Hartwick College

Robby Lucas '29 of Clarks Summit, Pa., earned the Empire 8 Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week honor on Jan. 26, 2026. The Hartwick College first-year guard averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in two narrow losses against St. John Fisher and Nazareth. Lucas posted a career high 26 points against the Cardinals and followed that up with 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists against the conference leading Golden Flyers.

The Hartwick College women's volleyball team placed three Hawks on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. To be eligible for CSC Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and appear in at least 90% of their team's sets or start in 66% of them. A league-record 36 Empire 8 student-athletes from 11 institutions were selected. Shelby Swartz of Candor, N.Y., capped off a stellar senior season, earning Empire 8 First Team All-Conference honors for the first time, two Empire 8 Player of the Week accolades and a spot on the Empire 8 All-Tournament Team. Swartz led the Hawks with 379 kills, reached the 1,000 career-point milestone Nov. 8 and posted a career-high 21 kills while propelling Hartwick to its first-ever ECAC Championship title, earning tournament MVP honors. Lucille Walker '28 of Ithaca, N.Y., delivered a strong sophomore campaign, securing Empire 8 Second Team All-Conference honors for the first time. A consistent force in the middle, Walker ranked second on the team with 304 kills and added 71 blocks to tie for second on the squad. Isabella Gracias '27 of Oneonta, N.Y., put together another strong season from the right side, earning Empire 8 Third Team All-Conference honors. A constant offensive and defensive presence, Gracias posted a career-high 302 kills and led the team with 82 blocks.

The Hartwick College Field Hockey program placed three Hawks on the 2025 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III Region III team. Juniors Katelyn Klotz of South Glens Falls, N.Y., and Hope Angioletti of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., earned first-team honors, while Ava Reynolds of South Glens Falls, N.Y., was selected to the second team. A total of 192 Division III student-athletes were named to the 2025 NFHCA Division III all-region teams. Division III is separated into six regions, with each recognizing up to 16 student-athletes on both the first and second teams. All three Hartwick selections also earned All-Empire 8 first-team honors this fall. Klotz was named Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Year, and Reynolds received Empire 8 Goalkeeper of the Year honors.

The Empire 8 announced its 2025 Women's Cross Country Tomorrow's Leaders Team on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Amelia Steitz '29 of Fairport, N.Y., was named Hartwick's representative for the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team. This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they "compete with honor and integrity" and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportsmen. One member of each Empire 8 team was named that institution's representative on the 2025 Women's Cross Country Tomorrow's Leaders Team.

The Empire 8 announced its 2025 Men's Cross Country Tomorrow's Leaders Team on Monday, Dec. 1. Larry McCumiskey '28 of Delhi, N.Y., was named Hartwick's representative for the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team. This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they "compete with honor and integrity" and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportsmen. One member of each Empire 8 team was named that institution's representative on the 2025 Men's Cross Country Tomorrow's Leaders Team.

Devin Chandler of Wylie, Tex., and Alex Norgeot of Cohasset, Mass., were selected to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District list, signifying their impact both on and off the field. In order to be eligible for this esteemed honor, student-athletes must post at least a 3.5 GPA and appear in 90% or start in 66% of the team's total matches played in a season. Chandler started in all 17 games for Hartwick College, compiling three goals and ten assists in his debut season. The standout midfielder consistently dazzled throughout the breakout campaign, leading the Empire 8 conference with ten assists. Chandler also etched his name in program history, ranking tenth with 10 assists in a single season. Norgeot started 16 games for the Blue and White, tying for second on the team with two assists from his defender position. The Hawks constantly relied on the senior presence of Norgeot on the backline, helping command his squad to their fourth straight Empire 8 postseason appearance.

The Hartwick women's soccer program placed five Hawks on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, recognizing their excellence in the classroom and their impact throughout a standout 2025 campaign. To qualify for CSC Academic All-District, student-athletes must hold at least a 3.5 GPA and appear in 90% of their team's matches or start at least 66% of them. Millie Caldon '28 of Gilmanton, N.H., turned in a strong sophomore season, earning a first All-Conference honor with a Second Team selection. Caldon started all 19 matches, tying for the team lead with four goals and adding two assists. Reilly Groff '27 of Monroe, N.Y., made a mark across 18 appearances, providing consistent energy off the bench. Groff scored twice on the season, including the game-winner against SUNY Poly at Elmore Field. Sara Moore '28 of East Granby, Conn., became an immediate factor and helped drive Hartwick's attack. Moore totaled two goals and one assist while proving to be a steady two-way presence. Mikayla Piersa '28 of Huntington, N.Y., anchored the defense in goal, emerging as one of the conference's top keepers. Piersa appeared in 18 matches, leading the Empire 8 with 10 clean sheets while posting an 86% save percentage and 72 total saves. Nelle Slavitsky '27 of Conklin, N.Y., capped the list with a strong junior campaign, commanding the midfield in all 19 starts. Slavitsky's defensive presence and ability to flip momentum were constants, netting the game-winner against Utica in a key conference matchup. These five honorees were instrumental in one of Hartwick's most successful seasons in recent years, helping secure the program's first Mayor's Cup title since 2018, along with a regional ranking and its first Empire 8 postseason victory since 2019.

The Hartwick football program placed three Hawks on the Empire 8 All-Conference list, the conference announced Nov. 20. Kyle Trinkle of Monroe, N.Y., headlined Hartwick's honorees, earning a spot on the Empire 8 Second Team-his first career all-conference selection. Trinkle was a steady offensive catalyst throughout the season, recording 36 receptions for 444 yards and two touchdowns, all single-season career highs. Brennan McNeilly of Lindenhurst, N.Y., and Austin Cummings of Pavilion, N.Y., completed the trio of honorees with Third Team selections. McNeilly anchored the defensive front with 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, and also made a notable impact on special teams, blocking two extra points on Sept. 13 to earn Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Cummings proved to be a cornerstone of the offensive line, helping guide Hartwick to its most productive offensive season in more than a decade. His consistency and physical presence were instrumental in the Hawks' success both on the ground and through the air. In addition to the All-Conference selections, the Empire 8 announced senior Ben Kirkland of Buffalo, N.Y., as Hartwick's representative for the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team, an honor given to those who have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits of outstanding sportsmen.

Cameron Drake '27 of El Cajon, Calif., earned the Empire 8 Men's Swimming and Diving Swimmer of the Week honor on Nov. 17, 2025. Drake made waves in the freestyle events at Empire 8 foe SUNY Brockport, securing several big wins on the board for the Hartwick Hawks with three first place finishes. Drake won the 1,000-yard freestyle by just under nine seconds in 10:27.87, took the 200-free by just five one-hundredths of a second in 1:49.76 and finished his day with a win in the 500-yard freestyle, hitting the wall in 4:57.62.

The Hartwick field hockey program landed a total of seven Hawks on the Empire 8 All-Conference Teams, the conference announced Nov. 10. Junior Katelyn Klotz of South Glens Falls, N.Y., secured her first All-Conference First Team honor after having been previously named to the Third Team in the 2024 season. This year, Klotz was dominant on both ends of the field, leading the Hawks with a whopping 16 goals as a defender, two of them being game-winners. In addition to All-Conference honors, Klotz was recognized as the Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Year. Joining Klotz on the First Team is junior Hope Angioletti of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., receiving her second consecutive All-Conference First Team honor for her performance in the midfield. Angioletti led the team with 11 assists this season and snagged 8 goals, two of which were game-winners. Mackenzie Hubbard of High Falls, N.Y., secured First Team honors for the Hawks, earning three assists as a defender. This is the junior's first All-Conference recognition. Ava Reynolds of South Glens Falls, N.Y., not only earned First Team honors, but was also named as the Empire 8 Goalkeeper of the Year. Reynolds started in goal for all 17 games, surpassing 100 saves in a single season ending with 114 total saves and an .838 save percentage. On the All-Conference Second Team is Natalie O'Malley of Pleasantville, N.Y., who closed out a solid junior season with 3 goals and 2 assists. This is O'Malley's first All-Conference recognition. Rounding out the All-Conference selections are Third Team honorees Kayla Kinkel of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., and Makayla Bales of Sidney, N.Y. Kinkel closed out the sophomore season with her first All-Conference recognition and ranked second on the team with 9 goals and 8 assists. Bales also secured her first ever All-Conference honor after a tremendous sophomore season. Bales collected 5 goals, including a game-winner at Keuka College on Oct. 29. In addition to the All-Conference selections, the Empire 8 announced senior Zoe Wagner of Lockport, N.Y., as Hartwick's representative for the Field Hockey Sportswoman of the Year team, an honor awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship.

The Empire 8 announced the All-Conference selections for men's soccer Nov. 11, with the Hartwick Hawks landing three players on the squads. Senior Will Napierala of Endwell, N.Y., and rookie Devin Chandler of Wylie, Texas both earned Second Team All-Conference honors and first-year Mathieu Six of Antwerp, Belgium was named to the Empire 8 Third Team All-Conference. Napierala, Hartwick's captain, was a threat in the midfield to stop key scoring opportunities from the opposition, while still managing to post one of three shots on goal. This is Napierala's first All-Conference selection. Chandler played a crucial role on penalty corners and led the Hawks with 10 total assists in his debut season. This feat landed him in the Hartwick record books as 10th All-Time in assists in a single season. Chandler also scored three goals, including a game-winner in a victory at Houghton University on Oct. 11. Another key starter for the Hawks, Six led the team with five goals as a defender this year, including 3 game-winners. Six also posted a tremendous .714 shot on goal percentage and went 1-1 on penalty kick opportunities. In addition to All-Conference selections, the Empire 8 announced first-year Mariano Kool of Amsterdam, Netherlands as Hartwick's representative for the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team, an honor given to those who have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits of outstanding sportsmen.

The Hartwick women's soccer program has landed three Hawks on the Empire 8 All-Conference list, the conference announced Nov. 11. First-year Ella Grupe of Freehold, N.Y., sophomore Millie Caldon of Gilmanton, N.H., and junior Trinity Irizarry of Greenwood Lake, N.Y., earned All-Conference Second Team honors. As a rookie, Grupe notched 4 goals and 4 assists, including a game-winning goal at Keuka on Oct. 4. In addition to the All-Conference selection, Grupe was recognized as the Empire 8 Rookie of the Year for the standout debut season with the Hawks. While Caldon put up 4 goals this season, including the lone tally in a victory over RPI on Sept. 7, as well as 2 assists. Irizarry was another incredible asset to the team this year, starting every game for the Hawks as a defender and shutting down multiple crucial scoring opportunities for opposing teams. In addition to the All-Conference selections, the Empire 8 named senior Nicasia Santos of Flemington, N.J., as Hartwick's representative for the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team, an honor given to those who have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits of an outstanding sportswoman.

A total of four Hawks from the Hartwick women's volleyball team have been selected for Empire 8 All-Conference honors for their standout performances this season, the conference announced Nov. 13. Senior Braelyn Hornick of Candor, N.Y., received a third consecutive First Team All-Conference selection for contributions as a setter. This season, Hornick has been an integral part of the Hawks' attacking formation, leading the Hawks with 745 assists to bring her career total to 2,797 and climbing. Hornick also tallied 49 kills and 30 aces this season. On defense, Hornick collected 177 digs and 20 total blocks. Beside Hornick on the All-Conference First Team is fellow senior Shelby Swartz of Candor, N.Y. This is Swartz's first time earning All-Conference First Team honors, having been previously named to the Second Team last year and the Third Team in her sophomore season. Swartz led the team in kills this year, totaling 348 while also managing 31 assists and 52 blocks. She also ranked second on the team with a total of 283 defensive digs. Sophomore standout Lucille Walker of Ithaca, N.Y., earned Second Team honors. Walker exploded for 272 kills and snagged 14 assists. Walker was also unshakeable at the net, ranking second on the team with 69 total blocks. This is Walker's first ever All-Conference recognition. Rounding out the Hawks' All-Conference selections is junior middle hitter Isabella Gracias of Oneonta, N.Y., who earned Third Team recognition for the first time. Gracias held down the defense with 75 crucial blocks and 30 digs and on the offense, ranked second on the team in kills with a total of 282. In addition to the All-Conference selections, the Empire 8 has also named senior Mary Kinnane of Rockaway Beach, N.Y., as Hartwick's representative for the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team, an honor given to those who have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits of an outstanding sportswoman.

Robby Lucas '29 of Clarks Summit, Pa., earned the Empire 8 Men's Basketball Co-Rookie of the Week honor on Nov. 10, 2025. The Hartwick College Guard made the most out of his collegiate debut, pouring in 21 points on 58 percent shooting from the floor (7-of-12) in the 82-78 win at SUNY Cobleskill. Lucas drilled five 3-pointers, shooting 56 percent from beyond the arc, while adding in six rebounds and three assists.

Shelby Swartz '26 of Candor, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Volleyball Player of the Week honor on Nov. 10, 2025. Swartz imposed her will from the outside in Hartwick's Empire 8 Quarterfinal three-set victory over Utica, slamming 18 kills, while hitting .324 in three sets on her way to amassing her 1,000th career point. Swartz added eight digs and three blocks, as she averaged 6.0 kills and 6.83 points per set in the win. It is Swartz's second E8 weekly honor of the season.

Braelyn Hornick '25 of Candor, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Volleyball Player of the Week honor on Nov. 3, 2025. Hornick led Hartwick to the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Empire 8 Championship Tournament with road wins over SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Brockport. She dished out 79 assists and added 19 digs to go along with five kills. Hornick recorded 41 assists and 10 digs in a four-set win over Geneseo on Friday, then added 38 assists, nine digs and three kills in a four-set victory over Brockport on Saturday. It is her second Empire 8 weekly honor of 2025.

The Hartwick Women's Tennis team was well represented on the Empire 8 All-Conference honors list, as six Hawks earned recognition for their outstanding performances this season, the conference announced Oct. 28. Leading the way for Hartwick on the Empire 8 First Team Singles were Phoebe Olson of Jamestown, N.D. and Samantha Lantzy of Valatie, N.Y. Olson, the reigning Empire 8 Tournament MVP, secured her fourth consecutive All-Conference selection and third First Team honor in her decorated career. Lantzy made an immediate impact in her debut season at the top-flight position, earning her second First Team nod after posting a 6-1 conference record and finishing 8-3 overall. Lily Vanuga of Springville, N.Y., Maggie Van Valkenburgh of Highland, N.Y., and Gianna Leggieri of Ballston Lake, N.Y., all earned Second Team Singles recognition. Vanuga was dominant at the No. 3 position, going 6-1 in conference play and 7-4 overall. Van Valkenburgh continued her remarkable consistency, completing a perfect conference slate for the fourth straight year while compiling an 11-2 overall mark, with her only setbacks coming against regional powers Ithaca and RIT. Leggieri enjoyed a breakout season, going 10-2 overall and undefeated in conference play en route to her first career All-Conference singles honor. Maddi Morrison of Burnt Hills, N.Y., rounded out Hartwick's impressive lineup, earning Third Team Singles recognition - her first career All-Conference selection. Morrison was a steady presence at the No. 6 spot, finishing the season unbeaten in conference and 11-1 overall. All six Hawks also received All-Conference Doubles honors, further highlighting the team's dominance under Head Coach Samantha Butcher. Olson and Leggieri earned First Team Doubles honors after posting a 9-3 overall record and a 7-1 mark in Empire 8 play. Lantzy and Vanuga joined them on the First Team, proving nearly unbeatable at No. 2 doubles with an 11-2 overall record and a perfect 8-0 conference slate. Van Valkenburgh and Morrison completed the sweep with Second Team Doubles recognition, also going 11-1 overall and 8-0 in Empire 8 competition. The Empire 8 also honored Van Valkenburgh as Hartwick's representative on the Tomorrow's Leaders Team, recognizing her commitment to leadership, sportsmanship, and integrity on and off the court. Lantzy, a junior Biology major, received the Empire 8 Torchbearer Award, presented to the championship team member with the highest GPA. Lantzy earned the distinction with an impressive 3.8 GPA. Additionally, Butcher was named 205 Empire 8 Coach of the Year after leading Hartwick to its second straight Empire 8 Championship and third in the last four seasons. It is Butcher's third E8 Women's Tennis Coach of the Year award.

Mackenzie Hubbard '27 of High Falls, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Field Hockey Defensive Player of the Week honor on Oct. 27, 2025. Hubbard was a vital piece of the Hartwick back line that only conceded one goal in 120 minutes of play. Hubbard pushed the attack as well from her defender position, collecting two assists in the win over Alfred.

Samantha Lantzy '27 of Valatie, N.Y., and Lily Vanuga '25 of Springville, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Doubles Team of the Week honor on Oct. 20, 2025. Lantzy and Vanuga controlled both of their second doubles matches to help Hartwick capture its second straight Empire 8 Championship. The pair earned a decisive 6-1 win over Alfred in the semifinal, then blanked SUNY Geneseo 6-0 as Hartwick secured a 4-1 team victory in the title match. It was their second Empire 8 Doubles Team of the Week honor.

Phoebe Olson '26 of Jamestown, North Dakota, earned the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Player of the Week honor on Oct. 20, 2025. Olson was named the 2025 Empire 8 Women's Tennis Championship Most Valuable Player, going 2-0 at first doubles, while securing the decisive point at second singles in the title match against SUNY Geneseo. Olson earned a win at first doubles against Alfred, as Hartwick won the match, 4-0. Then against Geneseo, Olson won 6-2 in doubles action and secured the win for the Hawks at second singles, earning a 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 victory to score Hartwick's fourth point.

Braelyn Hornick '25 of Candor, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Volleyball Player of the Week honor on Oct. 20, 2025. Hornick continues to conduct the potent Hawks attack with high efficiency, guiding the Hawks to a flawless 3-0 week, including two conference wins over Alfred and Houghton. Hornick compiled 125 assists, averaging 10.5 helpers per set, while adding in four aces, seven kills and 24 digs. Hornick averaged 11.75 assists per set in the two conference matches, including a season high 54 assists against Alfred and 40 assists in just three sets en route to handing Houghton their first conference loss.

Ava Reynolds '28 of South Glens Falls, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Field Hockey Defensive Player of the Week honor on Oct. 20, 2025. Reynolds excelled in the cage for the Hawks, stopping seven shots and allowing just two goals in two wins. Reynolds made five saves in a 2-1 overtime victory over SUNY Cortland and made a pair of stops in a 5-1 victory over St. John Fisher. It is Reynolds' second E8 weekly honor of 2025.

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.