Hartwick College

Phoebe Olson '26 of Jamestown, N.D., and Gianna Leggieri '27 of Ballston Lake, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Doubles Team of the Week honor on Oct. 13, 2025. Olson and Leggieri set the tone for the Hawks against St. John Fisher, being the first ones off the court with a 6-1 win at No.1 doubles en route to clinching their fourth consecutive regular season title.

Katelyn Klotz '27 of South Glens Falls, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Field Hockey Defensive Player of the Week honor on Oct. 13, 2025. Klotz made a major difference in two conference wins from the backline, recording five points on two goals and an assist, while holding opponents to one goal and 12 total shots. The Hartwick College defender had a goal and an assist in a 6-0 win over Russell Sage and scored in a 5-1 victory over SUNY Brockport.

Jenna Mierek '26 of Prospect, Conn., earned the Empire 8 Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week honor on Oct. 13, 2025. Mierek made a major impact all over the pitch on both ends for Hartwick College, pouring in three assists in a 5-0 win over Elmira as well as commanding the backline, helping lead the Hawks to a pair of clean sheets over the two matches, which also included a scoreless draw against Houghton.

Shelby Swartz '26 of Candor, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Volleyball Co-Player of the Week honor on Oct. 6, 2025. Swartz came up big at the net for the Hawks in their flawless 4-0 week, opening with road wins at Russell Sage and SUNY Poly before taking down Utica and Alfred State in a home tri-match. Swartz collected 48 kills over the week to just nine errors, hitting .353, while picking up nine blocks, 39 digs and three service aces. Swartz posted double digit kills in three of four matches, with her highest coming against Poly with 17, while hitting .375.

Hope Angioletti '27 of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Field Hockey Co-Offensive Player of the Week honor on Oct. 6, 2025. Angioletti was the driving force behind the Hawks' dominant 2-0 weekend, contributing eight valuable points in the Empire 8 triumphs over Elmira and Nazareth. Angioletti collected the game-winning assists in both contests, posting identical scorelines of one goal and two assists in each of Hartwick's two wins.

Samantha Lantzy of Valatie, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Player of the Week honor on Sept. 29, 2025. Lantzy enjoyed a stellar weekend for Hartwick, posting a 4-0 record in in two conference victories over Utica and Nazareth. Lantzy posted a flawless result against Utica, not dropping a single game in doubles or at No. 1 singles. Samantha picked a 6-3 win at No. 2 doubles over Nazareth on Saturday before taking a 6-2, 6-3 victory in No. 1 singles. This is the second time this season Lantzy has earned the honor, previously being named Player of the Week on Sept. 2.

Jelani Usim '29 of Kingston, Jamaica, earned the Empire 8 Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week honor on Sept. 29, 2025. Usim recorded a 0.50 goals against average and .923 save percentage, making 12 saves, as Hartwick finished 1-0-1 on the week. Usim began the week by one save for his first collegiate win in net, a 1-0 victory at SUNY Poly. Usim was brilliant against SUNY Brockport, making 11 saves, including seven in the first half in a 1-1 draw.

Ava Reynolds '28 of South Glens Falls, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Field Hockey Defensive Player of the Week honor on Sept. 22, 2025. Reynolds was stellar in the cage for Hartwick on Saturday, collecting 10 saves in the conference opener against Houghton in a 4-0 win. Reynolds posted her first clean sheet of the season as the Hawks handed the Highlanders their first loss of the year.

Hartwick College cornerback Robert Kennedy was named to the D3football.com Team of the Week on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Kennedy, a junior from Hastings-On-Hudson, N.Y., was named the Empire 8 Defensive Co-Player of the Week and was a true playmaker in the 29-27 thriller over Buffalo State, collecting three interceptions including a 15-yard pick six in the third quarter that gave the Hawks a 20-14 lead. Kennedy's third interception came on a crucial fourth quarter drive to keep the Hawks in front. Kennedy also added nine tackles, including six solo and one tackle for loss in the win.

Brennan McNeilly '26 of Lindenhurst, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Football Special Teams Player of the Week honor on Sept. 15, 2025. McNeilly came up huge for the Hawks, blocking two extra points including one returned for a two-point conversion after Buffalo State scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Instead of Buffalo State taking a 21-20 lead, McNeilly's play gave Hartwick a 22-20 edge. The two stops would prove to be the difference in the 29-27 victory over Buffalo State.

Samantha Lantzy of Valatie, N.Y., and Lily Vanuga of Springville, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Doubles Team of the Week honor on Sept. 15, 2025. The duo of Vanuga and Lantzy have been flawless to start the season, pushing their win streak to five matches with two victories this week. Vanuga and Lantzy picked up a 6-0 win at No.1 over Delhi and ended with a 6-1 win over Brockport at the No. 2 position in an E8 contest.

Mikayla Piersa '28 of Huntington, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Soccer Co-Defensive Player of the Week honor on Sept. 15, 2025. Piersa stood tall in between the posts against defending Empire 8 Champion SUNY Geneseo in the Empire 8 opener, totaling seven saves after facing an array of shots to earn the draw and help the Hawks move to five consecutive games without a loss. It is Piersa's second straight E8 weekly honor.

Devin Chandler '27 of Wylie, Texas, earned the Empire 8 Men's Soccer Co-Offensive Player of the Week honor on Sept. 2, 2025. Chandler tied an Empire 8 single-game record with three assists in a 3-1 victory over SUNY Delhi. He picked up two assists off pinpointed throw ins into the box. Chandler then capped off his marksmanship with an assist from a corner kick on goal with two minutes left.

Mikayla Piersa '28 of Huntington, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week honor on Sept. 8, 2025. Piersa was tremendous in between the posts for the Hawks, earning two clean sheets, only allowing one goal while picking up 16 saves in three games. Piersa posted 10 saves in the Mayor's Cup win over RPI, en route to Hartwick becoming the 2025 Mayor's Cup Champions. Piersa also made five saves in a draw versus Skidmore and posted a shutout against SUNY Morrisville.

Samantha Lantzy '28 of Valatie, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Player of the Week honor on Sept. 2, 2025. Lantzy made her debut at the No.1 singles spot after a dominant debut season in 2024, helping lift the Hawks to a 7-0 sweep over their cross-city rival, SUNY Oneonta. Lantzy made quick work of the Red Dragons' top player, defeating her in straight sets of 6-2, 6-2. She also partnered with Lily Vanuga to record a 6-1 win at second doubles.

Maddi Morrison '26 of Burnt Hills, N.Y., and Maggie Van Valkenburgh '26 of Highland, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Doubles Team of the Week honor on Sept. 8, 2025. The duo of Morrison and Van Valkenburgh were flawless in two wins, including a 6-1 upending of Geneseo's duo at No. 3 doubles on Saturday to help secure the key doubles point and win in the conference opener. The duo would collect a 6-2 win over Cortland at the No. 3 spot on Friday.

Matteo Broun '29 of Fishkill, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Football Special Teams Player of the Week honor on Sept. 8, 2025. Broun was exceptional in his collegiate debut, going 8-8 on point-after attempts in the season-opening 56-7 win over Maine Maritime.

The Empire 8 announced its 2025 Men's Outdoor Track and Field All-Conference selections on June 3, with first-year Cody Bazemore '28 of Bel Air, Md., earning Third Team honors in the long jump for the Hartwick Hawks. Selections were based on performances at the Empire 8 Championship meet held May 2-3 at SUNY Brockport. In his championship debut, Bazemore jumped 6.71 meters, securing third place on the podium. Earlier in the year, Bazemore set two school records during the indoor season, clocking 7.14 seconds in the 60-meter dash and 23.18 seconds in the 200 meters. In addition to his All-Conference recognition, Bazemore was also named Hartwick's representative on the Empire 8 Sportsman of the Year Team for exemplifying the qualities of outstanding sportsmanship.

College Sports Communicators announced the Field Hockey At-Large Academic All-District Teams on June 17 and three Hartwick Hawks received recognition. The honorees include Ashley Tricarico '24 of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., Hope Angioletti '27 of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., and Danielle Hand '27 of Queensbury, N.Y. Senior midfielder Ashley Tricarico earned team Most Valuable Player honors and was named to the Empire 8 First Team All-Conference. Tricarico also stood out academically, earning spots on the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division III National Academic Squad and the Empire 8 Spring 2024 President's List. Sophomore forward Hope Angioletti was also selected to the Empire 8 First Team All-Conference and earned a place on both the NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad and the Empire 8 Spring 2024 President's List. Sophomore forward Danielle Hand received Empire 8 Second Team All-Conference honors and was named to the NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad for excellence in the classroom. To qualify for All-District consideration, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically, hold at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and participate in 90% of the team's games played.

College Sports Communicators announced the Women's Lacrosse At-Large Academic All-District Teams on June 17 and three Hartwick Hawks received recognition. The honorees include Kristen Vaccarelli '25 of Dix Hills, N.Y., Brianna Liebro '25 of Castleton, N.Y., and Kara Anderson '25 of Collingwood, Ontario. Senior captain Kristen Vaccarelli shattered the Empire 8 career goal record and earned her fourth consecutive Empire 8 First Team All-Conference honor. She also received her third IWLCA Second Team All-Region selection. Off the field, Vaccarelli was named to the Empire 8 Spring 2024 President's List in recognition of her academic achievement. Senior defender Brianna Liebro forced 63 turnovers with an average of 3.94 per game, ranking No. 1 in the Empire 8 and No. 2 in NCAA Division III for caused turnovers per game. She was named to the Empire 8 First Team All-Conference and received the team's Most Valuable Player Award. Liebro also earned recognition for her academic excellence. Senior attacker Kara Anderson capped off a strong season with Empire 8 Second Team All-Conference honors and was recognized for her academic performance by the College. To qualify for All-District consideration, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically, hold at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and participate in 90% of the team's games played.

College Sports Communicators announced the Men's Lacrosse At-Large Academic All-District Teams on June 17 and three Hartwick Hawks received recognition. The honorees include Liam Downey '25 of Blue Point, N.Y., Garrett Frost '25 of Wading River, N.Y., and Joseph Pagano '25 of Oceanside, N.Y. Senior defender Liam Downey led the Empire 8 with an average of 2.17 caused turnovers per game and recorded both his first collegiate goal and assist. He was named the team's Most Valuable Player and earned a spot on the Empire 8 All-Conference Second Team. Downey also excelled academically, earning Fall 2024 Empire 8 President's List honors. Senior midfielder Garrett Frost ranked among the top 15 in the Empire 8 in several offensive statistical categories, securing a place on the Empire 8 All-Conference Second Team. He was also named to the Fall 2024 Empire 8 President's List and received College Sports Communicators (CSC) At-Large Academic All-District honors for the second consecutive year. Senior defender Joseph Pagano posted a career-high 32 ground balls and caused a career-best 20 turnovers, ranking ninth in the Empire 8 with an average of 1.33 caused turnovers per game. His efforts earned him a spot on the Empire 8 All-Conference Third Team. Off the field, Pagano was also named to the Fall 2024 Empire 8 President's List. To qualify for All-District consideration, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically, hold at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and participate in 90% of the team's games played.

Jessica Betts '25 of South Glens Falls, N.Y., and Mike Gitz '27 of Commack, N.Y., each received the M. Beal Banks Award during the Athletics Award Ceremony held on May 7. The award is presented to scholar-athletes who pursue excellence in their sport to the best of their ability and inspire others through their dedication and commitment.

Kristen Vaccarelli '25 of Dix Hills, N.Y., received the Anna M. Meyer Award Female Athlete of the Year during the Athletics Award Ceremony held on May 7. A member of the women's lacrosse team, Vaccarelli was honored as the top female athlete in the Hartwick Athletic Department, recognized for strong character and sportsmanship, and positive impact on the team, the College and the wider community.

Dante Gesamondo of Lynnfield, Mass., received the Roy Chipman Memorial Award Male Athlete of the Year during the Athletics Award Ceremony held on May 7. A member of the men's soccer team, Gesamondo was honored as the top male athlete in the Hartwick Athletic Department, recognized for his strong character and sportsmanship, and positive impact on his team, the College and the wider community.

Samantha Lantzy of Valatie, N.Y., received the Brunhilde I. Klinger Memorial Award for Outstanding Female Freshman Athlete during the Athletics Award Ceremony held on May 7. A member of the women's tennis team, Lantzy was recognized as the most outstanding first-year student-athlete on a women's team whose character and sportsmanship have had a positive contribution within the team, the College, and the wider community.

Hunter Bulich '28 of Catskill, N.Y., received the Tim O'Brien Memorial Award for Outstanding Male Freshman Athlete during the Athletics Award Ceremony held on May 7. A member of the men's soccer team, Bulich was recognized as the most outstanding first-year student-athlete on a men's team whose character and sportsmanship have had a positive contribution within the team, the College, and the wider community.

Staecia Silofau '25 of Kapolei, Hawaii, received the Margaret Lunn Memorial Award during the Athletics Award Ceremony held on May 7. A member of the women's volleyball team, Silofau was recognized as the senior scholar-athlete on a women's team who best exemplifies athletic ability, leadership and sportsmanship.

Shelby Swartz '26 of Candor, N.Y., received the Leroy "Sonny" House, Jr. Memorial Award during the Athletics Award Ceremony held on May 7. A member of the women's volleyball team, Swartz was honored for her strong connection to the Athletic Program, exceptional enthusiasm and dedication to Hartwick Athletics, and meaningful service to the broader Hartwick community beyond athletics.

Sebastian Knowles '25 of Plano, Texas, received the Harry Mosher Memorial Award during the Athletics Award Ceremony held on May 7. A member of the men's swimming and diving team, Knowles was honored as the senior scholar-athlete on a men's team who best exemplifies courage, desire, humility, and unselfish devotion to his team.

Brianna Blake of Mechanicville, N.Y., was recognized as Hartwick College's representative for the Empire 8 Softball Sportswoman of the Year Award on May 12. One member of each team was named that institution's representative on the 2025 Softball Sportswoman of the Year Team. The Empire 8 Conference emphasizes that "Competing with Honor and Integrity" is an essential component of a student-athlete's experience in conjunction with an institution's educational mission. These honorees have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportswomen.