Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Athletics

ATHLETICS DAY OF DONORS 2023
Record-Breaking Success

In 24 hours, alums, families and fans gave more than $1 million in support of HWS student-athletes, coaches and trainers.

The 2023 Hobart and William Smith Athletics Day of Donors shattered the record for the most dollars raised in a single day, with just over $1 million raised for Statesmen and Herons teams.

“On behalf of everyone in Hobart and William Smith Athletics, thank you for the incredible generosity,” says Brian Miller, associate vice president and director of athletics and recreation. “The loyal support of the HWS community for our Herons and Statesmen will allow us to make meaningful enhancements to the student-athlete experience.”

The fundraising total includes a challenge gift of $25,000 from Cynthia L. Caird L.H.D. ’12 which provided bonus cash for teams and programs that raised the most; that had the sharpest increases in donor participation; and that produced the most creative fundraising videos.

After this year’s Athletics Day of Donors, Vice President for Advancement Bob O’Connor P’22, P’23 noted that “it’s hard to say who is more competitive, the current Statesmen and Herons or our passionate fan base. We are deeply grateful to Cindy Caird, our coaching staffs, Brian, Associate Athletic Director Liz Dennison, and our SAA and Heron Society boards for their steadfast support.”

HALL OF FAMERS

In April, 10 outstanding Hobart athletes were honored in a campus ceremony and officially inducted into the College’s Hall of Fame. The Class of 2023 includes Hobart Hockey Head Coach Mark Taylor, Shawn Mizro ’07 (football), Rob Pisanelli ’00 (basketball), Ali Marpet ’15 (football), Kevin Martin ’81 (lacrosse), Tyre Coleman ’15 (football), Keith Longo ’09 (hockey), Jeffrey Thon ’77 (football and baseball), Harold Draffen ’75 (lacrosse) and Scott Petosa ’80 (lacrosse). The Class of 2023 raises the roll of Hobart Hall of Famers to 135 legendary Statesmen.

A Standout Season

During a 21-game win streak on their way to the national semifinals, William Smith lacrosse tallied their seventh straight Liberty League title. The Herons’ 340 goals broke the previous season’s record by 20 goals. The third-ranked William Smith team was defeated only once during the season, in the NCAA semifinal game against Gettysburg.

MOUNTAIN MOGULS

In their first season as a varsity sport, the William Smith alpine skiing team finished in third place at the U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association’s National Championships in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Six members of the team — Caraline Gray ’23, Bridget Weier ’23, Ashley Byron ’24, Emilie Waters ’24, Marjorie Plants ’25 and Katherine Broderick ’26 — were also recognized by the USCSA as Scholar All-Americans for their performances on the mountain and in the classroom.