LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell field hockey senior forward Megan Salsinha (Westport, Mass.) was honored with multiple distinctions on Commencement Eve at the 2023 Chancellor's Medal Celebration held at University Crossing on May 12. 
 
Salsinha was one of 40 members of UMass Lowell's Class of 2023 to be recognized. She received the University Scholar-Athlete Award, which recognizes the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA. Additionally, she received Chancellor's Medals for Distinguished Academic Achievement and Community Service. Perhaps most impressively, though, Salsinha earned the Trustees Key for completing all four years of her undergraduate degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
 
"Megan is a once in a career type of student-athlete," said UMass Lowell Field Hockey Head Coach Shannon LeBlanc. "She has impacted not only our field hockey program in the most positive of ways, but the university as a whole. She brings incredible passion and intentional leadership to everything she does, whether it is on the field, in the classroom or in her service to our community. I couldn't be more proud of or grateful for Megan. She graduates as one of the most decorated student-athletes we've ever had in our program, but what is even more amazing is that she will be remembered as one of the best teammates to ever journey through our program. Her coaching staff and teammates agree that she had a team-first mentality every single day of her career."
 
Salsinha graduated with a degree in biology. A member of the UMass Lowell Honors College and a tutor, she was named to the America East All-Academic Team in 2021. She was also a four-time NFHCA Division I National Academic team selection and Scholar of Distinction.
 
"It has been not only an honor, but a privilege to have received the awards I've been presented with these past couple of days," commented Salsinha after Commencement. "The four years leading up to this moment haven't always been easy, but I wouldn't have traded my experience at UMass Lowell for the world. I have been blessed to be surrounded with such amazing teammates, coaches, athletic staff, professors and family who have made my time here, both on and off the field, one I will never forget. The people are what makes UMass Lowell such a special place, and without those people I wouldn't have been able to achieve the things I did.
 
Salsinha also made a lasting impact through her service to the surrounding community. She was a two-year, co-president of the UMass Lowell Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a Morgan's Message Ambassador for student-athlete mental health, a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club and a pen pal to local students. She was named to the 2022 America East Helping Hands Team for all of her service efforts.
 
"Being recognized for my accomplishments has not only allowed me to share my gratitude for the individuals who have supported me along the way, but has made me even more grateful that I had been given the opportunity to continue my athletic career while receiving a top-tier education in the first place. The UMass Lowell field hockey family will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am thankful for all the experiences that have come along with it."