COLONIA, NJ – The East Coast Conference (ECC) has announced that Molloy University’s Jaden McCloud (West Hempstead, NY) and Roberts Wesleyan’s Cami Brescia (Spencerport, NY) have been awarded the 2025 Bob McCloskey Insurance ECC Postgraduate Scholar-Athlete Scholarships.
Bob McCloskey Insurance (BMI) provides annual postgraduate scholarships to two former student-athletes from the league’s member institutions. The scholarship intends to promote and encourage academically and athletically accomplished student-athletes to continue their education by attending graduate school.
As part of the selection process, the committee evaluates athletic and academic achievements, as well as campus involvement, community service, volunteer activities, and demonstrated leadership.
"On behalf of everyone at Bob McCloskey Insurance, we want to congratulate both Jaden McLeod and Cami Brescia on two great college careers, both on the playing field and in the classroom," said Pete Ginnegar, Senior Vice President of Sales Marketing for Bob McCloskey Insurance. "You have truly lived up to the moniker of true 'student-athletes', and we wish you all the best in your future educational endeavors."
“With the ECC partnership of Bob McCloskey Insurance, we are excited to provide support to Jaden and Cami as they continue on with postgraduate studies and their future endeavors” said ECC Commissioner Jessica Grasso. “With the experience and determination that they possess, I am confident that they will continue to be successful in their respective areas and exemplify what it means to be an ECC student-athlete”
McCloud graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice while also completing minors in Legal Studies and Business. He finished his academic career with a stellar 3.62 grade-point average.
Beyond the classroom, McCloud gained valuable professional experience through multiple internships. He served as a legal assistant with the Central American Refugee Center, worked as a legal intern with the Town of Islip Attorney’s Office, and completed a position as a bank teller with Roslyn Community Savings Bank.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the Bob McCloskey Insurance Postgraduate Scholarship,” said McLeod. “As a student athlete at Molloy University, playing lacrosse taught me invaluable lessons in hard work, discipline, resilience, teamwork, and perseverance that I will carry with me into law school and throughout my legal career. Balancing the demands of athletics and academics helped me develop the time management, leadership, and determination needed to succeed in challenging environments.”
On the field, McCloud was a key contributor for the Lions men's lacrosse program, appearing in 18 games and starting two contests as a long-stick defensive midfielder. He recorded 23 ground balls and caused 16 turnovers while helping lead Molloy to the NCAA Division II Semifinals and East Coast Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championships.
“This scholarship will be incredibly helpful as I pursue my education at Hofstra Law School this fall, easing the financial burden of graduate studies and allowing me to focus on achieving my goals,” added McLeod. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my academic and athletic journey.”
Brescia was also recognized for her excellence both academically and athletically following a standout collegiate career.
A cornerstone of the Red Hawks defense, Brescia started all 18 matches during the season and played a pivotal role in one of the program's most successful campaigns. Despite playing on the back line, she contributed offensively with two goals and one assist.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the Bob McCloskey Insurance ECC Postgraduate Scholarship,” said Bresica. “My time at Roberts Wesleyan University has been instrumental in shaping me both as a student and as a student-athlete. My experience as a student-athlete in the East Coast Conference has taught me the value of hard work, leadership, and perseverance. I am grateful for the support from my coaches, teammates, professors, family, and the Roberts Wesleyan community.”
Her leadership and consistency helped guide Roberts Wesleyan to its first East Coast Conference Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. For her efforts, Brescia earned Second Team All-Conference honors.
“As I pursue a career in Occupational Therapy and serve as a graduate assistant coach for the women’s soccer team, I look forward to giving back to the next generation of student-athletes,” added Bresica.
“This scholarship will help me continue my education while building on the lessons I learned both in the classroom and on the soccer field.”
Brescia's dedication to academic success, athletic achievement, and leadership exemplifies the qualities celebrated by postgraduate scholarship programs and reflects the East Coast Conference's commitment to developing student-athletes who excel both on and off the field.