Haddonfield. N.J. – On Friday afternoon, the Atlantic East Conference announced the Medal of Inspiration award recipient Robbie Wishart from Immaculata University. 
 
The Medal of Inspiration, an award created to honor individuals that battled through adversity to become stronger versions of themselves, was awarded to an individual who handled their battle with resilience and grace. More on the honor here.
 
“Last summer, Robbie Wishart’s world changed in an instant, said Will Pilat, head lacrosse coach at Immaculata. “While vacationing in Florida, his mother Erica and stepfather Brian were swept away by a rip current and tragically lost their lives as Robbie and his younger siblings looked on helplessly from the shore. Suddenly the eldest child became the family’s anchor.”
 
Pilat continued, “Amid profound grief and new responsibilities at home, Robbie chose to return for his senior year at Immaculata University—determined not only to finish his undergraduate degree but also to begin coursework toward a Master of Business Administration. He maintained an outstanding academic record throughout the year.”
 
“Robbie Wishart embodies the essence of the Medal of Inspiration: he has confronted unimaginable loss, responded with courage and self-sacrifice, and inspired everyone around him through dedication, leadership, and grace. His story of resiliency and service to both family and team makes him profoundly deserving of this honor,” said Pilat.
 
As the team captain in 2025 Wishart also made an impact on the field. He was named to the AEC All-Conference teams in both 2024 and 2025 seasons. In his career the defensive midfield specialist appeared in 68 games and accumulated 167 ground balls, 38 caused turn overs, 18 goals and seven assists. In his senior season 46 ground balls, 18 caused turnovers, four goals, and two assists to lead the Mighty Macs to their first undefeated regular season, conference championship, and NCAA tournament appearance.
 
Coach Pilat added, “Robbie’s caring for his teammates is paramount to his ability to be a leader on and off the field. Robbie was elected as a team captain this year and through how he has handled everything he and his family have gone through has been truly an inspiration to our entire team. Not to mention the rallying cry and vocal leader of our group to persevere to our first conference championship win in program history! Coaches and players alike credit Robbie’s steady presence and unyielding work ethic as the catalyst for the team’s breakthrough."
 
Wishart exemplifies the Medal of Inspiration and showcases resilience in the face of unprecedented times. The Atlantic East wishes him success in his future endeavors.
 
Information provided by Immaculata Athletic Department. 

ABOUT ATLANTIC EAST   
The Atlantic East Conference is a member of NCAA Division III comprising eight institutions in a four-state area - Gwynedd Mercy, Immaculata, Marywood and Neumann Universities in Pennsylvania; Centenary and Saint Elizabeth Universities in New Jersey, Marymount University in Virginia, and Pratt Institute in New York.    
 
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