Dean Broadcasters Ready for GNAC Field Hockey Championship Call

Dan Botolino (left) and Dawson DiBarri (right) preparing for a Dean football broadcast. Photo Credit: Jack Melanson

Junior Dan Botolino and sophomore Dawson DiBarri are gearing up to announce Saturday’s GNAC Field Hockey Championship, as the Lady Bulldogs prepare to host Colby-Sawyer College. The pair has served as the lead broadcast team for Dean field hockey all season and are looking to make one final statement as the Bulldogs aim to punch their ticket to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

The Dean College field hockey program continues its upward climb. After finishing last season 8–12 with a 5–7 conference record, the Bulldogs have surged forward this year. Despite starting 3–5, they’ve been nearly unstoppable since September 20, going 12–2 to earn their spot in Saturday’s championship game.

DiBarri shared his excitement about the team’s growth, saying, “It’s a really cool opportunity to be a part of a growing program at Dean.” Botolino, who will also be on the call, added, “Any chance you get to call a big game like this—you don’t take that for granted.”

The duo has developed strong chemistry over the course of multiple broadcasts this year, covering not just field hockey, but also soccer and football. They’re set to continue their busy schedule next week when they cover the men’s basketball home opener against Lesley University.

“Our chemistry grows with reps over time,” DiBarri said. “When we know someone’s doing color, we just let the other one cook.” Outside the booth, their friendship strengthens their teamwork. “I think we’re both pretty unselfish broadcasters and we don’t need the spotlight,” Botolino reflected, recalling their double-overtime broadcast of Dean’s matchup with New England College on October 18. “We were able to lay out the big moments—we didn’t have to be all over the place.”

As they prepare for one of the biggest games of their careers, the pair is keeping their routine consistent. “I feel like in times like this, it’s easy to press for more when you really don’t need to,” DiBarri said. “We know the energy will be up and there will be more eyes on us.” Botolino agreed, saying, “You don’t pretend like it’s a big game, you don’t pretend like it’s a championship game.”

If the Bulldogs win Saturday’s contest, it will mark the first conference championship in program history. “This championship will mean a lot for our school, whether you’re in athletics or not,” DiBarri said. “We’re trying to make it a special moment.” Botolino added, “The better our athletic programs do, the better we do—because we get better each game.”

A passionate supporter of Dean athletics, Botolino said he’s thrilled to see the department continue to grow.

The GNAC Championship is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. on Grant Field, as Dean College takes on the Colby-Sawyer Chargers. Fans can tune in on Boxcast TV to hear Dawson DiBarri and Dan Botolino on the call.