Nathan Granholm is the 2020 NAC Man of the Year
Nathan Granholm is the 2020 NAC Man of the Year
Waterville, Maine - Maine Maritime Academy's Nathan Granholm is the 2020 North Atlantic Conference Man of the Year. Granholm is the third Mariner to earn this prestigious conference award, and the first since 2016.
The NAC Man of the Year award is modeled after the NCAA Woman of the Year program which honors graduating student athletes who distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletic excellence, service, and leadership. Granholm's fellow Mariner Sydney Adams was named the NAC Woman of the Year on June 30. This is the third time both recipients graduated from the same institution.
Four graduating student athletes were nominated for this honor which encompasses all facets of the NCAA Division III student athlete experience. The other nominees were Chad Bartlett of UMaine-Presque Isle, Chase Malloy of UMaine-Farmington, and Jarrod Ottman of Thomas College.
Granholm (Brunswick, Maine) earned a bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering Technology from Maine Maritime Academy in May, 2020. He also earned two minors, in Business and Environmental Sustainability. Granholm made the Dean's List throughout his time in Castine and also earned a spot on the ECAC Academic Honor Roll in 2018. He earned the Regimental Wedge Scholarship Award as a sophomore, and the Portland Marine Society Scholarship as a junior.
Granholm entered the inCOMMAND Leadership Program through the athletic department as a first-year student, and grew to earn Male Leader of the Year honors twice, in 2019 and 2020.
"I am not sure I have ever met a person that is as universally respected as Nathan," said Athletic Director Steve Peed. "Whether it is his teammates, classmates, or shipmates, the athletic staff or the Commandant's staff, we all just see that same natural leadership that is as easily recognizable as it is difficult to describe. What makes Nathan so awesome is that he works at improving his leadership skills to build upon that natural charisma and talent. His approach on the field, in the classroom, in the regiment and in our small community was not any different."
He was a four-year participant in the Regiment of Midshipmen, three-year member of the Regimental Training Staff, and also spent two years on the Training Ship Watch. He received a Commandant's Citation for his work as a Regimental Physical Training Instructor in 2019, and was responsible for 150 students as the Bravo Company Commander in 2019-20.
Granholm played baritone saxophone in the Regimental Band and represented the Academy at the 2019 U.S. Naval Academy Leadership Conference with attendees from 150 colleges, including all service academies.
"Nate Granholm is the epitome of a selfless leader on and off the field," said John Cashman, Regiment of Midshipmen Commandant and Men's Lacrosse Assistant Coach. "Often the first on the field, and always the last to leave, he pushes himself to be better so he can help his teammates succeed. Off the field, Mr. Granholm's confident but humble leadership gains the respect of staff and peers. Just as he does on the lacrosse field, Nate puts in the extra hours to set an example through his academic work, sharp uniform appearance, and most importantly, looking out for those around him. Always a great shipmate, I am proud that Nate's achievements are recognized with this prestigious honor from the NAC."
Granholm was a four-year member and three-year captain of the Mariners' Men's Lacrosse Team. He served as the primary student recruiter as a junior, and earned NAC First-Team All-Conference honors twice. He started in all four games for the Mariners this season, scooping up 10 ground balls and causing eight turnovers. Over his career, Granholm tallied 120 ground balls, 61 caused turnovers, three goals, and one assist. He was recently named a USILA Scholar All-American.
"Nate is a relentless competitor and a selfless leader on and off the field," remarked Head Men's Lacross Coach Brandon Melville. "His work in the classroom and on the field is always done at the highest standard which is why he's earned countless honors academically and athletically. He is a coach's dream to have in the locker room, on the field, and in the classroom with his character and charisma. He will be missed here at Maine Maritime Academy but one thing is for certain; he has left this program, the athletic department, and the Academy better than he found it. For that I'm proud to have had the opportunity to coach this young man who is just getting started with what will be sure to be a lifetime of achievements."
"I am thrilled to present Man of the Year honors to Nathan," said Commissioner Marcella Zalot. "He is clearly a tremendous leader and the epitome of what it means to compete in Division III. Nathan also exemplifies the NAC core values of excellence and integrity as demonstrated with his impressive regimental resume."
Granholm and Adams will be honored on campus during the upcoming academic year.
Member schools nominate student-athletes from their own institution, then conference Athletic Directors and Senior Woman Administrators vote to select the Man of the Year. Scoring for the academic achievement section is based on the undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of the nominee. Scoring for athletic excellence is based on the nominee's honors and accomplishments including awards and championships, and scoring for service and leadership is based on their involvement in campus and community activities and organizations over the course of their collegiate career. Administrators also consider a short personal statement written by each nominee.