SUNY New Paltz Athletics

Named for former Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Coach of basketball, softball, tennis, and field hockey at New Paltz from 1962 until 1967, The Carol Eckman Society strives to serve as an extension of her far reaching ideals of courage, honesty, dedication to purpose, and above all else, commitment to student-athletes.

Eckman, as the Basketball Coach for West Chester State University, was instrumental in the organization of the first ever women's collegiate national basketball tournament in 1969. She never stopped doing all she could to provide female student-athletes under her tutelage with the same challenges, support, and opportunities commonly provided for males. Eckman was a tireless worker and never stopped her mission to garner recognition and support for women's athletics until her death from cancer in 1985.

Every year, former female student-athletes are inducted into the Society based upon their athletic experience while at New Paltz and, more importantly, their continued service to young women and girls in both athletic and professional development. Winners of the Carol Eckman Medal of Distinguished Service will serve as role models to current and future female student-athletes of New Paltz and come back to the University to speak about their athletic experience and its role in the development of their careers. Members of the Society are expected to help provide a transitional bridge for current female student-athletes as they plan to leave college and enter the professional fields.

Director of Athletics Stuart Robinson, who helped begin the Society, looks to the Carol Eckman Society as a natural extension of the department's focus on student-athlete development. "For so long athletic and social achievement of women was hidden from the prominent pages of New Paltz's history. This award begins to acknowledge the outstanding lives of those remarkable people who deserve our adulation."

It is hoped that Carol Eckman Medal of Distinguished Service winners will serve as mentors to many current and future female student-athletes at New Paltz and begin a new tradition of strong alumnae and athletic department cooperation and support.