Nick Pappas, a graduate student on the Bentley Falcons baseball team, has been honored with the Northeast 10 Sport Excellence Award for the 2026 season, a distinction that celebrates both athletic prowess and academic achievement.
Record‑Breaking Performance
During a historic campaign, Pappas rewrote the Falcons’ record books, amassing 103 hits — the first player in school history to reach the century mark in a single season — and scoring 84 runs, a new program benchmark. His slash line of .396/.463/.631 underscored a consistent ability to get on base and drive the ball with power.
The offensive onslaught contributed to a .300 team batting average and helped Bentley capture its inaugural NE10 tournament title, earning the program’s first-ever berth in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship.
Pappas’ impact extended beyond the box score. He logged 12 home runs, 61 RBIs and a team‑leading 23 doubles, while his defensive contributions kept the Falcons competitive in every matchup. His achievements earned him All‑America Third Team honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association and a spot on the All‑Region squad.
The accolade reflects the NE10’s commitment to recognizing student‑athletes who excel in the classroom and on the field. Pappas, who maintains a graduate‑level GPA, joins a select group of scholars who have balanced rigorous academic demands with Division I athletics.
Bentley’s athletic director praised Pappas for embodying the university’s mission of excellence, noting that the award highlights the program’s rise on the national stage. As the Falcons look ahead, Pappas’ record‑setting season serves as a foundation for future success.