University of Connecticut Athletics
Four Huskies Named NSCA Strength & Conditioning All-Americans
4/19/2024 10:51:00 AM | General
Colorado Springs, CO. - Â The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is proud to announce that UConn athletes, Luke Broadhurst (Stafford Springs, Conn.) and Korey Morton (Norwalk, Conn.) of baseball, Riley Grimley (Eagleville, Pa.) of women's hockey, and Isabel Petri Bere (Lund, Sweeden) of women's tennis have been named 2024 All-American Athlete Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year Award recipients. This award recognizes these four student athletes' athletic accomplishments and dedication to strength and conditioning.
Luke Broadhurst is a standout player whose impact on the field was undeniable, with 60 games played and 57 starts as the team's designated hitter. This season Luke Broadhurst currently leads the team with 26 runs batted in and is hitting .297 with seven home runs and leads the team with a .574 slugging percentage. His exceptional skills left an unforgettable mark on the Huskies' baseball program.
"Luke's story is incredible. He came into our program in 2017 and was a solid athlete with a great work ethic but was going to struggle to find his way on to the field early in his career. He decided to transfer to a DIII program and became an All-American and National Champion only to return to our program as a Graduate Transfer in the fall of 2022. The work that he put in while he was gone was very obvious - he was bigger, stronger and faster and he did it with limited resources at the DIII level. Since his return, he has been in the top 10% of our performance testing and #1 overall in the fall and spring this year. He possesses elite speed for his size, strength, power, and agility. He has transformed his body and was a formidable power hitter in the center of our lineup last season. He is a quiet leader, but spend 10 minutes in the weight room with him and his personality is loud without saying a word. He challenges his teammates to elevate themselves and he meets every challenge head-on with passion and dedication. His work speaks for itself and it has been a pleasure to have him back in our program." ~ Joel DeMarco, Director of Olympic Sports Performance.
Korey Morton's exceptional performance on the diamond earned him a spot on the NCAA Gainesville Regional All-Tournament team. As the backbone in the UConn outfield, this season Korey Morton is hitting .302 in 34 games this season and leads the team with 42 hits. The Norwalk, Conn. native has hit six home runs and driven in 24 RBI. Morton now is the active leader at UConn with 22 career home runs. The outfielder has also stolen 11 bases this season. Morton is truly a key player for the UConn baseball team and will leave a lasting impression on the program.
"Korey is an outstanding athlete. That is not what separates him from his peers; the combination of his intrinsic motivation and his diligent approach to training have propelled him into the top 10% of our performance testing in each of the last 4 years. Korey has elite speed, but through his constant hard work, he has morphed himself into the top ranked pound-for-pound lifter in the program. He is ready for all challenges and excels in high pressure situations on and off the field. He finds a way to elevate his teammates and is a great example of high-level consistency every day. His on-field accomplishments are a direct result of his daily commitment to strength and conditioning." ~ Joel DeMarco, Director of Olympic Sports Performance.
Riley Grimley's incredible performance on the ice showcased her ability as a key contributor to her team's success. With two game-winning goals under their belt, Grimley proved to be a clutch player in crucial moments. Throughout the season, she displayed an impressive offensive skill set, tallying a total of 8 goals and 11 assists, resulting in an impressive 19 points. Grimley appeared in all 38 games demonstrating consistency, reliability, and commitment to the team.
"Riley epitomizes this award in all facets. She is consistent in her efforts and her unrelenting work ethic and positive attitude has allowed her to significantly improve her performance measures each year. She welcomes new challenges and elevates her teammates along the way. As a freshman, Riley was ranked 13th overall in our team performance metrics. Over the last two years, she has pushed herself each day to improve her overall ranking to 2nd overall. Riley is a great example of tenacity and leading by example. Her approach to training is infectious as she makes her teammates more accountable and helps push our team standards to new levels every day." ~ Joel DeMarco, Director of Olympic Sports Performance.
During the 2024 spring season, Lund, Sweden native Isabel Petri Bere, a junior, showcased incredible performances. Petri Bere achieved a solid 9-9 record in singles, predominantly playing at the second and third positions. In doubles, she partnered with Caroline Hinshaw, and completed an impressive 13-6 record at the second and third doubles slots. Petri Bere remained undefeated in the third doubles position and clinched victory in four consecutive matches. Petri Bere earned strong wins in conference play against Butler, Seton Hall, and Providence. Her contributions have played a huge role in the best seasons in program history including one of the best records ever this season with 12 wins and also back-to-back winning seasons, between last season and this season, for the first time in program history as far as records show.
"Izzy's consistent dedication and positive attitude have undoubtedly made her a standout. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, both in her personal efforts and in motivating her teammates, sets her apart. Her willingness to go above and beyond, even when no one is watching, reflects her intrinsic drive for success. It's evident that her hard work and determination have paid off, as reflected in her ranking as first on the team for performance testing. Izzy serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of perseverance and determination." ~Maureen Butler, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance
