New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York a New Paltz women's basketball team returns to action, kicking off its 2023-2024 campaign with multiple non-league competitions, including games against Union, Vassar and Mount Saint Mary's College. After graduating seven seniors from last season, the roster looks a bit different, but the goal is the same — to take home the SUNYAC championship. 

Last season SUNY New Paltz came up short to the Cortland Red Dragons in the SUNYAC championship game, falling by a slight five-point margin, 52-57. Earning an at-large bid, they punched their ticket into the NCAA tournament despite the championship loss. They opened in a 63-47 win against Gettysburg College in the first round, but were defeated by No.13 Babson College, 66-76.

This season, the team will face similar SUNYAC competition such as Cortland, Geneseo and Brockport, while gearing up for one of their most competitive non-league schedule with the likes of Vassar, Ithaca, Middlebury and national runner-ups Christopher Newport on the schedule. Despite losing a key senior class, the Hawks return eight veteran players and return another, who make up most of the team's current 10-woman lineup. 

"We have a really strong core back from the team last year, who won a good amount of games and a game in the NCAA tournament," said coach Jamie Seward, who is back for his 17th campaign with the Hawks. 
 

Veteran players include standout captain, senior guard/forward Brianna Fitzgerald, who was named SUNYAC Women's Basketball Player of the Year last season. Along with conference Player of the Year honors, Fitzgerald received an All-American WBCA Honorable, while being named to both the All-American-D3Hoops Third Team and Division III All-East First Team for Region III. For this season, she was named a preseason Second-Team All-American by D3Hoops. She led the team in all statistical categories, with 460 points scored, 209 rebounds, 83 assists, 66 steals and 18 blocks. "She has, believe it or not, significantly improved since last year," said Seward. "As good as she was last year, she's a lot better this year."
"I have really high hopes for this team as I am excited to see us finish what we started last year," said Fitzgerald. "We are looking for another SUNYAC championship title as well as looking to make waves in the NCAA tournament." 

Other returners include captains senior forward Abby Korzekwinski and senior guard Jenny Walton, both key players throughout the season. Korzwkwinski averaged 6.6 points per game and was second on the team for blocks (11) and rebounds (137). Walton was second to Fitzgerald in total points scored (283), going 103 for 299 (34.4%) and 40 for 144 (27.8%) from beyond the arc. "Those two can really play, [and] we have three tremendous players at the top-end," said Seward on Fitzgerald, Korzekwinski and Walton.  

They are joined by captain senior guard/forward Madison Mullman, who added 96 points and 34 rebounds to the Hawks score sheet last season. Other notable players include captains graduate student forward Gabby Palladino, senior guard Julia Sabatino and junior guard Morgan Hammell, along with senior guard/forward Erin Cooney, all of whom are capable of making an impact on the court this season. Most surprising, however, is the tremendous comeback of senior forward Semaiah Williams.
"She's just played with so much energy this year," said Seward of Williams' offseason showing after not seeing the floor in the 22-23 season. "She changes the ceiling of our team from being really good, to who knows how good [we] can be with her protecting the rim and rebounding the ball the way she's capable. 

The Hawks added freshman guard/forward Hannah Vanderzee to the lineup, and although she is the only newcomer this year, she is fitting right in. "I think that's a credit to her that she does get lost in the mix," said Seward. "Even though she's a kid playing in her third week in college basketball with all these kids who have played two, three, or four years of college basketball. And I think that really speaks positively to her. We expect her to be a big contributor this year."

Having a small roster has its perks, as the team is able to get more done in less time, but the normal routine for the Hawks needed to be changed around to accommodate the team's skill set and individual players' strengths.

"This year we have a lot of similar things, but we definitely have some new concepts, We definitely have different strengths than we've had in the past," said Seward. "Offensively, this is probably the most explosive offensive team that we've had since 2019." 

Looking farther into the season, the team intends to bring home the conference title and add yet another championship banner to the wall. "We are hoping to break program records and make it to the Sweet 16, and continue all the way to the national championship," Fitzgerald said. "I believe this team has the willingness and drive to do what it takes to make it all the way, and I can't wait to get started."

The Hawks will open the season home against Union College on Nov. 11. Tip-off is at 4 p.m. 

Season Preview Featuring Jenny Walton & Brianna Fitzgerald


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