New Paltz Hawks Poised to Defend SUNYAC Title in Thrilling 2024-25 Season

The SUNY New Paltz Hawks, fresh off their 2024 SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) playoff title, are gearing up to defend their crown in the upcoming 2024-25 season. With a formidable roster and a challenging schedule, the Hawks are poised to make another deep run in the NCAA Division III tournament.

Elevating the Game: New Paltz Hawks Aim to Soar to New Heights

Defending the SUNYAC Throne

The New Paltz Hawks are no strangers to success, having won the SUNYAC playoff title in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024. Under the guidance of head coach Jamie Seward, who is entering his 18th season, the Hawks have established themselves as a dominant force in the conference. Last season, the team finished with an impressive 25-4 record and a 17-1 mark in SUNYAC play, securing the regular-season title. Their postseason run culminated in a 52-47 victory over Geneseo in the SUNYAC title game, earning them a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament.In the NCAA tournament, the Hawks faced a tough challenge, defeating Penn State Harrisburg in the opening round before falling to Baldwin Wallace in the second round. Despite the early exit, the team's performance has only fueled their desire to reclaim the national spotlight and defend their SUNYAC crown.

Navigating a Challenging Non-Conference Schedule

The Hawks' quest for a repeat SUNYAC title will be bolstered by a rigorous non-conference schedule that features several high-profile matchups. The season kicks off on November 9th with a road game against Saint Joseph's Patchogue, followed by a trip to Liberty League champion Vassar on November 14th. The team will also travel to Newburgh to face Skyline Conference runner-up Mount Saint Mary on December 1st.The highlight of the non-conference slate is a trip to the D3Hoops Classic in Las Vegas over the Christmas holidays. There, the Hawks will face off against California Lutheran, the reigning Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion, on December 28th, and Colorado College, the third-place finisher in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, on December 30th.These non-conference games will not only test the Hawks' mettle but also provide valuable experience as they prepare to defend their SUNYAC title.

Navigating a Revamped SUNYAC Landscape

The SUNYAC landscape has undergone some changes, with Geneseo and Brockport departing the conference and being replaced by Canton and Morrisville. Despite these shifts, the Hawks' conference schedule remains constant, with 18 SUNYAC contests on the docket.The Hawks will face familiar foes, including Fredonia and Buffalo State, who will visit the Athletics and Recreation Center on December 6th and 7th, respectively. Other key SUNYAC matchups include games against Oswego, Oneonta, Cortland, and Plattsburgh.As the defending champions, the Hawks will undoubtedly have a target on their backs, but their experience and talent should make them well-equipped to navigate the revamped SUNYAC landscape and emerge victorious once again.

Continuity and Experience: The Hallmarks of the New Paltz Hawks

The New Paltz Hawks' success can be attributed to the continuity and experience within the program. Head coach Jamie Seward, who has led the team for the past 18 seasons, has built a winning culture and instilled a sense of discipline and determination in his players.Under Seward's guidance, the Hawks have amassed an impressive 330-140 record, including eight 20-win seasons in the last five years. This sustained excellence has made the Hawks a perennial contender in the SUNYAC and a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.The team's core of experienced players, many of whom have been part of the program's recent championship runs, will be crucial in their quest to defend the SUNYAC title. Their familiarity with the system, their chemistry, and their ability to perform under pressure will be invaluable assets as the Hawks navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.With a proven coaching staff, a talented roster, and a winning pedigree, the New Paltz Hawks are poised to continue their dominance in the SUNYAC and make another deep run in the NCAA Division III tournament.