PRINCETON, NJ — The New Jersey Athletic Conference announced its 2025-26 Athletes of the Year on Sunday, June 7, recognizing The College of New Jersey women's lacrosse standout Marissa Lucca as the Female Athlete of the Year and Rowan University men's soccer standout Johnny Troiano as the Male Athlete of the Year. The pair were honored at the annual NJAC Awards Brunch at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton.
 
MARISSA LUCCA | TCNJ | Women's Lacrosse
 
Lucca capped a remarkable three-year career at TCNJ by leading the NJAC in goals (84), assists (56), and points (140) in 2026, ranking third in Division III in points. She tied the Lions' single-season points record and set a school record with 14 points against Neumann.
 
In just three seasons of collegiate play, Lucca finished third in program history in assists (123), fourth in points (333), and sixth in goals (210), becoming one of only three players in TCNJ history to record multiple 100-point seasons.
 
Lucca earned 2026 IWLCA All-America First Team and 2026 NJAC Attack Player of the Year honors, adding to her résumé as a two-time USA Lacrosse All-American, two-time USA Lacrosse Preseason All-American, three-time IWLCA All-Boardwalk Region selection, and two-time NJAC All-Conference honoree. She was named the 2024 NJAC Rookie of the Year and earned IWLCA Division III Offensive Player of the Week honors on April 28, 2026 and USA Lacrosse Division III Player of the Week on February 24, 2026. She was also a four-time NJAC Offensive Player of the Week and five-time NJAC Rookie of the Week.
 
A nursing major, Lucca graduated with a 3.91 GPA and was recognized as a CSC Academic All-District selection, an IWLCA Academic Honor Roll member, and a three-time NJAC All-Academic Team honoree.
 
JOHNNY TROIANO | ROWAN | Men's Soccer
 
Troiano concluded his Rowan career as one of the most decorated players in program history, ranking third all-time in goals (55) and fourth in points (131). He surpassed 100 career points during the 2025 season, led the NJAC in goals with 19, and totaled 36 goals and 78 points over his final two seasons.
 
A two-time NJAC Offensive Player of the Year, Troiano became the first player in program history to win that award twice. He earned three-time NJAC First Team All-Conference recognition, was named NJAC Offensive Player of the Week six times, and earned NJAC Rookie of the Week honors twice.
 
Nationally, Troiano was a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American and three-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team selection.
 
A Law and Justice Studies major, Troiano graduated with a 3.79 GPA and earned the 2025 CSC Academic All-America Team Member of the Year award, was a two-time CSC Academic All-America First Team honoree, a CSC Academic All-District selection, a four-time Rowan Scholar-Athlete of Distinction, and a three-time NJAC All-Academic honoree.