SUNY New Paltz Athletics Celebrates Seven Former Student-Athletes

The SUNY New Paltz athletics department is celebrating seven former student-athletes for their achievements after graduation. These individuals were honored by the SUNYAC for their success during their collegiate careers and in their professional endeavors. Former players include Kevin Angulas, who has multiple SUNYAC championships and is a member of the SUNYAC All-Decade team. Angulas is now a speaker at New Paltz and works with prospective student-athletes to make the program attractive to them. He also earned all-SUNYAC honors and is currently the Director of the Syracuse Metro Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

This year, the teams will compete in 14 different varsity sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey, basketball, swimming & diving, and soccer. New Paltz’s women will compete in field hockey and volleyball. Both teams will also compete in men’s and women’s tennis.

The SUNY New Paltz women’s tennis team opened the 2004 season with a 9-0 win over Hartwick College. Freshman Eri Yamakawa earned a point at number one singles to lead the team to a 1-0 win. The women’s volleyball team won two matches in the Cortland Red Dragon Classic. The team defeated Husson College 30-14, 30-20, and 18-0 in the semifinals.

The SUNY New Paltz athletics department pays its coaches well. The women’s tennis team makes $103,856 per year while the men’s volleyball team earns $124,185. Each coach’s salary depends on their position and the team they coach. Despite all these expenses, the athletics department still managed to make a profit.

SUNY New Paltz is also home to a few notable alumni. Jones graduated from the school in 2002. He played as a power forward for four years and led the team in rebounding each year. His senior year he was the top scorer with 1,321 points. He also has 875 rebounds and 140 blocks on the school’s all-time list. He was a three-time All-SUNYAC honoree.