Collins and Rice Named to NEILA All-Academic Team

SALEM, Mass. - The Salem State men's lacrosse team saw both Cameron Collins (Peabody, Mass.) and Ryan Rice (Peabody, Mass.) earn spots on the 2026 New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) All-Academic Team as announced by the conference on Thursday. The Vikings have now placed student-athletes on the NEILA All-Academic Team for three straight seasons. 

To qualify for the NEILA All-Academic Team, nominees must have senior or graduate-student standing, a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, and be an impact player for their team.

Collins had a solid senior season for the Vikings. He was tied for fifth in goals with 15 and dished out 20 assists, which was the second most on the team. He had three multi-goal games this year, highlighted by a hat trick in a 19-8 win over Mt. St. Vincent (Mar. 14). Collins graduated this May with a degree in Business Finance. 

Rice also contributed to Salem's strong season this year. The senior defender scooped up 18 groundballs and caused 10 turnovers. He helped anchor a Vikings defense that allowed just 176 goals, ranking fifth in the Little East Conference (LEC). Rice earned his degree in Business.

The full list of recipients on the NEILA All-Academic Team can be viewed HERE.