NEW HAVEN, Conn. (November 14, 2025) – Caldwell University women’s soccer player Nikki Dedes has been selected the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Student-Athlete of the Month for October 2025, CACC Commissioner Dan Mara announced today. Dedes earned the award for demonstrating success on the field during the month, while also being a standout in the classroom and giving back to her community.

Dedes, a senior midfielder from Medford, N.J., was recently voted the 2025 CACC Player of the Year by conference coaches. In October, she recorded six goals and four assists as Jefferson went 5-0-0, outscoring opponents 23-2. Her 10 assists and 30 points on the season are both tied for second in the conference.

A four-time All-CACC selection and the 2022 conference Rookie of the Year, Dedes has twice been named to both the United Soccer Coaches and the Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-Region teams. She is also a two-time CACC All-Tournament honoree. Dedes’ 38 career goals and 97 points rank among the top five totals in Jefferson history.

Academically, Dedes maintains a 3.89 cumulative grade-point average while majoring in pre-medical studies. In 2024, she was chosen to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Team and the PhillySIDA Academic All-Area Team. Dedes is also a two-time member of the CACC Women’s Soccer All-Academic Team.

Dedes has volunteered as a patient at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital for first-year interns to practice using ultrasound machines. She has also joined teammates as a volunteer coach/buddy with the Starfinder Foundation, providing soccer training and development to underprivileged youth while also giving guidance on life dreams and college aspirations.

The CACC Student-Athlete of the Month Award is handed out from September to May and recognizes one student-athlete from any sport active during that month.

2025-26 CACC STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
September: Ariana Gaminara, Caldwell University Women’s Soccer
October: Nikki Dedes, Thomas Jefferson University Women’s Soccer

Founded in 1961, the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference has been affiliated with NCAA Division II for 20 years. Conference institutions compete for championships in 17 sports – seven for men, nine for women, and one co-ed. The CACC contains 11 full members in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Membership includes the University of Bridgeport, Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University New York, Felician University, Georgian Court University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University, Post University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Wilmington University.