COLONIA, NJ – The East Coast Conference (ECC) has announced Roberts Wesleyan's senior Jessica Montemorano (Clyde, NY) and the University of District of Columbia's senior track & field student-athlete Emmanuela Katou Kouami (Bronx, NY) have been selected as the 2025-26 winners of the ECC's Dr. Robert Dranoff Excellence in Community and Character Award.
Recipients of the ECC's most prestigious award are student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through positive actions and behaviors that are consistent with the NCAA Division II attributes of learning, service, passion, sportsmanship, balance, and resourcefulness. The award is named after former ECC Commissioner Robert Dranoff, whose relentless work at the helm of the ECC for 16 years enhanced the student-athlete experience, made athletic competition accessible to thousands of friends and families, and showcased the positive impact student-athletes have on colleges and communities.
Montemorano has distinguished herself as one of Roberts Wesleyan University's most accomplished and influential student-athletes through her outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. A Homeland Security major and member of the Roberts Wesleyan Global Honors Program, Montemorano has consistently excelled in the classroom while balancing the demands of a rigorous three-season athletic career in cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field.
"I am extremely grateful to have been chosen to receive this award by the East Coast Conference," said Montemorano. "My student-athlete experience at Roberts Wesleyan University has shaped many aspects of my life including leadership, sportsmanship, and service. Stepping into the role of SAAC President challenged me to support student athletes from a leadership position in a way I have never had before."
Her academic accomplishments include repeated Dean's List recognition, induction into Chi Alpha Sigma—the National College Athlete Honor Society—and selection as both an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete and an ECC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll recipient. Through her studies and honors work, she has applied critical thinking and intellectual curiosity to complex global and institutional challenges while maintaining the academic standards expected of an elite scholar-athlete.
Montemorano's leadership has been equally impressive. A four-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, she rose to serve as Co-President during her senior year while also representing Roberts Wesleyan on the East Coast Conference SAAC. In those roles, she has been a passionate advocate for student-athletes and a driving force behind initiatives designed to strengthen community engagement and enhance the student-athlete experience. Her efforts have included organizing Make-A-Wish events, National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrations, and numerous community service projects that connected student-athletes with the broader Rochester community.
Known for her "can-do, will-do" attitude, Montemorano has consistently demonstrated a willingness to step forward and lead. As SAAC's social media content manager, she has helped amplify student-athlete voices and promote campus engagement. She has also contributed to the university yearbook committee, preserving the stories and achievements of her peers, while remaining actively involved in Campus 180, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and numerous other campus organizations.
One of Montemorano's most impactful contributions has been her commitment to building community among student-athletes. Through initiatives such as "Athletes Supporting Athletes," she has encouraged student-athletes to attend and support competitions outside of their own sports, creating a culture of unity and shared pride throughout the athletic department. Her leadership style is rooted in inclusion, kindness, and respect, and she is widely recognized as a mentor and role model for younger student-athletes. Whether welcoming new students, encouraging teammates, or representing her peers at the conference level, she consistently works to ensure every individual feels valued and supported.
Balancing the demands of year-round athletic competition with extensive leadership responsibilities requires exceptional discipline and resourcefulness. Montemorano has demonstrated both throughout her collegiate career, successfully managing a full schedule of practices, competitions, academic obligations, and service commitments. Her ability to navigate challenges, solve problems, and bring people together has earned the admiration of coaches, administrators, teammates, and fellow students alike.
"Pushing forward campus and community initiatives was one of my favorite ways to involve athletes across campus and our work had a great effect," added Montemorano. "I am appreciative of the recognition of how I have impacted student athletes, not only at Roberts Wesleyan University, but within the East Coast Conference. Being a part of conference SAAC was a great experience and allowed me to create lasting friendships. Thank you to those who nominated me for this award and my incredible team of staff and athletes at Roberts Wesleyan who supported me endlessly!"
