ONEONTA, N.Y. – As of February 3rd, 2025, the Hartwick Hawks have added Kayla Groth to their Athletic Communications staff, where she will be acting as the new Coordinator of Social Media and Athletics Office Assistant.
Groth comes to Hartwick from her hometown of Rochester, New York, where she has most recently worked as a Recreation Assistant for the Town of Hamlin, New York. During her time in the Recreation Department, Groth developed, advertised, and hosted several athletic programs, including youth lacrosse and youth beginner archery. She was also a physical education teacher for homeschooled children in the town ages four through eighteen.
Prior to her time there, she served as Student Assistant Coach for Field Hockey as well as the Director of Operations Intern at her alma mater, Wells College. Here Groth was directly responsible for co-facilitating off-season training for the field hockey program, managing social media, and developing an alumni game as well as an archival project. During this time, she was also assisting within the Sports Information Department by conducting interviews, writing game recaps and managing various game day activities.
During her own athletic career as a member of the Express, Groth appeared in three different athletic programs: field hockey, lacrosse, and softball. Her three years of dedication to the field hockey team earned her the title of captain in the 2023 season as well as the Most Improved Player Award and the Kathryn S. Maloney Senior Scholar-Athlete Award. In her first and only season of lacrosse in 2023, Groth was the starting goalie, tallying up an impressive 60+ saves and earning her the Defensive Most Valuable Player Award. In addition to her athletic accolades, Groth received numerous academic honors, including being named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad as well as earning NFHCA Division III Scholar of Distinction titles in every season she played.
"I'm so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the athletics staff here at Hartwick," Groth remarks. "Every person in the athletic department has already made me feel so welcome and positively represented here. My goal, no matter where I've been, has always been to make sure that every student-athlete has a place where they can feel seen and heard, and I cannot wait to showcase all the greatness the Hawks have to offer."
"I am so excited to welcome Kayla to our Hawk family, " exclaimed Executive Director of Athletics, Paul Vecchio. "Kayla's determination, work ethic and talent were very apparent during our interview process – as part of an outstanding candidate pool – and I know that she will do an amazing job in promoting and supporting the tremendous accomplishments of our student-athletes and teams who represent Hartwick College proudly."
"Kayla is a well rounded individual whose talent, creative mind, and writing skills will help us reach new heights, " remarked Director of Athletic Communications, Victor Fernandez. "Her willingness and ability to handle multiple tasks add another level of versatility to our growing department. Kayla's experience as a student athlete, assistant coach, and in athletic communications brings a diverse perspective that will help benefit in promoting our student-athletes."
Kayla will assist in the daily operations of the communications department such as in-game statistics, game recaps, photo and video editing, and social media content. Groth will also be picking up various tasks on the administrative side, providing more support for our student-athletes and department.
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.
