Catawba's Cetrone and Newberry's Christofaro Awarded Make SAC Yours McGriff Insurance Scholarship

ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – Catawba College's Frank Cetrone and Newberry College's Mary Christofaro have been awarded the South Atlantic Conference's Make SAC Yours McGriff Insurance Scholarships, the Conference announced on Thursday (June 4).

"The SAC is grateful for the continued partnership and support from McGriff Insurance in providing these scholarships," said Commissioner Patrick Britz. "Supporting student-athletes as they pursue opportunities beyond graduation remains an important part of the Conference's mission. Frank and Mary have distinguished themselves by demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to the Conference values surrounding community, dignity and making a positive impact. We wish them well as they begin their postgraduate education."

"We are proud to continue supporting the student-athletes of the South Atlantic Conference through these scholarships," said Dan Nunnery, Senior Vice President of McGriff Insurance. "Frank and Mary have demonstrated tremendous dedication both academically and athletically, and we are excited to help support them as they continue their education and prepare for their future careers."

Cetrone, a senior from Greensboro, N.C., was a member of the Catawba men's lacrosse team where he served as a team captain. A business administration major with a communication minor, he owns a 3.89 cumulative GPA and is a member of the Order of the Blue and White, the highest academic honor society at Catawba, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

On the field, Cetrone tallied 103 career points on 71 goals and 32 assists and earned CSC Academic All-District honors in 2025. He was also named to the SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll three times and earned recognition on the USILA Team of the Week during the 2024 season. In addition to his athletic and academic accomplishments, he volunteered with the Catawba College Fall Classic and worked with the college housing department as a desk assistant.

Cetrone plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree at Catawba College and hopes to pursue a career in business consulting and logistics management.

Christofaro, a senior softball student-athlete from Camden, S.C., graduated from Newberry with a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in early childhood education. During her time at Newberry, she was heavily involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Baptist Christian Ministries, the American Sign Language Club, and helped establish the first-ever Newberry College Palmetto State Teachers Association chapter.

She earned Dean's List honors every semester from 2022-26 and was recognized as the Newberry College Teacher Education Sophomore Student of the Year in 2024. Christofaro was also inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the Omicron Delta Kappa Circle, and The Bachman Scholastic Honor Society while serving on the Teacher Education Advisory Council.

In the community, Christofaro volunteered with youth soccer, children's church activities, the Miracle League of Union County, MLK community events, Trunk or Treat programs, and multiple outreach initiatives throughout the Newberry community. She plans to pursue a master's degree in speech-language pathology at Francis Marion University with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist.

The Make SAC Yours McGriff Insurance Scholarships are awarded to SAC student-athletes who excel academically and athletically and have completed their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition. Both Cetrone and Christofaro will receive a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of $3,000 toward graduate school.