LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Associate Athletic Director for Academics and Student-Athlete Services Alison Quandt Westgate has announced the addition of Kim Beneduce as her team's new Academic and Student-Athlete Development Assistant.
 
In her position, Beneduce will help oversee and supervise UMass Lowell student-athletes' academic progress, and create and institute training regiments for individual student-athletes.
 
"We're excited to have Kim join our team," said Quandt Westgate. "She brings a wealth of experience, including as a former student-athlete, and her passion for the holistic development of young people really stood out."
 
Beneduce comes to UMass Lowell with a diverse and international background in English and education after having worked in several roles, such as Internship Coordinator for the Foreign Commercial Service in London, as well as Editorial Assistant for the journal Development and Psychopathology at the University of Rochester.
 
"I'm thrilled to join the River Hawk staff and become part of the athletics team geared toward student-athlete success at UMass Lowell," said Beneduce.
 
Formerly a Division I student-athlete at Northeastern University, Beneduce served as chairperson on the university's Student-Athlete Advisory Board during her four years on the women's ice hockey team. During her time at Northeasterm, she also helped lead the Huskies to an ECAC Championship, as well as two Beanpot Championships.
 
 She has continued to be involved in hockey for over two decades, coaching youth hockey teams across New England and the United Kingdom. 
 
Beneduce, a native of Westford, Mass., graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern with her bachelor's degree in English and a secondary degree in Education in 2001. She currently resides in her hometown with her husband and three children.