Ella Dahl, Carly Greene, Kate Helgeson, Ella Holm, Bria Holm, Katie Keenan, Julianna Koman, Olivia LaRoche, Lauren Larson, Grayson Limke, Julia Matyas, Paige McNeil, Norah Morris, Kerryn O'Connell, Reese Pascucci, Jillian Petruno, Savannah Popick, Chase Rutty, Anastasia Sloan, Kailey Smith, Maddie Smith. 
 
Most Improved Player Award: The Most Improved Player Award is voted on by the members of the team, and it is presented annually to the teammate who clearly demonstrated a desire to improve her game and add to the success of this team. This player combined the talent she already had with the desire to become better. She demonstrated a strong drive, and worked tirelessly to improve, and become a factor in the team's road to success both on and off the ice. 
      - Lauren Larson 
 
Player's Player Award: This award is voted on by the players and presented annually to the team member that was there for her teammates. This player held high the standards and values of this hockey program and therefore was the consummate teammate and player. This person was the teammate who would be there to listen and encourage all of her teammates. She helped contribute to their success as well as her own, both on and off the ice. Thus, in the end contributing to the overall success of our hockey team. 
        - Kerryn O'Connell 
 
Commitment to Excellence and Valor Award: This award is voted on by the players and recognizes the player or players, whose commitment and dedication can best be described as giving an honest day's work. Embodying an ongoing spirit and respected by teammates and opponents alike. This player's commitment never wavered. With pride in her abilities, and an always willingness to dig deep and play hard. This player truly displayed excellence and played with valor. 
      - Kate Helgeson and Campbell Heger 
 
Fairfield Fire Department – Hot Shot of the Year Award: Presented by Lt Bob Smith Fairfield Fire Department 
      - Carly Greene 
 
The Sheryl Madison Pioneer Award: This award is voted on by the players and is presented annually to the player that best typifies what being a Sacred Heart University Women's Hockey player is all about. She set an example through her character and sportsmanship. She combined her dedication on the ice, in the locker room, in the classroom, and in the community. This award recognizes the qualities of leadership, character and what is typical of being a Sacred Heart University Pioneer Women's Hockey Player. To be presented by Sheryl Madison  
       - Kate Helgeson and Kerryn O'Connell 
 
Iron Pioneer Award: This award is designated for the player that shows the most improvement in their physical performance throughout the season and the spring off season. This player constantly pushes themselves and their teammates to give their best effort each workout. 
         - Brianna Morden 
 
Most Outstanding Player Award: This award is voted on by the team and is presented annually to the player who has clearly gone above and beyond the average contribution. This prestigious award recognizes and commends the one who proved by far that she was a go-to player. Always counted on by her teammates, and coaches, and always ready to accept that challenge, this player stood up, and truly helped contribute to the success of our team. 
         - Carly Greene 
 
Senior Division 1 Builders Award: This award is presented annually to the seniors, on the Women's Hockey Team that has contributed everything they had to help build this team into a flourishing and viable Division 1 hockey program. Through their efforts, these seniors have helped this program take some of the many steps it takes to get to the top of Women's Division 1 College Hockey today. The dedication that they displayed never went unnoticed by their teammates, their coaches and the Sacred Heart University community. Through their efforts, the Women's Hockey Program is a very competitive, and very well-respected program today. 
       - Anastasia Sloan, Savannah Popick, Katie Keenan, Nicole Bessinger, Kerryn O'Connell, Paige McNeil, Kate Helgeson, Sydney Antonakis, Carly Greene 
 
2024-25 was a memorable season for the Pioneers, who captured the NEWHA championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.