Brendan McGaley starred on the State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team for four seasons and became a staple in the Hawks' starting 11, as he was a huge part of the team's stingy back-four in his last three seasons.

During his four-year career with SUNY New Paltz, McGaley started 53 games —never missing a single start in his final three seasons — and logged more than 20,787 minutes of action in the orange and blue. He helped the team to a playoff berth in 2016 and 2018 and was pivotal in the Hawks capturing their first home playoff game in program history in 2018.

McGaley, who graduated from SUNY New Paltz is 2019 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, talked about his experience as a Hawk and why there is only one SUNY New Paltz. 

"The SUNY system contains many well regarded institutes with incredible faculty, academic programs, and athletics; all of which provide students with a well-rounded college experience. Of these schools, SUNY New Paltz is somewhat of a hidden gem. Not only are the mentioned attributes present at New Paltz, but students are given the opportunity to learn and grow as young adults at a unique and forward thinking establishment. New Paltz continuously challenges and inspires students no matter the area of study and activity, all while striving to ensure a diverse, open and accepting environment for everyone. New Paltz provided me with the chance to complete higher level education and participate in collegiate athletics, while engaging myself and my peers in a well-rounded and thriving community. I feel as though we have a second home at New Paltz for life..... that is why there is only one."

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