Swimmer Justin Finkel ’25, the winningest athlete in Connecticut College history, has been named the Men’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year for Region I by the Division III Commissioners Association (D3CA).

These prestigious awards, now in their fourth year, recognize graduating seniors in 10 regions who have demonstrated excellence in athletics, academics, leadership and service throughout their collegiate careers. Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society, serves as the presenting sponsor of these awards.

Finkel, who graduated in May with a degree in biological sciences, becomes the first Camel student-athlete to earn the award. Each of the regional winners now advances to the national ballot for the D3CA Men's Sport Student-Athlete of the Year award, which will be announced next month. 

The award is the latest in a long list of accolades for Finkel, a 12-time All-America selection. As a member of Conn’s Men’s Swimming and Diving team, Finkel won four NCAA individual national titles and garnered two National Swimmer of the Year awards. He was also named NESCAC Swimmer of the Year for three straight years and won eight individual NESCAC titles. He was a two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America honoree and was honored as the 2025 Jay Fiedler Outstanding College Athlete of the Year by the Jewish Sports Heritage Foundation.

“Chi Alpha Sigma is honored to partner with the D3CA in recognizing these incredible student-athletes,” said Executive Director of Chi Alpha Sigma Kellen Wells-Mangold. “Our mission to celebrate excellence in both academics and athletics perfectly aligns with this initiative. These recipients exemplify the highest ideals of collegiate athletics and leadership.”