Nassau Community College Claims Two SUNY Student-Athlete of the Year Honors for Spring 2026
Nassau Community College Athletics is proud to announce that two Lions student-athletes have been named SUNY Student-Athlete of the Year (SAOTY) recipients for Spring 2026 by the NJCAA, recognizing outstanding achievement in athletics, academics, and personal character.
Luke Hartman | Men's Lacrosse Freshman | Liberal Arts – Multidisciplinary Studies | GPA: 3.88
Luke Hartman established himself as one of the most explosive offensive players in the country during the Spring 2026 season, earning First Team All-American honors while helping lead Nassau to a fourth-place national finish.
Hartman closed out the season with 46 goals and 28 assists for 74 total points across 15 games, ranking fifth nationally in points and sixth in goals. He connected on 78 of 125 shots, ranking second in the country in shot efficiency, and added four man-up goals and 47 ground balls, a complete player who impacted the game in every phase of the offense.
Off the field, Hartman maintained a 3.88 GPA, exemplifying the standard NCC Athletics sets for its student-athletes both in competition and in the classroom.
Joncarlo Rivera | Men's Volleyball Freshman | Liberal Arts – Multidisciplinary Studies | GPA: 3.76
Joncarlo Rivera was a cornerstone of the Lions men's volleyball program this spring, contributing to Nassau's fourth-place national finish and earning recognition at the highest level of NJCAA competition.
Rivera was named to the NJCAA National All-Tournament Team and finished the season ranked sixth in the country in hitting percentage, 12th in points, and 14th in service aces. He posted 231.5 points and 156 kills on the season while making an equally significant impact on the defensive side of the net, finishing third nationally with 69 total blocks. His consistent, high-level play also earned him Region XV All-Region Second Team honors.
Rivera's 3.76 GPA further underscores his commitment to excellence beyond the court, making him a fitting representative of what Nassau Community College Athletics stands for.
A Reflection of Nassau's Standard
The recognition of Luke Hartman and Joncarlo Rivera as SUNY Student-Athlete of the Year honorees is a testament to the culture NCC Athletics has built — one that demands excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in character. Both student-athletes arrived at Nassau as freshmen and immediately made their marks at the national level, serving as examples of what is possible when talent meets hard work and dedication.
Nassau Community College congratulates Luke and Joncarlo on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to following their continued success.
