Katie Becofsky knows it takes teamwork to succeed on the volleyball court and in life.

The team that has propelled Katie, a senior at New Paltz, to the top of her game includes her volleyball teammates, coaches and mentors. While Katie has established close relationships with her teammates and coach, it is the dedication and guidance that her high school basketball coach gave her that stays with her.

Katie, like her basketball coach, is driven to see others live up to their potential. She has led her team to victory over the last two years as co-captain. The Hawks advanced to the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Tournament each of the last four years, and was named team co-captain her senior year. Katie has been named SUNYAC Eastern Division Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons.  She holds the New Paltz career assist record, accumulating 4,434 assists over the past four seasons.

In addition to her accolades, Katie is preparing to become a personal trainer and attend graduate school to study sport or exercise psychology. When she is not on the volleyball court or in class, Katie can often be seen at the Athletic and Wellness Center helping visitors.

Katie is definitely living up to her potential. She was honored with the 2006-2007 Heinz Ahlmeyer Award for her dedication, perseverance and service beyond self.

"To be thought of as a role model," she says, "I couldn’t ask for anything more than that."