BLOOMFIELD, Conn. – Michael Gallagher, a sophomore at Suffolk University, was selected as the recipient of the Conference of New England (CNE) Elite 21 award for the 2025 CNE Men's Golf Championship. 

Gallagher, who is pursing a bachelor's degree in marketing, carries a 3.963 cumulative grade point average (GPA). The Novi, Michigan native was presented the award on Sunday afternoon at Tumble Brooke Country Club following the league's two-day championship where the Rams finished in a share of fifth. 

The CNE Elite 21 award, in its second year, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete, honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the conference level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standing among their peers. The CNE Elite 21 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA participating in the CNE Tournament in each of the league's 21 championships.  

Eligible student-athletes are sophomore or above, who have participated in their sport for two years with their current institution, and are an active member on their team's roster.  

Gallagher is the second-ever recipient across the league for men's golf, first Suffolk men's golfer to take home the distinction and third-ever Ram to earn the feat, first since softball's Julia Newcomb in 2024.  

On top of his academic achievement, Gallagher had a standout showing at the CNE Championship. He finished tied for 12th to grab a spot on the All-CNE Third-Team. He is the first-ever Suffolk men's golf to pick up an All-CNE accolade based on performance. He is the second-ever sophomore to earn an all-conference honor, first since Christopher Sinopoli, who was named all-conference in 2023, alongside Cameron Sinopoli and Vijay Sakuru, who were all the last Rams to be selected all-league.