ONEONTA, N.Y. — First-year standout Ella Grupe (Freehold, N.Y.) has been named the 2025 Empire 8 Women's Soccer Rookie of the Year, as voted on by the conference's head coaches.

The freshman phenom made an immediate impact for the Hawks, recording her first career point with an assist in just her second collegiate match — a 3-0 win over Morrisville. She followed that performance with another assist against Liberty League powerhouse Skidmore in the annual Mayor's Cup Tournament in the following match.

Grupe finished her debut campaign with four goals and four assists for a total of 12 points, with all four goals coming in Empire 8 play. She netted her first collegiate goal against conference powerhouse Nazareth, helping the Hawks secure a crucial 1-1 draw against a program that had reached six straight Empire 8 Championships. Grupe also delivered her first career game-winner in dramatic fashion, scoring in the 89th minute to lift Hartwick past Keuka on October 4.

In addition to her Rookie of the Year accolade, Grupe earned her first Empire 8 All-Conference honor, being named to the Second Team.

Empire 8 Release

About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.