Field Hockey | 11/19/2021 9:55:23 AM
Michaela Parker recently wrapped up her fourth season as a member of the Hartwick College field hockey team in 2021-22. She appeared in eight games on defense for the Hawks in 2021 and has played in 25 career contests. She was a member of the Hartwick team that won the 2019 Empire 8 Field Hockey Championship.
A native of Holbrook, NY, Parker also serves on Hartwick's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is a public health major.
Michaela Parker - Empire 8 Gives Back
Institution: Hartwick College
Sport/Position: Field Hockey/Defense
Academic Major: Public Health
GPA: 3.0
Class Year: Senior
Community Service Roles:
We have a program in the town on Oneonta called For-Do which promotes having fun within the community and it gives people of any age a place to hang out and have fun without being pressured to drink alcohol. The Hartwick Field Hockey program worked with them setting up events and promoting sobriet
Why did you join SAAC? What’s was your goal when joining?
I joined SAAC to come together with other athletes on campus and create a tight knit community of athletes who share the same views and goals for the campus. I joined with the goal of representing my team and being able to input my opinions on how to promote a positive environment for student-athletes.
What projects are you currently working on in your campus community?
I’m currently engaging in a toys for tots program, while helping the College put together Thanksgiving baskets for families to provide some relief around the holidays.
What’s the biggest challenge you are facing with these projects? COVID restrictions, only virtual, fundraising, etc.?
Unfortunately, with COVID still being an ongoing issue, we face the challenge of being able to meet in person with the rest of the SAAC members to discuss our plans for this campus. We faced an issue with fundraising due to COVID last year and hope this year becomes a little more successful.
How do you stay connected with your college community under COVID guidelines?
Even with COVID guidelines, we can still safely meet in person wearing masks when inside or outside, which is a big achievement since last fall was all virtual. I can also stay in touch with the college through social media posts and sharing other's posts to update the community on events on campus.
What is Your Proudest Community Service Achievement?
My proudest community service achievement thus far was volunteering at the Freihofer’s Run for Women. This event touched my heart and was so inspirational. I can’t wait to volunteer again.
What Role has Field Hockey Played in your Personal Development?
I believe I would have a very different upbringing if I was not involved in sports. Playing field hockey helped me establish my voice and become a leader on and off the field. I was a shy and timid girl before sports but with years of sports and finding strength in adversity I was able to become a strong and independent individual.
Why Did You Decide to Attend Hartwick?
I was drawn to Hartwick because of the size of the campus and the close community. The student to professor ratio made me feel comfortable academically and gave me the confidence to be able to reach out to my professors and get the help I need in the classroom. Also, I really adored the team dynamic the Hartwick field hockey team holds.
How has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College?
Playing at the college level and for Empire 8 prepared me to use my voice and become a leader on and off the field which I wasn’t necessarily ready for before college.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College:
My favorite athletic memory from my time playing here at Hartwick was winning the Empire 8 Championship my sophomore year (2019). This team has come a long way and we are capable of amazing things and winning our conference championship was just the validation this team needed to build this high standard for ourselves to compete at the highest level we can.
What is Your Ultimate Professional Goal (Where Do You See Yourself in the Future)?
I would like to finish off my academic career and get my masters and then gain some experience through a company to be a doula or midwife and eventually open my own practice.
Favorite Professional Athlete/Team: Carl Hagelin/New York Rangers
Favorite Movie: The Sandlot
Favorite TV Show: That 70's Show
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Schitts Creek
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
One Thing Most People Do Not Know About Me:
Most people don’t know that my favorite escape is yoga and or pilates. I am a loud and goofy person, but I find it so comforting and calming to turn off those exciting emotions and focus on my breathing and stay grounded.
Advice to Younger Student-Athletes on Why You Chose to Play a Collegiate Sport and Why Playing A Sport and Getting Involved With SAAC is So Important/Beneficial?
My advice to any young student athlete would be stick it through, a do not quit when challenges arise. You will have times where you feel absolutely trapped and overwhelmed with the workload of classes and the commitment to the team, but I can promise you it is all worth it! You learn time management skills, leadership skills and you will make friends for life. Sports are an important part of character development, especially when most college kids come to school to reinvent themselves. It’s also beneficial to be a part of and engage in organizations such as SAAC because it brings multiple different student-athletes from other teams as well as other schools togeher. We come together to promote and support each other on the importance of sports in people’s lives, which creates a positive and growing environment on campus.
The Empire 8 Conference's “Empire 8 Gives Back” Series features a student-athlete from one of its member institutions who promotes community service and serves in a leadership role within his or her athletics teams or SAAC.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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