Waterville, ME – Parker Desjardins, a standout student-athlete from Jackman, Maine, has been named a finalist for the North Atlantic Conference Man of the Year award. This award is voted upon by the athletic administrators across the conference. The award is weighted by three main categories and a personal statement (10%). Those three primary categories are as follows: Service and Leadership (30%), Academic Achievement (30%), and Athletic Excellence (30%).
 
Desjardins was a four-year member of the Thomas College men's basketball team and served as team captain for the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons. As a shooting guard, he was a consistent contributor to the program's success, culminating in a major milestone on January 18, 2025, when he joined the Terriers' 1,000 Point Club during a conference game victory. In his final season, he led the team in scoring with 362 points, finishing his collegiate career with an impressive total of 1,123 points. His leadership and performance earned him the title of Thomas College Senior Outstanding Athlete for the 2024–2025 academic year.
 
In the classroom Desjardins was just as accomplished. As a Finance major, he maintained a near-perfect GPA of 3.99 and consistently earned a place on the President's List throughout all four years at Thomas College. His academic efforts were further recognized with his induction into the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, where he was a member from 2023 to 2025. Desjardins also demonstrated a strong interest in applied learning and leadership through the College Fed Challenge, where he led a group project that examined economic policy and financial systems—showcasing both his analytical skills and team-building abilities.
 
Beyond his academic and athletic responsibilities, Desjardins found time to give back to his community. He volunteered with the Greater Waterville Area Food Bank and participated in the Elks Lodge Christmas Fundraiser. For the past three years, he has also worked with the Thomas College Basketball Camps, helping young athletes develop their skills while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship.
 
Desjardins is one of six finalists for the NAC Man of the year award, and the final voting results will be announced on Tuesday, July 1^st, 2025.