The State University of New York at New Paltz Athletics Alumni Wall of Distinction recognizes alumni/ae who have made and continue to make significant contributions since their graduation from New Paltz. This small sample of alumni/ae represent the impressive array of talent, skill, and commitment of students who not only have attended the college, but have gone on to make a difference in their chosen fields. The Alumni Wall of Distinction highlights individuals who are worthy of our recognition as examples for others to emulate and the power of athletics in the pursuit of a New Paltz education and degree.
 

Ricky Abramson swam for SUNY New Paltz from 1998 to 2002, graduating in May of 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio and Television. From there he started his career in the music and entertainment industry, first taking a job with William Morris Endeavor before becoming the vice president of talent buying at The Light Group. After more than 20 years of experience in the industry, he became the CEO of Boots On Stage, a non-traditional country music marketing company, along with being the CEO of The Talent Booker, which specializes in talent procurement and event consulting for any type of event.

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Melyssa Cilmi played for the SUNY New Paltz softball team from 2007 to 2010. Cilmi earned several athletic accolades such as All-SUNYAC outfield selection in 2008, and All-SUNYAC infielder in 2009. Cilmi led the team in hits on numerous occasions, and maintained as high as a .352 batting average her rookie season. After graduating with an Organizational Communication Degree, Cilmi has since worked as a varsity softball coach for South Huntington School District, an assistant softball coach as St. Joseph’s College, and a Certified Personal Trainer at Lifestyle Fitness Personal Training & Nutrition.

Chris Ganje played for the SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team from 2002 to 2005 and during that span earned SUNY New Paltz’s first All-American Award for volleyball. Ganje earned a Bachelor’s Degree in history and has since pursued a career in modern technology. In 2015 Ganje became the co-founder of AMPLYFI, a company that continues to thrive throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. 

Carrie Hack was a vital player for the SUNY New Paltz women’s volleyball team from 2010 to 2013. Off the bat, Hack earned titles such as SUNYAC East Division Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-SUNYAC East Division, and SUNYAC All-Academic Team in her rookie season alone. Other recognitions included AVCA All-Region, SUNYAC Commissioner’s List and SUNYAC All-Academic Team member. Hack graduated in 2014, and now works as an Industrial Designer at Kohler Company.

Goldie Harrison starred on the SUNY New Paltz women’s basketball team from 2012-2016, helping the team to two State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) titles in 2015 and 2016. During her four-year tenure, Harrison was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, SUNYAC Tournament MVP and a two-time team MVP. She saw just as much success off the court as she did on, as Harrison, after graduating from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media Production and Digital Media Management, went on to create the SSOYD Scholarship for students at her alma mater, Elmont Memorial High School. She also helped produce two of the largest Hip-Hop Festivals in the nation, became an event producer for Facebook, producing more than 300 events per month and worked on the Marketing and Promotions team for Jay-Z’s entertainment label Roc Nation. Currently, Harrison is the CEO and Found of 24:Ours Studios.

Zack Homerda played for the SUNY New Paltz baseball team for two seasons from 2009 to 2010. Aside from athletics, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics in 2012. Homerda has been working as a Naval Aviator for the United States Navy since late 2017, and has been involved with the Navy for almost four years.

Antonija Pjetri played for the SUNY New Paltz field hockey team from 2010 to 2013. She was a SUNYAC All-Academic team member in 2011 and 2013. In 2012, Pjetri earned countless honors, such as NFHCA NCAA Division III All-America Second Team, Synapse Sports NCAA Division III All-America Third Team, NFHCA Division III All-North Atlantic Region First Team, SUNYAC Field Hockey Player of the Year, First-Team All-SUNYAC, SUNYAC Tournament MVP, and team MVP. Pjetri graduated with a degree in Psychology in 2013 and now works as a Social Worker at LMSW. 

Helene Rotolo joined the SUNY New Paltz women’s lacrosse team as a junior, actively playing in the 2009 and 2010 seasons. In 2009, Rotolo started 12 games and earned Most Valuable Player as a defender. The following year, she graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. Post-graduation Rotolo went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and as of the last two years has been working passionately for the city of Los Angeles. She works with more than 15 city departments, strategizing inventive ways to improve conditions of the homeless.  

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Yuka Suzuka was essential to the SUNY New Paltz women’s swimming team from 2009 through 2013. Suzuka was a three-time NCAA All-American, including a First-Team All-American in 2012. In addition to holding both school and SUNYAC records, Suzuka earned titles such as women’s swimming Rookie of the Year in 2010, Most Valuable Player in 2012 and 2013, and Most Dedicated Swimmer in 2012. After graduating in 2014 with a degree in Graphic Design, Suzuka went on to coach swimming, and eventually work in childcare in Saugerties. 

Laura Tierney was a key member to the SUNY New Paltz women’s tennis team from 2012 to 2016. Tierney was named to the All-SUNYAC first and second team for singles, as well as a SUNYAC All-Academic Team Member during the 2012-2013 season. Tierney graduated New Paltz with a degree in Public Relations, and now works as a Congress Coordinator for Ashfield Meetings & Events.