After being the first student-athlete in school history nominated for the 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award, Middlebury women's ice hockey forward Meg Simon was unveiled as a finalist for the accolade on Tuesday. She is one of five student-athletes and the lone Division III player to be named a finalist.

"I have always believed that teams are the most powerful entity in the world," Simon said. "When we work together, our team can create a positive difference. I take great pride in representing the Middlebury College women's ice hockey team as a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award because it represents our team's mission to be a force for good in the Middlebury, Vermont community."

HIGHLIGHTS

• Simon becomes the 10th NESCAC ice hockey player to be a finalist and the first since Camil Blanchet (Bowdoin) in 2018.
• The senior has been heavily involved in the Panther community and beyond. She serves as the Co-Chair of Volunteering for the Middlebury women's ice hockey program and worked with multiple local organizations, including the Middlebury Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) and Special Olympics Vermont.
• She is also a member of the Yellow House Community, an organization that provides safe, residential housing and meaningful vocational opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• On campus, Simon has held roles as the President of Middlebury College Access Mentors (MiddCAM) and a RADical Health Mentor.
• The Panther has served on Middlebury's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is a social media/content creator for both the Middlebury women's golf and women's ice hockey programs.
• Simon has appeared in 44 career ice hockey contests. She tallied the first two assists of her career earlier this season against Vermont State University Castleton and Wesleyan.
• The senior has helped the Panthers to back-to-back NCAA Semifinals appearances and is a four-year member of the women's golf team.

"I have known Meg for five years, and I consider her to be one of the finest people I have ever met at Middlebury College," said Bill Mandigo, head women's ice hockey coach. "From her first day on campus, Meg has jumped in with both feet to give to others. Her dedication to service and community engagement has allowed her to give back to those around her. I truly believe Meg is hockey's finest citizen."

"Throughout four years as a two-sport athlete at Middlebury, Meg has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service, leadership and community engagement, using ice hockey and golf as a powerful vehicle to uplift others and expand access to sport," said Tim Walko, head women's golf coach. "Her impact reaches far beyond the rink and golf course, reflecting the very essence of what the Hockey Humanitarian Award represents."

ABOUT THE AWARD

• Now in its 31st year, the award is presented annually to a student-athlete who makes significant contributions to his or her team and to the community through leadership in volunteerism.
• Williams' William Bruce is the lone NESCAC winner of the prestigious honor in 2008.
• Boston University's J.P. McKersie was the inaugural recipient of the award in 1996.

The winner of the 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award will be revealed during the NCAA Men's Frozen Four weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday, April 10. The list of finalists can be found here.