MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – Clark University men's basketball senior Kekoa McArdle was announced as one the recipients of the 2024-25 NEWMAC Student-Athlete of the Year Award as announced by the league office on Thursday morning.

The recipients were selected by a committee made up of Athletic Directors, Senior Woman Administrators, Sports Information Directors and Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designees. The Student-Athlete of the Year Award focuses on the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.

"Kekoa truly set the standard of what it meant to be a student-athlete - first and foremost in the classroom," said head men's basketball coach Tyler Simms. "On the court, he led and mentored our younger forwards which will continue to help our program for years to come. And lastly, Kekoa leaves the legacy of being a champion - a goal that we have every year as a program and was an instrumental part of us achieving that goal." 

McArdle earned his first spot on the First Team All-NEWMAC in 2024-25. He also earned recognition on the Second Team in the 2023-24 season. He nearly averaged a double-double with 11.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per night and ranked second in the league with a 55.2 percent field goal percentage. McArdle recorded 11 double-doubles on the year, including a 10 point and 18 rebound effort in the NEWMAC Semifinal victory win over Coast Guard. McArdle's 9.1 rebounds per game led the league and the senior earned two NEWMAC Defensive Athlete of the Week nods.

He helped deliver the programs fifth NEWMAC Championship and 17th trip to the NCAA Tournament this season with an 80-65 victory over WPI. This marked the Cougars first NCAA trip since 2010 and in the NCAA Tournament, McArdle joined the 1,000 point club.

"Kekoa exemplifies everything we strive for at Clark—excellence in the classroom, leadership in the community, and dedication on the court," said Director of Athletics and Recreation Trish Cronin. "His relentless work ethic and humility have made a lasting impact on our department, and this recognition by the NEWMAC is a testament to the kind of student-athlete and person he is. We couldn't be prouder of Kekoa and all he has achieved."

McArdle graduated Magna Cum Laude, studying Psychology with a minor in Management. He was named to the NEWMAC Academic All-Conference team from 2022 through 2024 and received National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Academic Honors in 2023-2024.

Off the court, McArdle was equally as active, volunteering for numerous organizations and spending time teaching basketball skills to youth in the community. He also hosted a mental health meeting on campus to share experiences with fellow Clark students. The recent grad won the Russ Granger Award at the 2025 Night of Honors, which is awarded to male student-athletes who have combined academic excellence with athletic achievement.