Women’s Volleyball Award Recipients Announced
White Named NJCAA All-American and Regional Player of the Year
Four members of the 2025 New England champion Lady Cougars' volleyball team have been selected to the All-New England (All-Region) team. One athlete was additionally honored as an NJCAA All-American, New England Regional Player of the Year and Holyoke's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Two Cougars were named first team All-Region, one second team, and one honorable mention. A fifth player was chosen as the Holyoke's Player Award recipient.
Caidence White (Springfield, MA / Central HS) – Freshman - #7
2025 – NJCAA All-American Honorable Mention Team, New England (Region XXI) Player of the Year, 1st Team All-New England, Lady Cougars Most Valuable Player
White, like her 2025 Cougar team, put together one of the most spectacular seasons in HCC women's volleyball history. She is the first Lady Cougars' volleyball player ever to be named as an NJCAA All-American and is one of just 30 Division III women's volleyball players in the country to earn the honor. Holyoke's MVP and the 2025 Region XXI Player of the Year, White was an absolute force on the court. Possessing a remarkable vertical leap and the ability to hit the ball with furious pace, the first team All-New England selection racked up kills this season. A smart and positionally sound defensive player, she piled up digs as well. White was first in all of NJCAA Division III in kills per set, averaging 5.60, and was second in digs per set, averaging 7.91. She led the Lady Cougars in kills with 196 and was second in digs with 277.
Jaylanie Nieves (Holyoke, MA / Chicopee HS) – Freshman - #15
2025 - 1st Team All-New England
Nieves had a stellar freshman year as a Lady Cougar, dominating at the net while stockpiling aces. The first team All-New England pick hits the ball with tremendous force, making her dangerous at the net and from the service line. Nieves was second on the team in kills with 134 and service aces with 56.
Serymar Santos (Santo Domingo, DR / Holyoke HS) – Freshman - #5
2025 – 2nd Team All-New England
Santos was Holyoke's setter this season, displaying a beautiful touch on the ball, amassing a huge assist total. She serves the ball brilliantly, usually using a jump serve. Santos led all players in NJCAA Division III in assists per set, averaging 15.37. She was the Lady Cougars' leader in assists with 538 and in service aces with 57.
Isabelle Garutti (Springfield, MA / Sabis International Charter HS) – Sophomore - #12
2025 - All-New England Honorable Mention Team
Garutti had an outstanding sophomore campaign for the Cougars, proving to be one of the best diggers in NJCAA Division III volleyball this year. She led Holyoke in digs with 379 and led all of NJCAA DIII in digs per set, averaging 10.53. She was a strong server and was third on the team this season in service aces, registering 46.
Alianiz Bonilla (Springfield, MA / Commerce HS) – Sophomore - #3
2025 – Lady Cougars Player Award
2024 - 1st Team All-New England
Bonilla earns the Lady Cougars' Player Award after a tremendous sophomore season. A true heart and soul player, Bonilla left it all on the court for her team every game. She ranked third in all of NJCAA Division III in digs per set, averaging 7.69. Bonilla was third on the Cougars in digs with 269 and third in kills with 90.
Photo: White during a 2025 home game.