GWENYTH KIRKWOOD
Special to The Leader
Being a part of a team involves leadership and community involvement.
Lindsay Hocking knows all about that.
Hocking, a senior at SUNY Fredonia, has dedicated her time in college to leadership and community involvement. A public relations major with a minor in leadership studies, Hocking’s story highlights her roles in academics, clubs and campus organizations.
Born and raised in Wheatfield, New York, Hocking’s involvement in sports began at a young age.
“I played every sport under the books,” she said.
From gymnastics and tennis to lacrosse and bowling, Hocking was involved in nearly every sport. However, soccer has remained central for her, playing since age 5 and eventually becoming a core part of her college experience.
At Fredonia, she has continued her passion for soccer through the women’s club soccer team, where she is currently the president. Initially stepping into a supporting role, she became responsible for organizing practices, coordinating team activities and encouraging participation, which in turn caused the club to thrive.
“Lindsay is a hard worker,” said Lily Lavacca, the club’s vice president and a close friend of Hocking. “She manages her time very well and stays on top of her responsibilities on the team and in her personal life.”
After rejoining the team in her junior year, Hocking unexpectedly found herself taking on a leadership role and eventually became team president. According to Hocking, this role became a key learning experience as she navigated the challenges of managing responsibilities.
“I like to call myself the oil because I’m there to make sure things are running smoothly,” she says, embracing her role in keeping the team connected.
With low team attendance last year, Hocking tirelessly encouraged players to come together, and her persistence paid off.
“It’s been so surreal and emotional this year because people show up, people are making friends and everyone’s close,” she said. Though it’s her last year, she’s proud to have revived the club and created a space for team bonding and friendship.
“I like to say I brought it back to life,” Hocking said.
The challenge of revitalizing the team required persistence, as Hocking managed the team with low attendance in her junior year. Over time, however, her leadership led to a steady group of players, allowing the club to strengthen its community ties.
Beyond sports, Hocking’s involvement extends to her academic pursuits and other campus organizations.
Her leadership studies minor has involved her in several roles, including serving as a representative for her program and working with the Fredonia Incubator, where she collaborates with students and local businesses. Through this experience, she’s gained firsthand knowledge of professional development and networking opportunities within her field.
She is also an active member of the Applied Communication Association (ACA) club, where she manages their social media presence. Her work in ACA includes organizing events like the annual Fall Sweep, aimed at fostering a stronger connection between the campus and the community through service.
Her role in ACA has allowed her to apply her public relations knowledge to benefit the campus and community, reinforcing the importance of communication in her field.
In addition to her club roles, Hocking oversees social media accounts for multiple organizations, including her internship with Fredonia’s Faculty Student Association (FSA), the women’s club soccer team, Fredonia’s main Instagram page and the ACA Instagram.
She was first introduced to social media management through her internship with FSA, where she managed content to highlight campus events and resources. The experience helped her develop skills in digital engagement and increased her campus involvement.
Hocking’s academic focus in public relations, combined with her minor in leadership studies, has prepared her with a versatile foundation for her career goals.
Her experience includes various projects in marketing, communications and writing, all of which she believes will benefit her in a PR role.
Her career goals include working in public relations for a sports team, with a specific interest in joining the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits.
As Hocking approaches graduation, her work with the women’s club soccer team remains a central part of her experience at Fredonia.
Under her leadership, the team evolved from low attendance to a supportive environment where team members have formed friendships and connections. She has aimed to provide team members with a positive space where they can enjoy the sport, connect with others and engage in physical activity outside of academic responsibilities.
“Lindsay is a very hardworking, smart, responsible, strong-willed person,” said Toby Bell, Hocking’s boyfriend. “She’s a natural leader which has gotten her several leading roles at Fredonia.”
The transformation of the team reflects her dedication to fostering a community, as she has organized regular practices and encouraged participation, creating a close-knit team.
The team’s growth plays a significant role in her campus legacy, as she has seen how the club provides a way for students to balance academics and fun.
“It’s my goal for people to make friends, practice a sport they love, and just have fun,” Hocking said.
