Shannon Bernhardt has starred on the State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey team since coming in as a freshman in 2018. Bernhardt was immediately inserted into the lineup and helped the Hawks to a conference championship in 2018. Through her three seasons, she has totaled seven goals and 11 assists and claimed a spot on the All-SUNYAC Second-Team this past year, while earning her name on the SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic List each of her past two seasons. 

Bernhardt talked about her experience as a Hawk thus far and why there is only one SUNY New Paltz. 

"Why is there only one SUNY New Paltz? I was asked to answer this question in under 150 words. I could write many pages as to why this school is special. The limit I'm facing while writing this made me realize that New Paltz has molded me into an individual who doesn't accept limits. Because of New Paltz I'm limitless, in the classroom and on the field. For every 'No' I've heard or I've told myself, New Paltz has refuted with 'Yes.' I don't fear the days my college stories will fondly begin with 'remember when…' New Paltz will prepare me for them and give me the resources to become successful. I'll find this success alongside extraordinary people I've been lucky enough to meet here. SUNY New Paltz has sculpted me into an individual I'm proud of, who will achieve the unachievable and continuously challenge limits."

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