Orono, ME - The America East Conference announced on Wednesday night at their end of the year banquet that Connor Goodman of the UMaine baseball program was named the 2024 America East Man of the Year.

Goodman becomes the third athlete in UMaine history to win the award, joining 2014 winner, Kelton Cullenberg of the UMaine track and field/cross country programs and 2015 winner Holly Stewart of the field hockey program.

"I am humbled and honored to be named the 2024 America East Man of the Year," Goodman says. "Just being nominated is an honor in itself. To win this award is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. Being apart of such an elite group is a dream come true. This recognition is something that means so much to me, and I will cherish forever."

Goodman, a graduate student and native of Miami Beach, Fla., had one of the most standout years in the community in the history of not only the baseball program, but in all of UMaine athletics history. In the fall, Goodman began a baseball glove drive named, 'Goody's Gloves' that brought in donations of new baseball gloves or financial commitments to help purchase gloves. A total of 84 gloves were collected and donated to the Orono and Old Town Little League organizations. In the spring, Goodman was acknowledged for his off the field achievements by the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Association as he was named an honorable mention for his impact in the community. Goodman, who earned his degree in management with a leadership minor, was one of 15 baseball players in the country to be named either a semifinalist or honorable mention for the inaugural award at the college level.

"Connor embodied what it means to be a Black Bear," Head Coach, Nick Derba states. "He came to Maine at a time when we were at our lowest and he played a major role in returning the program back to excellence, both on and off the field. He is leaving with a legacy as a winner and I have no doubt he will continue to leave his mark as he moves forward in life."

Two days after receiving his national recognition for his community based achievements, Goodman earned the highest honor any male athlete can earn at the University of Maine, the prestigious 'M' Club Dean Smith Award. Goodman is a seven-time Dean's List recipient and three time America East Commissioner's Honor Roll selection. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in management and a leadership minor and was named the 2023 America East Baseball Scholar-Athlete of the Year as well as earning the league's Elite-18 honor for having the highest GPA of any championship game participant. A 2023 America East Presidential Scholar Athlete, Goodman is a three-time America East All-Academic Team honoree and two-time TEAM MAINE recipient for achieving the highest GPA on the baseball team.

Goodman's impact to the University of Maine baseball program is just as impressive on the field as it was off the field. He was a 2023 America East All-Conference First Team Member, helping lead the program to an America East Championship Title in 2023, its first since the 2011 season. He hit .285 with 181 career hits in his five years with the Black Bears, collecting 101 RBI's and having 29 extra base hits in his 177 games played.

"To culminate my collegiate baseball career by receiving this award is a dream come true," Goodman states. "My 5 years at Maine have been nothing short of amazing, and the memories and friendships will last me a lifetime. Coming to Maine was the best decision I have ever made. I'm so thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, and I will forever be a Black Bear."

-UMaine-