HWS News
24 February 2026 • Alums Always Ready
Two HWS alumni serve side by side in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Hobart and William Smith recognizes Owen Sanders ’25 and Jay McCoy ’23, who recently completed U.S. Coast Guard boot camp and are now serving on active duty.
Sanders and McCoy graduated from Coast Guard boot camp at Cape May, N.J., on Jan. 23, earning the rank of Seaman. In a notable coincidence, the two HWS alumni were assigned to the same company during training, completing eight rigorous weeks together.
Both described the training as physically and mentally demanding and credit it with reinforcing discipline, resilience and teamwork. They now begin Coast Guard assignments focused on maritime safety, security and emergency response.
While at HWS, both were student-athletes and team leaders. Sanders was a catcher and team captain for the Hobart baseball team, and McCoy was a defensive back for the Hobart football team. Each earned Liberty League All-Conference and All-Academic honors.
Sanders earned a B.S. in Business Management and Entrepreneurship and previously worked in the Government Affairs Division of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. He has been assigned to a search and rescue unit on Fire Island, off the coast of Long Island, N.Y., and was selected for the U.S. Coast Guard Drill Team. After completing his service, Sanders plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration.
McCoy earned a B.A. in Education and worked as an EMT for the City of Boston before enlisting. A graduate of the Boston EMS Training Academy, he provided emergency pre-hospital care prior to entering the Coast Guard. He has been assigned to the Coast Guard Station in Rockland, Maine, where he serves aboard a cutter conducting patrol and enforcement operations. McCoy also earned the U.S. Coast Guard Leadership and Physical Fitness Awards and was selected for the Drill Team. Following his service, he plans to attend a Physician Assistant program.
They note the similarity between the institutions: the Coast Guard’s motto, Semper Paratus (“Always Ready”), reflects the military’s focus on preparedness and response, while HWS’ mission of leading lives of consequence and long history of alumni serving in the armed forces and public service.
HWS veterans published Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Legacy of Military Service in 2022.
Top: Jay McCoy ’23, left, and Owen Sanders ’25, right, during their Drill Team Performance.
