Through service that extends far beyond competition, SUNY Oneonta’s student-athletes are demonstrating how leadership, learning and community impact go hand in hand.
Oneonta has been selected from more than 430 NCAA Division III institutions nationwide to receive the NCAA Community Engagement Impact Award, a top honor recognizing student-athletes who made an extraordinary difference through service between September and December 2025.
The Red Dragons led all Division III programs across the country with 100 percent student-athlete participation and an average of 13 service hours per student-athlete, totaling 7,276 hours of community engagement by more than 500 student-athletes representing 21 teams.
Those efforts translated into an estimated $253,149 in economic impact, based on Independent Sector’s national value of volunteer time.
Our student-athletes’ commitment to giving back reflects the very best of who we are.
“Service is a core value of our institution,” said Director of Athletics Ryan Hooper. “Our student-athletes’ commitment to giving back reflects the very best of who we are—not just competitors on the field, but leaders who understand the impact they can make beyond it. Their dedication, compassion and willingness to serve our community demonstrate the character we strive to build every day.”
Making an Impact Across the Region
SUNY Oneonta student-athletes partnered with organizations throughout the region, including the Susquehanna SPCA, Arc Otsego and local school districts, supporting initiatives that included raking leaves for neighbors in need, adopting Giving Tree families during the holiday season, and leading youth sports clinics and mentorship opportunities.
The recognition highlights SUNY Oneonta’s strategic commitment to being a “University of the community,” where experiential learning and civic engagement are central to the student experience.
Being a student-athlete has given me opportunities I don’t take for granted, and community service keeps me grounded in my roots...
“Giving back to the community is important to me because I come from a diverse socioeconomic background, and there’s a strong sense of pride in where I’m from,” said junior wrestler Mason Rappold. “Being a student-athlete has given me opportunities I don’t take for granted, and community service keeps me grounded in my roots while reminding me to give back to the people and places that shaped me.”
The spirit continues this spring with Kids in Sports Day on March 3 from 5 to 8 p.m., when local children in grades 1–6 are invited to campus to run, throw, catch and play alongside Red Dragon student-athletes and coaches.
