Empire 8 Captains Series: Jade Killikelly, Hartwick College

Women's Tennis | 12/2/2022 7:44:17 AM

Jade Killikelly is in her third season as a member of the Hartwick College women's tennis team and first year as a captain in 2022-23. In the fall, Killikelly helped lead Hartwick to its first Empire 8 Championship in program history and will compete for the Hawks at the 2023 NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Championship Tournament in May. She wrapped up the fall season by finishing 12-0 at third singles and 9-3 at first doubles. Killikelly is a three-time All-Empire 8 selection in both singles and doubles, garnering consecutive first team accolades in both 2021 and 2022.

A native of Jamaica, NY, Killikelly is a public health major. She is an Empire 8 President's List selection for academic excellence and a member of Hartwick's Honors Program. In addition, she is Vice President of Hartwick's Black Student Union and is a Senior Resident Assistant. In three seasons with the Hawks, Killikelly has a 25-9 singles record and 24-11 doubles mark.
Institution: Hartwick College
 
Sport/Position: Tennis/Singles and Doubles

Major(/Minor: Public Health with a minor in Chemistry

Class Year: Junior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024

Favorite Professional Athlete: Serena Williams

Favorite Food: Tacos
 
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
 
Dream Vacation: Bali, Indonesia

Last TV Show/Series You Binge Watched: Manifest

Various Academic Honors/Academic or Athletic Clubs:

• Vice President of Black Student Union
• Senior Resident Assistant  
• Honors Program
• Peer Health Educator
• Recipient of Dr. James J. Elting Memorial Scholarship(2022)
• Philip S. Wilder Jr for Academic Distinction (2020-21).
• Hartwick College Student Government Emerging Leader (2020-21)

When Did You Become a Captain?/How Long Have You Served in That Role?
I was asked to be team captain in May 2022, but I actively served, starting in August(beginning of the season).

What Are Your Duties as Team Captain?
Work with Coach to assist as needed, lead warmups, share messages, act as a liaison between the team and coach, organize team-building activities.

What Type of Leader Are You?  
I see myself as a charismatic leader with a transformational leadership style. I prefer to lead by example and speak when necessary.

What Qualities Do You Think A Team Leader Should Have?
Decisive, good communicator, trustworthy, good character, integrity, disciplined.

Any Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On?
I am preparing to research the mental health of athletes of color within my Peer Health Educator role.

Plans After Graduation: Obtain my master’s degree in public health, then proceed to medical school.

What Do You See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years/What is Your Ultimate Professional Goal: I see myself working as a dermatologist, preparing to start a family.  

How Has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College: I have strengthened my confidence, learned how to work towards a common goal in a team setting, built long lasting friendships and strengthened time-management skills.

Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College:
Clinching the last win needed to go into the Empire 8 Championship match.

Greatest Mentors (On or Off Campus): My mom

What Have You Learned About Yourself from Being a Captain:
I am able to lead under times of pressure and that it is important to enjoy the process. Winning is not a destination, but a journey. Coming in freshman year, to seeing where we are as a team in my junior year, I have seen the beauty of enjoying every moment, celebrating the smaller wins, learning from the losses, and having fun along the way. While this life lesson is evident in tennis, it is even more present in my daily life as I go through my academic and professional career.

One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You:
That I used to live in London, UK as a baby.

Advice for Younger Teammates/Student-Athletes and Future Captains:  
Your experience is what you make it. Put yourself out there, take risks, get involved, volunteer, have fun. You are more than an athlete. Do not limit yourself and trust in your capabilities That will take you very far in life.
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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