Cooper Bertrand '27 named GNAC Golfer of the Year

Junior Cooper Bertrand capped off an outstanding 2025 season in record-setting fashion, earning Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Golfer of the Year honors after capturing his third individual title of the year at the two-day GNAC Championships held at New Haven Country Club in Hamden, Connecticut.

A true standout multisport athlete, Bertrand continues to excel both on the links and on the ice for the Cadets, anchoring both Norwich’s golf program and men’s hockey team. His latest accolade marks another milestone in a rapidly ascending collegiate career that has defined him as one of Norwich’s premier current dual-sport competitors.

A Championship Performance

Bertrand entered the GNAC Championship riding a wave of momentum and delivered under pressure, carding five birdies in the opening round to seize the individual lead at +1. On day two, he added another birdie and maintained his composure in challenging conditions, finishing with a +7 overall, two strokes ahead of New England College’s Grahm Hassan to secure the tournament victory and the conference’s top individual honor.

Freshman JD Mahoney '29 joined Bertrand among the conference elite, finish fifth overall to earn First-Team All-Conference recognition.

An Impressive Career Trajectory

Bertrand’s GNAC Golfer of the Year award continues a remarkable progression through the conference ranks. He earned Co-Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, followed by Second-Team All-Conference recognition in 2024, before claiming the league’s highest individual distinction this fall. 

His consistent improvement, competitive edge, and leadership have helped elevate Norwich’s golf program into one of the GNAC’s most respected contenders. 

A Model of Norwich Excellence

Balancing the demands of two collegiate sports, Bertrand exemplifies the Norwich ideals of discipline, perseverance, and leadership through his actions. A member of the Norwich University Dean’s List, he has demonstrated the same focus and excellence in the classroom that he shows on the course and the ice. His achievements reflect not only personal dedication but also the growing depth of Norwich’s athletic programs, where student-athletes are challenged to excel in every arena, embodying the University’s commitment to developing leaders of character and capability. 

With another year ahead, Bertrand returns poised to defend his title and continue leading a talented Cadet lineup with a deep and dedicated core of returning players.

Battling to the Finish

The team standings reflected one of the tightest championship in recent GNAC history. After the first round, Albertus Magnus held a narrow five-stroke lead over Emmanual, with Norwich and New England College (NEC) tied for third, just one stroke behind. 

Day two began as a four-way battle separated by only four strokes. The Pilgrims of NEC ultimately held off the competition, enabling them to clinch their third consecutive GNAC team title. The Cadets finished fourth overall after two hard-fought days of competition.

Norwich Golf on the Rise

As Norwich golf builds on its momentum, Bertrand’s latest honor stands as both a personal achievement and a testament of the program’s upwards trajectory. His success reflects the grit and determination fueling the team’s growth. On the course, as on the ice, the Cadet spirit remains fiercely competitive, resilient, and proud.