Springfield College Volleyball Stars Earn Prestigious Academic All-District Honors

Springfield College’s women’s volleyball team just grabbed some well-deserved attention. Four standout players landed spots on the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

This honor celebrates their impressive work both on the court and in the classroom. The recipients—Ahunna James, Tori Colosimo, Alexa Bonato, and Olivia Nealy—have poured in dedication and skill, making a real impact on the team’s season.

It’s tough not to admire their drive. Honestly, it speaks volumes about the environment Springfield College has created for its athletes.

Springfield College Volleyball: A Tradition of Excellence

Springfield College’s women’s volleyball program has a reputation for excellence, both athletically and academically. Head coach Moira Long has guided the team to success on the court and in their studies.

With four players making the Academic All-District Team, it’s clear the program values well-rounded student-athletes. That’s not something every school can say.

Meet the Honorees

This year’s honorees have each brought something special to the squad. Their contributions haven’t gone unnoticed.

• Ahunna James – She’s a public health major with a 3.72 GPA. As a junior, James started 30 matches, tallying 217 kills, a .206 hitting percentage, 31 aces, 72 blocks, and 235 digs.
• Tori Colosimo – Majoring in occupational therapy with a 3.57 GPA, Colosimo started all 31 matches as a junior. She racked up 927 assists, 81 kills, 57 aces, 41 blocks, and 249 digs. She also earned MVP at the Joel B. Dearing ’79 Volleyball Classic and picked up multiple other honors.
• Alexa Bonato – Bonato, a public health major with a 3.89 GPA, started every match as a sophomore. She posted 150 kills, 17 aces, 94 digs, and 29 blocks, showing off her versatility.
• Olivia Nealy – A physical therapy major with a 3.70 GPA, Nealy played libero in all 31 matches. She anchored the defense with 377 digs and 66 assists.

Academic and Athletic Balance

The Academic All-District Team honors student-athletes who shine in sports and in class. To qualify, athletes need at least a 3.50 GPA and significant participation in their team’s games.

Springfield College really pushes its athletes to excel in every area. It’s a core value, and it shows.

Colosimo’s Stellar Season

Tori Colosimo’s season stands out. She led the team in assists and chipped in with kills, aces, blocks, and digs.

Her performance earned her:

• Most Valuable Player at the Joel B. Dearing ’79 Volleyball Classic
• NEWMAC All-League Second Team
• AVCA All-Region I Team
• AVCA Honorable Mention All-American

Balancing a tough academic load with top-level volleyball isn’t easy. Colosimo’s discipline and time management deserve a nod.

Team Success and National Recognition

Coach Long has kept Springfield College’s women’s volleyball team performing at a high level. This season, they finished with a 23-8 record and earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.

That’s the third year in a row Springfield has made the national tournament. It’s not luck—it’s a pattern of excellence.

Building a Legacy

James, Colosimo, Bonato, and Nealy’s Academic All-District honors mark a big moment for the program. It’s proof that Springfield College knows how to develop athletes who care about both their sport and their studies.

Looking Ahead

Springfield College’s tradition of excellence isn’t slowing down. The achievements of these four players set a high bar for the rest of the team and for future recruits.

Honestly, with this kind of support and coaching, the future for Springfield’s women’s volleyball looks pretty bright.

Join the Pride

Fans and supporters can catch the latest news and highlights from the Springfield College women’s volleyball team by following the Pride on social media. Signing up for updates is a quick way to stay in the loop.

The community’s support means everything to the team. It brings everyone together—players, fans, and anyone who just loves the game.

Want more details about these standout student-athletes? You can always check out the Springfield College Athletics website for the latest news and stories.