SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The SUNYAC is honored to present its 2023 Award of Valor to New Paltz's field hockey student-athlete, Sam Moran. The award is given to an individual for their ability to overcome obstacles and serve as an inspiration to others. The recipients used perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome a life-altering event. The inaugural award was given in 2003.

Last winter, Moran, now a junior on the New Paltz field hockey team, was diagnosed with a rare disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Her body slowly shut down and she became paralyzed from the neck down and there was concern the disease would hit her lungs, which could potentially be fatal. She was hospitalized for more than two months and doctors feared she wouldn't have the ability to walk again for another six months. She defied all odds, as Sam showed determination, perseverance & dedication and was committed to prove that diagnosis wrong. After losing feeling in most of her body, she slowly began regaining motor functions and re-taught herself how to walk and two months later was walking on her own. She then slowly started to run again and miraculously picked up a stick this summer and decided to play field hockey this fall. Not even a year since nearly losing her life to a rare disease she was starting for the Hawks field hockey team. She never missed a game or a start and finished the year leading the team in minutes played and defensive saves. She became a walking miracle.

To read more about Moran's story, and watch a full feature video, click here

Moran will be honored in person at the SUNYAC annual awards dinner in June.