by Hunter Athletic Communications
Hunter College senior Conor Sullivan has been named the 2025 CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, earning one of the conference’s highest honors in recognition of his academic excellence, athletic achievements, leadership, and community impact.
A double major in Clinical Psychology and Journalism with a 3.69 GPA, Sullivan’s path to this award is as inspiring as it is impressive. After a debilitating genetic hip injury left him unable to walk for months and forced him to leave Binghamton University, Sullivan transferred to Hunter with one goal: to become healthy enough to make the soccer team. Against doctors’ orders, he tried out for the team just days after a surgical consultation, having not touched a soccer ball in nearly two years. He not only made the roster but went on to become a two-year captain and lead the Hawks to their first CUNYAC Championship in 11 years. He anchored the defense throughout his three seasons, starting every match he was healthy for, and played a key role in their 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance.
Sullivan’s contributions to Hunter athletics expanded beyond the pitch. Midway through his junior year, he joined both the indoor and outdoor track & field teams, earning back-to-back CUNYAC All-Star honors for his performances in middle distance and relay events. Over the course of his time at Hunter, he has earned All-Star recognition in all three sports.
"Many athletes want to win but don't prepare themselves to do it. Conor wins because he prepares! It has been an honor and a pleasure coaching Connor," said Hunter track and field and cross country coach Marvin Hawkins. "He has abilities that you cannot teach which is hard work and dedication! Connor has been a tremendous asset to the men's program and has helped the Hawks become one of the top teams in the conference."
Off the field, Sullivan has shown the same tenacity. He is the founding sports editor of The Envoy, Hunter College’s student newspaper, where he launched weekly athletics recaps to spotlight fellow student-athletes. A member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), he also dedicates time to youth development as the longtime head coach for Run4Fun NYC, a nonprofit promoting community and mental health through sport. This summer, he will intern with the Mount Sinai Behavioral Cancer Research Department, further aligning with his academic interests in psychology.
"It Is my honor and with great privilege that I get to speak today about Conor Sullivan. A young man who has been the epitome of what every coach looks for in a student athlete. Dedicated, hard-working, brings positive energy, and is always looking to learn. He is the type of person that helps to impact every player and person around him in a positive way. HIs achievements in the classroom speak for themselves and he does all that while committing and competing at some of the highest levels that NCAA soccer has to offer." said Hunter men's soccer coach Dan Cinelli.
Sullivan’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion—a former high school student who never made a team, a transfer who overcame serious injury, and now, a multi-sport captain and award-winning scholar-athlete. He is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and the Hunter College student-athlete experience.