Although 2019 saw plenty of highs for the State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer program, the Hawks weren't satisfied with the way their season ended, despite the history they made along the way.
 
SUNY New Paltz, which ultimately finished last season 11-6-1 overall, collected wins over nationally ranked and State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) rivals SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland last season, and hosted a playoff game for the first time. However, despite the home field advantage and the first round bye, SUNY New Paltz couldn't get past eventual SUNYAC Champions, The College at Brockport in the conference semifinals and saw its hopes for the program's first SUNYAC title in 54 years come to a quick end. 
 "This fall we were very fit, probably the majority of the team with the exception of some injuries, passed the fitness test. I think that shows a good hunger to improve and reach that next level," said Hawks coach Kyle Clancy. "We feel like we are at the level now that we are one of the top teams in the SUNYAC and we're striving for that appearance in the finals. It's been 50-plus years since we've made any type of finals appearance, so yeah, that is the goal and we know we are capable of it."
 
Heading into 2019, in Clancy's fourth season with the team, the bar is set even higher for SUNY New Paltz. Last season was a bounce-back year after missing the playoffs the previous season and as the year approaches, the Hawks are in position as one of the best teams in the SUNYAC, as recognized not only by themselves, but the entire conference as well.
 
According to the SUNYAC pre-season poll, voted on by conference coaches, the Hawks are believed to be the fourth-best team behind SUNY Cortland, SUNY Oneonta and the defending champion Golden Eagles.
 
"That has been a goal of ours and the mindset we're trying to establish… is that we don't need that underdog mentality to be able to have that desire to win games and to compete with teams," Clancy said. "They have to have that competitive mindset and winning mindset to be a top team, no matter who the opponent is. It is a difficult thing to transition to, because when you are that underdog it is a little bit easier of a mindset going into a game, but I want them hungry to be the top team. I think they are doing a better job with that and I think they look at themselves as a top team in the SUNYAC." Since its lone championship in 1965, SUNY New Paltz has clinched a spot in the SUNYAC Tournament just nine other times, but has earned a spot in two of three seasons under Clancy, but in both instances has not advanced to the next round. Coming off a successful 2018, the Hawks are ready to take the next step to finally earn a chance to play for a conference title in recent memory.
 
"Expectations this year are definitely a championship," said Hawks senior Luke Dole. "We want a SUNYAC Championship. We want an at-large big. That is always the main goal and we want the NCAA Tournament. On this team we are trying to set high goals, high standards, so yeah, we are full gunning for a championship this year."
 
Kevin Doorley was the catalyst offensively for the Hawks the past two seasons. He was a SUNYAC Player of the Year nominee in 2018 and eventual First-Team All-SUNYAC selection and an All-East Region First-Team player. He recorded 13 goals and eight assists for 34 total points, ranking 43rd in the nation last season, and third most in Hawks history.
 
Ryan Stevens is a returning offensive weapon as well. Before missing six games after a severe ankle injury midway through the season, Stevens was dominant in his first 12 games for SUNY New Paltz. He finished second on the team with five goals. Stevens, Doorley, junior midfielder Ryan Martinez and freshmen Brandon Davenport and Ryan Hilliard will all play large roles in the Hawks' offense.
 
"We have a lot of potential to live off from last year," said SUNY New Paltz junior midfielder Schuyler Mann. "… Coach has brought in a lot of new guys who have assimilated really well to our team and our culture. They've really brought a whole new level to our team and probably the best preseason we've actually come out with in the past few years. Everyone came in in-shape this year pretty much and we are definitely looking for a good start this year."
 
Along with the incumbents, the Hawks added several new players who will make an immediate impact. Junior transfer Thomas Jelstrum will look to fill a huge hole leftover from SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Year Sebastian G-S-Archer, who teamed up with senior Luke Dole to bolster the SUNY New Paltz's back line. He, along with sophomores Pedro Marshall and Spencer Ryczek, along with senior Gordon Walker will help solidify the Hawks' defense.
 
"We've got a few guys that have the capability to pick up where those guys left off," Clancy said. "Luke has really stepped up and is going to be our captain for the season. I think he has done a really nice job absorbing and learning as much as he can in the back… He has been really good in the preseason and giving a lot of direction and communicating with his guys and that is on and off the field."
 
The Hawks kick off their 2019 campaign in the Drew Fall Festival, playing Stockton University Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. in Madison, New Jersey and then will take on either the hosting Rangers or Centenary University the following day.
 
The Ospreys finished 2018 with an 8-9-3 record and finished 4-3-2 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The last time SUNY New Paltz faced Stockton was in 2007 with the Osprey's taking the 1-0 win.

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