Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat - University of New Hampshire Athletics

5/16/2020 10:00:00 AM | Field Hockey, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Men's Ice Hockey, Men's Skiing, Men's Soccer, Men's Track & Field, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country, Women's Gymnastics, Women's Ice Hockey, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Skiing, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball, Academics, Men's Cross Country

By: UNH Wildcats

By Madelyn McAteer
Special to UNHWildcats.com

In what seems to be a blink of an eye, the graduating seniors of the University of New Hampshire have completed their final semesters and will continue onto their next chapters. For many, it seems like just yesterday that they stepped foot onto the beautiful campus in Durham to begin their freshman years.

As the senior student-athletes come to the end of their collegiate careers, they take the time to reflect on their experiences as Wildcats. From early-morning lifts, to intense practices, to championship wins, these student-athletes have made memories that will last a lifetime.

BEING A PART OF THE WILDCAT FAMILY

Bailey Fanikos with fellow seniors Drucilla Sargent, Nicky Bajus and Kayla Sliz

Over their careers as Wildcats, the senior student-athletes found that coming to UNH is more than just getting a college degree and playing on a Division I team, it's also the opportunity to become part of a family that will last beyond their time in Durham.

Field hockey student-athlete Bailey Fanikos (Lynnfield, Mass.) feels very fortunate to have the comfort and support of the Wildcat family.

"Being a Wildcat means being a part of something bigger than yourself. You're immediately inducted into a family that strives for success through hard work, dedication and teamwork. You are never alone and have an entire community behind you pushing you to be your best self."

Alpine skier Andrew Hancock (Aspen, Colo.) has a sense of pride for his Wildcat family and cherishes being part of a team.

"Being a Wildcat is something to be proud of. It's representing the school, the staff and the student body. It's being part of a team that's much bigger than the individual. As a skier, my whole pre-college career was individual, so being a Wildcat is being a part of a team."

MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

The student-athletes of the Class of 2020 have reached some incredible achievements that resulted in unforgettable moments that will stick with them for life.

Women's hockey player Tori Howran (Bancroft, Ontario) recalls a historical moment for her team this past season.

"One of the most unforgettable moments during my career at UNH would be when our team made the Hockey East semifinals this past season. It was a special moment in UNH women's hockey history, as it was the first time our program has made it that far in 10 years. I am grateful and thrilled I was able to be a part of it."

The women's hockey team celebrating during the Hockey East Quarterfinals

For basketball player Luke Rosinski (Derry, N.H.), taking down UMBC in the America East Tournament in 2017 comes out on top.

"The most unforgettable memory I have is when we played our first round conference playoff game at home during my freshman year. The energy of a packed Lundholm Gymnasium was electric and we beat UMBC to advance to the next round. I'll never forget how cool of an experience that was to play in front of such a great crowd."

CLASS OF CHAMPIONS

Men's Soccer after winning the 2019 America East Championship

Several senior student-athletes got to experience the remarkable feeling of winning a conference championship while at UNH.

Two-time America East champion, men's soccer player Antonio Colacci (Bradenton, Fla.), worked with his team to achieve historical milestones for the program.

"It was an incredible feeling winning those championships because it's something that our program has never done before. It's been our goal ever since I came here to win a championship and to accomplish that two years in a row made my experience at UNH so much better."

Along with eight individual and six relay America East championships, swimmer Corinne Carbone (Medway, Mass.) was also able to accomplish two America East team championships both her sophomore and senior seasons.

"Being able to win a second team title as a senior was such a great way to end my swimming career and left me with an even better memory of my time at UNH. I'm so grateful to have such amazing teammates and coaches to share these experiences with and I will always remember the great times."

Swimming and Diving seniors Anna Burns, Allison Stefanelli and Corinne Carbone with the 2020 Trophy

Gymnast Ava Watkins (Cherry Hill, N.J.) helped her team to an EAGL championship her junior year, which was a result of hard work and support from her teammates, coaches and the fans.

"Winning the EAGL Championship was my favorite memory I have had here at UNH. Both my freshman and sophomore years we were runner ups, so my junior year we refused to accept anything less than first place. Being the last person to compete for my team on the last event was empowering. All of my nerves disappeared when I felt all of the support from my team and the crowd cheering around me. Gaining that monumental win in our home arena only made it that much more special."

The Gymnastics team celebrating winning the 2019 EAGL Championship

LEADING THE WAY

The leadership of team captains is essential to the success of sport teams, especially at the Division I level, and the seniors that got to experience that honor deeply value it and have learned lasting skills.

As a senior team captain, nordic skier Will Bodewes (Durango, Colo.) was motivated to perform well not just for himself, but for his entire team.

"Being a team captain has reminded me that being successful as a team is so much more rewarding than being successful individually. To get to take a role in the leadership and watch our team improve so much over the last year has been an incredible experience and I'm so excited to watch the next few years as our team continues to grow and get faster."

Track and field athlete Maddie Brandon (Killingworth, Conn.) has taken extra steps to be a leader outside of her sport. Serving on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee executive board over the past few years, and especially as co-president her senior year, has given her the opportunity to grow her leadership abilities to benefit both her and the well-being of all the student-athletes around her.

"There's those times in your life where you feel like you truly belong, and for me that has been SAAC. Being a leader of SAAC helped me find my voice and use it to help those I'm leading find theirs as well. Our SAAC members always go above and beyond to help our Wildcat community, and I'm so thankful I got to be a part of that."

GIVING BACK

Anthony Wyse and the men's hockey team at a youth hockey clinic

In addition to putting in copious amount of time and effort into their sports, UNH student-athletes also prioritize giving back to the community that supports them. In doing so, they made impactful relationships with community members and showed how grateful they are.

Men's hockey player Anthony Wyse (Newton, Mass.) greatly appreciates the support, and in return hopes that his contributions bettered the community.

"The community does so much for our athletic teams, so giving back in any way we can is essential. We wouldn't be what we are as student-athletes without the support of the community. Helping out the community is our way of saying thank you. It's important to me because I want to show them gratitude for everything they do for us."

Kaylan Williams (Marion, Ind.) of the women's soccer team volunteered her time at Waysmeet in Durham, a campus ministry and food pantry, carrying groceries across the street for people. In just those few minutes she spent with each individual, she learned that every interaction has impact.

"That little 2 to 3-minute interaction while walking with them across the street changed my entire perspective. I developed so many small but intimate relationships with people I would have never met in my usual routine. Whenever I see them out in public, we say hi and I'll ask them about their families. Through the opening arms of Waysmeet, I have met a wide range of people within the community I have lived in for the past four years, which has allowed me to experience Durham in a new light and developed it into a second home."

LESSONS LEARNED

Being student-athletes at UNH has taught these seniors invaluable lessons and skills beyond the classroom that they will be able to take far into their futures.

Teamwork is no doubt one of those skills, which lacrosse player Rylee Leonard (Coventry, R.I.) says has helped her grow as both an athlete and a person.

"The biggest lesson I have learned from being a student-athlete is the power of teamwork. Working toward a common goal with like-minded people puts you in an environment to grow like no other. Playing lacrosse has aided me in gaining skills in communication, time management and leadership that I will carry with me to all of my future endeavors. UNH taught me that my growth as an athlete translates into my growth as a person."

Alpine skier Emma Woodhouse (Collingwood, Ontario) learned how to deal with the high intensity and pressure of being a student-athlete, which will benefit her no matter what her future holds.

"A lesson I've learned that has completely changed my outlook on my skiing and academic careers has been to meditate when I'm feeling stressed or anxious. When I'm in high pressure situations I need to take long, deep breaths so that I can relax and focus on what I need to do. This has absolutely turned my career around and I have grown so much from it."

LOOKING BACK

After undergoing their collegiate careers, some seniors looked back to who they were as freshmen and thought about what they would have said to that version of themselves.
Nordic skier Kristine Keller-Miller (Plymouth, Minn.) would tell herself to be persistent and to appreciate each opportunity that comes her way.

"I would say that no matter how many setbacks you have in skiing, you will persevere through them, come out stronger on the other side and your team will always be there for you. Your success and happiness here will come not from any one opportunity or result but from a combination of all the experiences UNH has to offer and the memories and friendships you will make along the way."

Fanikos would tell herself to take advantage of her time at UNH, because it goes by quicker than expected.

"I would tell myself to truly live my best life. Make mistakes, ask questions, and know when to ask for help. You are going to face adversity, but how you deal with those adversities is what is going to speak on your character. These short four years have gone by faster than I would've liked, but take advantage of the opportunities presented to you, get involved in all aspects of campus life and make your mark on this campus."

FUTURE PLANS

It is now time for the senior student-athletes to take what they have learned both in the classroom and through their sports, and move onto the next chapters of their lives.

Howran will continue to peruse her hockey career and enter the professional level, while also furthering her education.

"I look forward to continuing my hockey career professionally playing for the Connecticut Whale in the NWHL. While I am continuing my hockey career, I will also be continuing my academics. I am planning to pursue a Master's degree in January of 2021."

Williams has her eyes set on a masters degree and medical school.

"My plans for after graduation include taking my MCAT in June, attending Ball State University this August to get my Masters in Clinical Psychology, then pursuing Medical School after my Masters.

Colacci will return to Durham as a member of the men's soccer coaching staff.

"Fortunately, I will be coming back to UNH in the fall to be part of the coaching staff. I'm looking forward to getting to be on campus a lot and be with people that I've spent the last few years with."

THANK YOU UNH!

The support that the senior student-athletes have felt during their time at UNH is immeasurable and they have much gratitude towards those who have impacted their college experiences.

Evan Gray (Centreville, Va.) of the football team feels that he has met some truly touching people that he will remember forever.

"I'm most grateful for the lifelong friends and mentors I've made. I have met amazing people from all over the world. I was coached by excellent coaches and I learned from great professors. I'll always be grateful for the friends I made at UNH and words can't describe how much I miss being around them."

Volleyball player Emily Tanski (Plymouth, Mich.) is thankful for the bonds she has formed as well as her second home.

"I am most grateful for the connections and relationships I've built, specifically through the athletic department. Everyone has formed one big family and we're always looking out for each other, so I'm very grateful to have had such an awesome home away from home."

SAYING GOOD-BYE

As their last semesters come to a close, the UNH senior student-athletes start to move on from the place they have called home for the past few years. But, the Wildcat family is something that will remain with them forever.

Women's basketball player Sarah Clement (Falmouth, Maine) will miss the everyday interactions with her team and the entire athletic department.

"I will miss my team as they instantly became my family and some of my best friends. I will miss seeing faces in the locker room, training room, and in the halls of the field house that I may have never known or connected with if it weren't for UNH. UNH athletics brought me close with people that I will forever call my family and I feel extremely blessed for that."

The student-athletes of the Class of 2020 have made strong impacts on the Wildcat family that will be remembered long after they depart from UNH. The impressions they have made on their teammates, coaches and friends have bettered the university as a whole. We thank them for their commitment to UNH and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Senior Student-Athlete Photo Gallery