VESTAL, N.Y. – Just days after completing his already-decorated collegiate career, Binghamton men's lacrosse netminder Connor Winters made more history on Wednesday, as he became the first player in program history to be named Goalkeeper of the Year by the America East Conference.
 
In addition to receiving that award, which debuted in 2024, Winters also earned First Team All-Conference honors for the second time in his career. The last time Winters made the First Team was in 2023, his first year as a starter at Binghamton. The Webster, N.Y., native also earned Second Team All-Conference honors in 2025. He is also the first Bearcat to make the First of Second Team three times during his career since Michael Antinozzi (First Team in 2012, Second Team 2013-14).
 
Additionally, Matthew Rincon received Second Team All-Conference honors from the league as a short stick defensive midfielder. It is the first time the senior from West Linn, Ore., received all-conference recognition.
 
"Both Connor and Matt are very deserving of these postseason honors," said Binghamton Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Kevin McKeown. "They have both worked extremely hard to get better each year they have been with the program. Both of these young men will be missed in the future!"
 
In his final season in goal, Winters posted a career-high save percentage of .550 and a career-low goals against average of 11.05. As of Wednesday, the goalie ranks ninth in the country in saves per game (13.15) and 18th in save percentage. Winters also collected 26 ground balls and caused four turnovers. Additionally, he scored the second goal of his collegiate career during Binghamton's season opener at Lafayette on Feb. 10.
 
Winters finishes his Binghamton career ranking at or near the top of several program records. He holds the record for career saves (701), saves in a season (194 in 2023) and saves in a game (22 vs. Vermont on April 26, 2025). He also ranks near the top of the career program rankings in saves per game (second at 12.98), wins (second at 22) and save percentage (fourth at .532).
 
"Connor is the best goalie we have had here in our program," said McKeown, a former goalie at Binghamton who became the first player in program history to receive All-America honors in 2004. "As a four-year starter, he had an enormous impact on all of our teams, as well as his teammates. We are very grateful that he was a Bearcat for five years."
 
Rincon, meanwhile, closed out his fourth and final season at Binghamton by setting career highs in both ground balls (34) and caused turnovers (9). He also ranked second on the team in ground balls per game (2.62). In addition to his contributions on defense, Rincon also posted one goal and three assists.
 
"Matthew was pound-for-pound the best athlete on the team," said McKeown. "We relied on him to both pick up and clear the ball to our offense on a consistent basis. He also had the ability to play lockdown one-on-one defense."
 
Binghamton now has 27 America East First Team and 32 Second Team All-Conference selections throughout its history. The Bearcats have also had at least one First Team selectin in each of the last six seasons dating back to 2021.
 
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