NEW HAVEN, Conn. (April 15, 2026) – Georgian Court University women’s lacrosse player Caitlin Petrellese has been selected the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Student-Athlete of the Month for March 2026, CACC Commissioner Dan Mara announced today. Petrellese 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.

Petrellese, a senior midfielder from Bardonia, N.Y., helped Georgian Court to a 5-1 record in March with her all-around play. During the six games, she totaled nine goals, six assists, 10 ground balls, seven caused turnovers, and 23 draw controls. Her 35 ground balls on the season rank second in the CACC, and her 53 draw controls are third.

Petrellese was twice recognized on the 2025 All-CACC team, as a First-Team midfielder and a Second-Team draw-control specialist. She has never missed a game in her career, starting all 70, and recently surpassed career milestones of 100 points and 200 draw controls.

Academically, Petrellese maintains a 3.99 cumulative grade-point average as a history major. A member of the Chi Alpha Sigma college athlete honor society, she has attained College Sports Communicators Academic All District® honors. She is also a multiple-time honoree on both the CACC All-Academic Team and the conference’s Academic Honor Roll.

Petrellese has taken part in several service initiatives in her campus and local communities. She has been heavily involved with the community efforts of the Georgian Court Campus Ministry and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Additionally, she has taken part Read Across America at Oak Street Elementary School in Lakewood, N.J., helped raise funds for the women’s cancer treatment center Mary’s Place by the Sea, and participated in Thanksgiving pillow-making at Bella Terra Senior Living.

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
November: Shelby Kinzer, Holy Family University Women’s Volleyball
December: Kristina Peric, Post University Women’s Volleyball
January: Emily Spratt, Thomas Jefferson University Women’s Basketball
February: Melvin Evans, Caldwell University Men’s Basketball
March: Caitlin Petrellese, Georgian Court University Women’s Lacrosse

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.