WALTHAM, Mass. – Former Bentley University quarterback Danny Guadagnoli (Framingham/ Framingham HS) and field hockey All-America Gina Lirange (Auburn/Auburn HS) are among the finalists for the Northeast-10 Conference Man and Woman of the Year awards with the winner of each due to be announced Monday night at the league's annual banquet in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

In addition to Guadagnoli, the finalists for the Northeast-10 Man of the Year award are Le Moyne College soccer player Keleenna Onyeaka and Southern New Hampshire University baseball player Kyle Thomas.

The finalists for the NE-10 Woman of the Year award are Lirange, University of New Haven track standout Ivy Watts and the College of Saint Rose soccer player Jourdan Thompson.

Guadagnoli, who graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2014 and has since been pursuing his Masters' degree, was a three-year starter who also played a major role as a leader for Team Impact with Bentley. He led the NE-10 in passing yards per game (312.5) and touchdown passes (31) last fall and finished his career with 9,175 yards through the air, second in program history.

"My collegiate experience has been instrumental in shaping my values, inspiring me to pursue a purpose of selflessness and gratitude in life," said Guadagnoli. "Developing as a leader on my football team and within the community has cultivated this passion. As a leader for Team Impact, I was awestruck by the compassion and courage of a family in a never-ending fight for health, our most basic blessing that so many people take for granted. The young boy we embraced into our team and his family have become close friends of mine, and they continue to amaze me. They treasure every second, expressing love and gratitude over the simplest things.

"After spending so much time with them, it became clear to me that appreciating every little thing in life is the key," Guadagnoli added. "I've learned that there is nothing besides the present moment, and one's ability to make this moment meaningful is what defines a person's "success" in life. My goal has been to carry this purpose in everything— class, practice, social interactions, community service events, everything. I strive to cherish every moment and everyone, to make the most of all the wonderful blessings in my life and positively impact the world around me."

A forward on Bentley's field hockey team, Lirange posted a 3.86 GPA while working with SAAC and Team Impact among many other groups. She was a first team all-conference selection and second team All-American by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) on the field.

"For the past four years at Bentley University, I have been incredibly fortunate to participate on campus as a student-athlete," stated Lirange. "The field hockey team, an extremely involved group of young women, certainly kept me busy with the sport, but also granted me the opportunity and taught me the value of giving back to the community. Through my team's connection, I was able to work with the Team Impact organization and lead in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

"Working with our Team Impact player, Sasha, we were able to positively influence the life of a young girl who faces a chronic illness every day," continued Lirange. "SAAC frequently organizes events to benefit the local community and takes part in fundraisers that benefit health causes. Seeing the difference that even a small group of individuals can make has truly shown me the value of leadership and community involvement. Furthermore, the ability to take a lead role in making positive contributions for those who face tough circumstances is not only an amazing and rewarding feeling, but encourages me to take the experiences and lessons I have gained at Bentley and move forward with a community-oriented mindset in my life after school."