Norwich – Tandi Carignan is the new gymnastics coach at Norwich Free Academy, athletic director Roy Wentworth announced on Monday.

Carignan replaces Cindy Briggs, who coached the Wildcats for three seasons.

“Tandi is ready to lead our program,” Wentworth said in a release. “I’m looking forward to her work with our student-athletes. She has the energy, the experience and the philosophy needed to succeed.”

Carignan is in her first year as a science teacher at NFA after spending their previous 16 years teaching at Plainfield High School. She trained and competed nationally through USAG and has more than 20 years of coaching experience with Thames Valley Academy of Gymnastics, Kids Rule and Frog Bridge Gymnastics.

“To be in the classroom with our students and also hold this position is something I’m very excited about,” Carignan said. “I hope my experience here provides opportunities for personal growth and pride for every gymnast.”

College honors

• UConn junior forward Aaliyah Edwards was named Big East Player of the Week in women’s basketball after leading the No. 3 Huskies to two wins and the Phil Knight Legacy title last weekend. Edwards averaged 18.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and .667 shooting and was named the tournament’s MVP. She had 20 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in UConn’s win over No. 9 Iowa in the title game.

• UConn center Donovan Clingan was named Big East Freshman of the Week in men’s basketball while helping the No. 8 Huskies beat Iowa State 71-53 in Sunday’s Phil Knight Invitational final with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The 7-foot-2 Clingan shot 61.1 percent from the floor and averaged 1.7 blocks in three games as UConn also beat Alabama and Oregon.

• Mitchell College senior forward Amina Wiley was named New England Collegiate Conference Player of the Week in women’s basketball. Wiley had 23 points, 17 rebounds and three steals in Mitchell’s lone game, a road loss to Western Connecticut.