Saint Joseph's University

As Saint Joseph's University celebrates the Class of 2021, several graduating Hawks fondly reminisced about their time as student-athletes on Hawk Hill. These are a first-hand collection of their fond memories.

Liam Bendo • Baseball

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

Moving into Sourin and my upperclassman teammates helping me.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell him to remain positive and continue working hard.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Winning baseball games.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm coming back for a fifth year and playing baseball again.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

It means to keep fighting no matter what.

Corinne Buttner • Women's Lacrosse

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

Walking out to practice the first day with my new team.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Keep working hard and building connections. The friends I have made here made this experience worth it.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

All the laughs with my friends and teammates.

What are your plans after graduation?

Graduate school.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

It’s a family. Something you never give up on and keep working with.

Teo Domic • Men's Lacrosse

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

The first conditioning session as a team.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Baby steps count too. You may not see them in the moment, especially in the earlier stages of your college career, but they are absolutely there. Keep going!

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

The relationships I have made over the course of my four years here. There is not one specific fond memory because there are consistently new ones that arise each day.

What are your plans after graduation?

Doing a graduate year, which entails pursuing my master's degree, as well as play lacrosse.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

Never giving up.

Skylar Dorenkamp • Women's Lacrosse

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

My first memory of lacrosse was walking from Sourin to Hagan freshman year at 6:00 a.m. for practice. I was so nervous because we all moved in the night before and we had our run test, but it was nice to have all the girls in my grade there too because it made me less nervous!

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I'd tell myself to not stress about school and lacrosse so much. To take risks and enjoy every second with the girls because it goes by so fast, and most importantly, to be where your feet are. 

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

This is a tough question because there's so many good ones! My fondest memories at SJU were honestly all the little moments I had with the girls on my team. From studying in the library for finals, to traveling to Italy with our whole team. I remember we'd always go to Campion to get a bowl of cereal at night and would sit there for an hour just talking. I also loved how we could always look back on really hard days we had and laugh about it together, especially the first day of fall and our senior pod, at the time it was like something out of a movie but it's so funny now.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate, I'm working for Clark Associates as a category analyst on their beverage team in Lancaster.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

The Hawk Will Never Die means that we're all in this together, and even through hard times, it's easy to see the light at the tunnel because you have your best friends next to you through it all.

Sebastian Eaton • Men's Track & Field

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

The first meeting with everyone on the team and everyone joking around. I remember the seniors being super welcoming to us freshman at the time.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Stay ahead on your studies and make friends with people outside athletics and other sports.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

No specific memory, but how supporting all my friends, teammates, professors, and coaches were when I was at my lowest point after my mental health crises. Everyone lifted me up and helped me with my struggles.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to come back for a fifth year and get my master's degree in computer science.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

The Hawk Will Never Die means to me that the culture will always be here. People from this school will always be there for each other no matter the struggles, and we won't stop improving.

Nicholl Fenton • Field Hockey

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

My first memory of being a member of my team was all the time we spent together during preseason. We ate so many meals and just developed great bonds that made starting freshman year much easier.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Do not stress the small stuff because in the grand scheme of things, it never matters. Mistakes are normal.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

My fondest memory of SJU was winning A-10 titles and just how supportive and proud the entire school was.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am returning to SJU to get my masters in the reading specialist program and play one more season of field hockey.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

THWND means that our legacy will always live on. We are small and mighty but we handle everything thrown at us. THWND resonates with everyone.

Alicia Forrest • Women's Track & Field

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

There was an unofficial captain's practice being held. I was so nervous for practice, since I'm a shy person at the start. The seniors were very outgoing and welcomed me, along with the other first-year teammates, onto the team with open arms.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

That collegiate track and field is extremely different from high school and to expect, as well as accept it. Just have fun with the sport and do all that you can.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Our track and field formal when I was a freshman. Not only was it super fun, but for the first time I was able to become closer to the girls on the distance side of the team, as well as the sprint side.

What are your plans after graduation?

Attending graduate school at Salus University in order to become a speech-language pathologist.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

To me, it means that we have a strong and passionate group of undergraduates, along with alumni, here at SJU. I feel that we are so strong that we will never "die" or be brought down.

Sara Hayes • Field Hockey

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

Coming to campus as a senior in high school and meeting the team with the rest of my incoming class, along with our parents! 

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Know your “why” and your self-worth. Fall back on why you play the sport you love when things get tough, and know that you are your own number one cheerleader.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Winning three Atlantic 10 Conference championships and being a nationally ranked field hockey program all four years!

What are your plans after graduation?

Full-time position at PepsiCo in Philadelphia as a sales management associate.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

The spirit of the campus community lives on THWND. Doing your best every single day no matter how hard the challenge may seem!

Alan Kahlenbeck • Men's Soccer

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

Two-mile fitness test, at 7 a.m., on the first day of preseason. But it was a good bonding moment with the team.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be even more sociable; reach out to more people around SJU.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Living together with six other men's soccer players for three years. In residence halls and then off campus.

What are your plans after graduation?

Working for a company near Philadelphia called Essent, as a corporate strategy analyst.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

Even if tough times are thrown our way, we will persevere and do it together as a team.

Kasia Kwitnieski • Women's Soccer

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

One of my first memories is going to Penn's Landing during preseason and having so much fun with the team playing mini golf and sitting in hammocks enjoying good food.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would say not to stress out over the little things and just enjoy your surroundings and the people that bring you the most joy.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be doing a year of service through FrancisCorps in Syracuse.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

It means the Hawk mentality and spirit will always be with me along with all the fond memories I have of St. Joe's that helped shape me into who I am today.

Taylor Marinelli • Softball

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

My first memory of the softball team is hanging out at the juniors' house and ordering Shee Yuan, which became a weekly tradition (sometimes more than once a week).

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

My advice to my freshman self would be, "Get your work done first. You REALLY aren't missing out on anything."

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

My fondest memory at Saint Joseph's is having the opportunity to be a redshirt and being able to see the incoming classes on campus in the summer prior to attending SJU. Being that familiar face and resource for the incoming freshmen is great not only in the moment,  but seeing them grow throughout their college experience as well. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I am interning at Conner Strong & Buckelew over the summer and then returning in fall 2021 to complete my MBA with a concentration in data analytics and data science as well as complete my final year of eligibility.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

The Hawk Will Never Die means that there is always a part of the Jesuit values that St. Joe's has honored within each person who attends this school. The sense of community and success will always be what a Hawk prioritizes through social justice, the pursuit of excellence, service to others, and caring for the whole person (cura personalis).

Annie McConnon • Women's Soccer

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

Dakota Mills introducing herself to me and giving me the biggest hug.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be confident in how good of a player you are. You earned the right to be here.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Working out in the weight room with my brother.

What are your plans after graduation?

Going to graduate school at Boston University for sports psychology.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

Being a Saint Joseph's student-athlete will not end once I graduate, and that same school spirit will always be with me.

Wills Montgomery • Golf

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

Meeting all of my teammates at our first team meeting of the year after the first day of classes.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

You aren't going to remember the good or bad rounds you play during your career, but you will remember the van rides, time in the hotel with your teammates, so don't put so much pressure on yourself to perform. Enjoy the moment.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Winning the Columbia Invitational in 2019 as a team.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm planning on staying another year to get my MBA with certificates in data science and data analytics, while also being able to compete for another year.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

We are always going to get up one more time than we get knocked down. You can't break us.

Jason Peacock • Men's Rowing

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

First time getting to the boathouse and just seeing it and taking it all in.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Open up and talk to the upperclassman more and learn from them.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Winning my first race freshman year at Bergen Cup.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be working for Lowe's in Mooresville, North Carolina.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

That I will always be a Hawk and the school will always be there to support me.

Nathan Perrone • Men's Tennis

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

Practice the first day.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be more mature on the tennis court.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Beating Delaware and Penn back-to-back in singles this year.

What are your plans after graduation?

Not sure yet, something in tennis.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

It means to never die when competing on and off the court as a student-athlete.

Matthew Scarpill • Men's Cross Country/Track & Field

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

Going to Tony Roni's every day with the incoming freshman during preseason.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Nothing. I am happy that I fully committed to the sport from the first day. That is what a lot of upperclassmen said to me, that they wish they did.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Either cross country or indoor A-10's my junior year. Break through races with great support. I had a lot of fun.

What are your plans after graduation?

Work as an actuary for Chubb.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

SJU will forever be a part of you.

Brian Vance • Baseball

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

I would have to say the BBQ we had behind the coaches' office the first week of school. The whole team was there and we played games in the yard.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Not to take a single day with the team for granted.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Dom Cuoci's walk off home run against Notre Dame.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am working in Chicago as a sales associate for PepsiCo.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

I just see it as a phrase that only internal people of SJU really understand. It is a school spirit thing and something many say after a post or whatnot. But I also see it as Hawks never stop flapping their wings. Us as teams will never go down without a fight

Sean Voelkel • Men's Lacrosse

What is your first memory of being a member of your team?

Run test my freshman year.

If you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Take it all in and make the most of everything.

What is your fondest memory at Saint Joseph’s?

Playing with my teammates everyday.

What are your plans after graduation?

Move to New York and work at PWC.

What does “The Hawk Will Never Die” mean to you?

The spirit of the student-athletes.