Written By: Aaron Goschke '25
FARMINGTON, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington women's track & field team capped off its historic 2025 outdoor season with a clean sweep of the North Atlantic Conference's (NAC) top awards, as announced by the league office following the championship meet. Senior distance standout Anna MacDonald (Bangor, Maine) was named Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year, sophomore Lina Martinez Nocito (Mt. Vernon, Maine) earned Rookie of the Year, and the Beavers' coaching staff was honored as Coaching Staff of the Year after guiding UMF to its first-ever NAC women's outdoor team title.
The NAC Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to a graduating senior who exemplifies academic excellence, athletic achievement, and strong character, as selected by conference coaches and Faculty Athletic Representatives.
MacDonald, a summa cum laude graduate with a 3.859 GPA in Special Education, completed a 4+1 Master's program in four years and earned both a coaching minor and an honors certificate. A two-year captain and three-time NAC Cross Country First Team honoree, she was a driving force behind UMF's championship push this spring, scoring 34.5 points at the NAC Championship meet.
NAC Championship Performances:
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1st Place – 800 Meters
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1st Place – 4x400 Meter Relay
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2nd Place – 3000-Meter Steeplechase (PR, school record, New England qualifier)
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2nd Place – 5000 Meters
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3rd Place – 400-Meter Hurdles (PR)
Off the track, MacDonald was involved in Student Senate, SAAC, Morgan's Message, and multiple university committees. She also studied abroad in Scotland. She graduates as one of the most accomplished distance runners in program history.
Martinez Nocito made an immediate impact in her debut season, earning NAC Rookie of the Year honors after scoring in four events at the conference championship to help UMF secure the team title.
NAC Championship Performances:
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1st Place – 1500 Meters (5:16.12)
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2nd Place – 800 Meters (2:35.15)
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1st Place – 4x400 Meter Relay (Anchor Leg)
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5th Place – 5000 Meters (20:56.55)
Her versatility, endurance, and poise in pressure situations made her a key contributor across multiple events.
UMF Coaching Staff – Coaching Staff of the Year
Led by Head Coach Sean Cabaniss, along with assistant coaches Robbie Hollis (distance) and Ben Toribio (throws), the UMF coaching staff was named the 2025 NAC Coaching Staff of the Year for both the men's and women's programs, marking a historic conference title sweep—the first in program history.
Despite being picked third in the NAC Pre-Championship Coaches' Poll, the Beavers exceeded expectations with strategic coaching and impactful adjustments that led to breakout performances across the board. The staff's leadership, athlete development, and championship preparation laid the foundation for one of the most successful seasons in UMF women's track & field history.
NAC Sportsmanship Team
All-Conference First Team Honorees (6)
All-Conference Second Team Honorees (5)
