Graci Serravillo was a freshman on the State University of New York at New Paltz women's basketball team, helping the Hawks to their fifth conference championship and fifth appearance in the NCAA Tournament this past season.

Serravillo talked about her experience in her first year as a Hawk, and why there is only one SUNY New Paltz. 

"The relationships and bonds I have formed in my one year at New Paltz is second to only my biological family. The life long friends, supportive coaches, mentors, teachers, and students I have met at this university have forever changed my life. My friends tell similar stories of their respective universities. However, the reason why there is only one SUNY New Paltz is that everyone at this university genuinely wants you to succeed. Academically, athletically, artistically, emotionally. The stranger who you wave towards on the way to class wishes you the best. They do not have to say anything for you to know this, rather it is a contagious feeling on campus. I have never been to a place where mutual respect and support is so naturally transmitted. My New Paltz family means so much to me in just one year because of the relationships I was able to build."

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