Posted: May 04, 2020

2019-20 Outstanding Senior Athlete Award | Brie Maurer and Rhiannon Mulligan

Brie Maurer '20 (left/Frank Poulin) and Rhiannon Mulligan '20 (right/USRowing)

Seniors Brie Maurer (Fencing) and Rhiannon Mulligan (Crew) have been named the 2019-20 Wellesley College Athletics Awards co-recipients of the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award.

Established in 2012, this award is presented to a graduating student-athlete in recognition of their athletic accomplishments over the course of their entire Wellesley College athletic career (View Past Recipients). Seniors are nominated by their head coaches. The honor is decided by a vote of department Head Coaches and Administrators.

Brie Maurer '20 | Fencing

A two-time NCAA Regional finalist and three-time NFC All-Conference selection, Brie finished her career with a record of 222-71, making her one of the top foil fencers in program history. A three-time NEIFC Medalist, she earned gold in foil in 2020. The only two-time NCAA Regionals finalist for the Blue since Wellesley Hall of Famer Heidi Chang did so in 1994-95. Brie placed 9th and 12th and finished as the second-ranked Division III fencer in the Northeast Region during her junior and senior seasons.

"You leave a legacy a legacy as one of the most successful fencers in program history and perhaps the most successful foil fencer we've ever had here," said Head Coach Rob Charlton. "This award is a result of your hard work determination, passion, grit, and a little attitude! Thank you for all your contributions to the team."

Rhiannon Mulligan '20 | Crew

A 2019 All-American and NEWMAC All-Conference selection, Rhiannon has made three trips to the NCAA Championships, helping the Blue to finish in the top three for three consecutive years, including a national runner-up finish in 2017-18. She was a two-time NEWMAC Champion and three-time Seven Sisters Champion. The stroke seat in the Varsity 8 during her senior season, she helped the Blue to a program-best second place finish at the Head Of The Charles Regatta. She leaves Blue Crew with the 5th fastest 2k erg score in program history.

"Rhiannon has been setting the athletic standard for this team since she arrived in the fall of 2016," said Head Coach Tessa Spillane. "Relentless in her training, Rhiannon has raised the bar for the younger members of the team. Beyond all that speed and all of that potential, Rhiannon has a heart of gold and cares so much about her teammates, our program and this institution. Rhiannon bleeds blue and she has made us so proud, whether it is racing at the U23 National level or making big gains here at Wellesley. She is on to big things at Cambridge next year, where she will continue to row at a high level, including in THE Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race, and I can't wait to see what she WILL do."

Wellesley Athletics strives for excellence at the conference, regional, and national levels, while providing opportunities for students to achieve their potential and learn the values of discipline, leadership, critical thinking, and responsibility to oneself and others.