Hobart and William Smith Colleges had seven athletes honored by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, earning recognition as 2022-2023 College All-American Strength & Conditioning Athletes of the Year. Four Statesmen and three Herons were recognized this year.
 
Football tight end Mike Zaccone, lacrosse defender Michael Christiansen, squash's Giacomo Dalle Molle, and tennis's Jett Wright represented Hobart. Field hockey forward Sofia Pattillo, lacrosse defender Liza Diffley and soccer midfielder Lindsay Ringbloom represented William Smith.
 
"We are beyond thrilled that this group is being recognized by the NSCA for their effort and commitment to our strength and conditioning program here at HWS," Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance and Strategic Initiatives Chris Gray said.
 
Zaccone is a four-year member of the football program. He played in 11 games during the 2022 season. A captain, Zaccone had six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. In the weight room, he has a consistent approach every day, brings contagious energy, and great output. Zaccone has a hang clean in the mid-200 pounds, a bench 1RM close to 300 pounds and a 1RM squat approaching 400 pounds.
 
Christiansen is a four-year starter for the Hobart lacrosse team. In 10 games so far this season, he has 22 ground balls and seven caused turnovers. He had a season-high three caused turnovers last weekend against High Point. Christiansen is a staple of excellence on and off the field. He has excelled in the core lifts, hitting numbers on trap bar deadlift over 450 pounds, cleaning in the 200 pounds range, and almost touching 300 pounds 1RM on the bench press.
 
A captain, Dalle Molle is the first All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year to represent Hobart Squash. This year, he is the only squash player honored by the NSCA. He posted a career record of 23-27 on the squash courts. Dalle Molle is a dedicated athlete that puts in the work. His bench press has improved by over 30% since he enrolled at the Colleges, and has reached sub-maximal efforts in the low 200 pounds. Dalle Molle's bench press wake led to a 1RM estimated in the mid 350 pounds.
 
Wright's leadership on the tennis courts has earned him the title of captain. He is a member of a regionally ranked doubles pairing, with a current record of 15-8. Wright is one of Hobart's most well-rounded students. He is a part of too many on-campus events and organizations to count, yet he is always dependable on the court and in the weight room. Wright's approach has led to a deadlift of almost 400 pounds and a bench nearing 200 pounds. 
 
Pattillo is a core member of the William Smith field hockey team that reached the NCAA tournament. She started all 22 games during the 2022 season. She was second on the team with 11 goals and 27 points. She has 16 career goals. As one of the strongest athletes at HWS, Pattillo can deadlift almost 300 pounds and squat over 200 pounds. She is a dedicated athlete, as she seeks out extra work year-round. Coach Gray describes her as "an energizer bunny without an off switch."
 
Diffley is a three-year starter for William Smith lacrosse. Through 12 games, she has16 ground balls and nine caused turnovers this season. In the weight room, Diffley brings an energy unmatched by others. She has strength levels off the chart, squatting over 200 pounds, benching over 135 pounds, and cleaning over 115 pounds consistently. 
 
A midfielder on the soccer team, Ringbloom is a great leader off the field, as she spent this past season overcoming a devastating injury. She has done everything possible to get back on the field. This past year, Ringbloom has doubled her squat and deadlift, reaching PRs never hit before her injury. She seeks out extra work opportunities daily, as she has an impressive work ethic.
 
"This group of individuals has done a tremendous job of being consistent high-end workers and carrying our 'One Team' motto with them every day into the weight room," Gray added.
 
In addition, Gray was the runner-up for the NSCA College Strength Coach of the Year. The NSCA College Strength Coach of the Year is selected by a panel of NSCA members and peers in the field and is awarded every year to only one coach across all levels and divisions.
 
Since he arrived at HWS in 2018, Gray has been an integral part of the athletics department. In five years, Gray has coached 20 Strength and Conditioning All-Americans, has supported three teams at the final four as well as countless other programs reaching the elite eight and sweet 16 in their respective national tournaments. In that same time, Gray has helped double the strength staff and sports medicine staff as well as enhance the department's Peak Performance and Napier Programs.