Frongillo ’26 Repeats as NEWMAC Athlete of the Year

For the second year in a row, Bri Frongillo ’26 has been named the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Year.

The honor is deeply meaningful to Frongillo.

“I know how much hard work and dedication I have put into basketball since I was a little kid and so to end my career with this honor once again—to be acknowledged for those efforts and to have earned the respect of the league as a whole—is something that I am extremely appreciative of,” said Frongillo.

The 5’ 3” senior guard finished her career as quite possibly the greatest player in Emerson women’s basketball history. The program’s all-time scoring leader with 1,305 points, she also holds program records for highest scoring average (20.4 ppg), assists (276), assists per game (4.3), and free throw percentage (.871). Her totals would’ve been even higher, but she transferred to Emerson after beginning her career at the DI level with Bryant University.

Despite Frongillo’s individual success, the Lions’ season ended with a loss to No. 1 seed Smith College in the NEWMAC Tournament. Frongillo said the team believed it could have advanced further, which tempered her expectations about individual recognition.

“I didn’t at all actually expect to win this award again. To find out that I did was certainly a wonderful surprise and it means a lot to me to know that the way I have tried to play these last three years has gone recognized by the other coaches in the league,” said Frongillo.

Emerson women’s basketball head coach William Gould has had the closest view of Frongillo’s playing career. 

“It was a pleasure to coach not only Bri the player, but also Bri the person,” said Gould, who called Fronjillo a generational talent for the program. “To see her recognized for the second year in a row makes me proud for her and proud for Emerson.”

Gould witnessed firsthand the work Frongillo put into her game. She often stayed after practice to play pickup games with students who came into the gym.

“Her work ethic was incredible,” Gould said.

That dedication translated to elite conditioning. Frongillo averaged 38.3 per game this season, rarely leaving the court.

Gould said her performance against Wheaton on Jan. 24 — when the Lions were missing three players — showcased the full range of her abilities.

“She knew she had to lead the team in a different way,” Gould said. “With about 45 seconds left in the first quarter, Bri had six points and no assists.”

As Emerson fell behind, Frongillo continued to facilitate the offense, helping the Lions close the gap. She played all 40 minutes and finished with 39 points, six assists, seven rebounds, and three steals as Emerson secured the win.

“Whatever it took to win, Bri just did it,” Gould said.

While Frongillo’s statistics were impressive throughout her three seasons at Emerson, Gould said her growth as a leader was just as significant. Naturally quiet, Frongillo became more vocal during her final season.

Frongillo agreed that she pushed herself to grow as a leader

“While I’ve obviously had a lot of statistical success here at Emerson, I think my greatest growth has been all the stuff beyond my physical skill and [that] will be something I take beyond my time playing basketball,” said Frongillo.

With graduation just a few months away, Frongillo hopes to pursue a career in cinematography. If her basketball career is any indication, her vision on the court will serve her well behind the camera.