Most collegiate coaches would be quick to sell recruits on a track record of perennially competing for conference championships. They would peak a high schoolers interest by touting five NCAA Tournament appearances, and possibly a National Coach of the Year Title. A respectable pitch to say the least, but none of these factors included why Kaitlyn Gunter '20 will look back fondly on her connection to Hawks field hockey coach Shanna Szablinski.
 
Szablinski, who has headed the State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey program since 2009, has seen her student-athletes reach pinnacle success on the field and off, especially after they move on from the program. Her ability to set her student-athletes up for long term success helped Gunter once her Hawks career was over. Gunter looked back and was appreciative of the aid her coach gave her to achieve a fulfilling opportunity since hanging up her cleats last season. 
 
As Gunter's graduation day neared, she and Szablinski worked closely to find a potential career in the growing field of Conservation Biology. Gunter ultimately accepted a position with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) Adirondack Corps. The organization brings together students who have a passion for conservation service projects with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Corporation for National and Community Service. For Gunter, the fit couldn't have been more ideal. 
 
When Gunter had committed to Conservation Biology as a major, she had two years at SUNY New Paltz remaining. The Schuylerville, New York native found herself armed with a commitment to an exciting new program but dwindling time to evaluate career opportunities. Enter Coach Szablinski, who helped Gunter through the process. The veteran coach stressed how helping seniors find post-graduation success is of the utmost importance in her program.
 
"I am willing to do whatever helps them in their future endeavors," she explained.  "However, our student-athletes are very proactive and seek out opportunities for their future. I think it is important to support them and encourage them to put themselves out there."
 
Gunter took full advantage of Szablinski as a career planning resource, which only strengthened the relationship between the two.
 
"[Szablinski] truly cares about each and every one of us," Gunter said. "She's always making sure we are applying to jobs and that our resumes are up to date which is really helpful… whether you are looking for work out of school or internship opportunities, she connects us with past alumni in our field which helps a ton."
 
Once Gunter realized her passion in Conservation Biology, a spectacular junior season on the field was imminent. From notching eight goals, six assists and a .725 on goal percentage, to garnering a spot on the All-SUNYAC Second-Team, she began to fully embody the philosophy of Szablinski's program. The Hawks went on to win the SUNYAC Championship that season and ultimately put up a formidable fight in a loss to the higher seeded, Keene State in the NCAA Tournament.
 
An injury riddled senior year gave Gunter the time to prepare for her next challenge; being a positive presence for SCA Adirondack Corps. While making the daunting transition to the workplace loomed, Szablinski knew her student-athletes well, and had confidence in Gunter.
 
"First off KG loves the outdoors and some of her hobbies are rock climbing and hiking," she said. "Being surrounded by nature is natural for her. She is selfless, values teamwork and understands she must give her best for the good of the group. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty and this opportunity was a perfect fit for her."
 
The conservation team, based in Tupper Lake, New York, is relevant to Gunter's academic track due to its emphasis on building conservation leaders of the future through putting young team members through a sampling of preservation-oriented projects.
 
"For this program, you have to do a large amount of physical labor," she explained. "A lot of the projects involved moving rocks and boulders. It's definitely one of those jobs where you have to be able to lift at least 40 pounds."
 
After completing a mandatory, two-week quarantine and virtual orientation in June, Gunter contributed to a myriad of conservation projects. Reflecting on her whirlwind of a summer, she reminisced about a favorite project of hers; repainting the Mount Arab Fire Tower. The tower, which was built in 1918 and is a must-see for hikers in the area, was in desperate need of care after rust had overtaken the structure.
 
A particularly unique aspect of the experience for the former Hawk was the lack of connection to her peers back in Ulster County. Cell phone reception was limited in the mountains but conveniently for her, she had a variety of contacts who went to great lengths to keep in touch. Particularly her sister, Morgan Gunter, who enters her third season on the SUNY New Paltz field hockey program. With Morgan still suiting up for the orange and blue, their relationship helped Kaitlyn keep in touch with her collegiate peers over the summer. 
 
Currently spending a stint at home, the former Hawk will rejoin SCA Adirondack to provide help for a variety of projects throughout the winter season. In the long-run, Gunter hopes to take the experience she gained in Upstate New York and use it to pursue a different opportunity.
 
"I'm thinking of switching gears after this season. [SCA Adirondack] is a just a lot of intense labor for one's body," she said with a chuckle. "I don't know exactly what I'm going to do yet, but I'm looking to a variety of things at the moment."
 
Szablinski couldn't have been prouder of her former star. While for Gunter, she was not surprised by the level of connectivity between her and the program even after graduation, as the emphasis placed on post-graduation success around the field hockey program is simply commonplace for her and her family. Now armed with a once-in-a-lifetime work experience, she articulated a program philosophy for those looking to join the SUNY New Paltz field hockey family.
 
"[Szablinski] made sure that with each of us, everything outside of field hockey was working before we actually worked on field hockey."

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