Field Hockey 6/2/2015 2:00:00 PM

Where Are They Now? Carolyn Daly ‘06

Former Field Hockey Keeper Changing Lives, Including Her Own, in Guatemala

Carolyn Daly, pictured right with her husband and son.

Latest in a series of "Where Are They Now?" features on members of the Colgate athletics family. Click HERE for previous profiles.

HAMILTON – For former Colgate Field Hockey keeper Carolyn Daly '06, the itch to work and live abroad was too strong to ignore.

Although she earned her degree in Political Science at Colgate, Daly had found success in the banking industry while living in the Washington, D.C., area. But for the Newark Valley, N.Y., native, the desire to live and work internationally sent her down a new career path.

In 2009, Daly applied to work with the Peace Corps. A year later, she found herself in Guatemala to work as an Agricultural Marketing Volunteer for the humanitarian organization.

After finishing her time with the Peace Corps, Daly remained in the Central American nation and joined Mil Milagros, an organization that works with local communities to ensure that the children of Guatemala graduate from primary school - healthy, literate and prepared to continue their education.

It's a career path that even the laid-back Daly never could have envisioned.

"I had no career path planned as a freshman, but I never imagined moving to Guatemala and finding my passion in nutrition and education," Daly said.

Making Her Way To Colgate
Growing up about 70 miles south of Hamilton, Daly was quite familiar with Colgate. She also had the benefit of a family connection to the university as her uncle, Thomas Birkel, graduated from Colgate in 1972.

Attending Newark Valley High School, Daly was a model student-athlete throughout her entire prep career. A three-time league all-star, she served as team captain of the Cardinals during her last two seasons with the squad. In the classroom, she was a member of the National Honor Society.

When the time came for her to make the decision on where she wanted to go to college, Daly looked at a variety of schools but had two main requirements of the university where she would send the next four years.

"I applied to around 15 colleges knowing that I wanted two things out of a school - field hockey and a place that would allow me to continually learn new things. After visiting Colgate, I knew that that I would be challenged both athletically and academically."

Daly excelled both on the field and in the classroom during her time at Colgate. A four-year member of the field hockey program, she appeared in 14 games as a backup keeper, including a career-high six contests during her senior season. She was presented with the team's Spirit Award after her junior campaign (2004).

Off the field, Daly was a three-time member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and earned NFHCA Academic Honor Roll distinction following her freshman season (2002).

Finding Her Passion
Upon receiving her degree in Political Science, Daly left the Empire State to live in Washington, D.C., where she worked for a best-practices research firm.

While working in the research industry, Daly was offered the opportunity to make a career change with M&T Bank thanks to her Colgate education.

"While working at the research firm, I was recruited by M&T Bank," Daly said. "The recruiter told me that they specifically looked for Colgate graduates because of the quality of education and the luck they'd had with previous hires from Colgate."

Daly spent the next three years working for M&T, but decided in 2009 that she wanted a new challenge.

"I worked at the bank for a little over three years, but felt the itch to work and live internationally, she said. "I applied for the Peace Corps in August of 2009 and a year later was sent to Guatemala as an Agricultural Marketing Volunteer."

While living and working for the Peace Corps in rural Guatemala, Daly noticed that many of the local children, particularly girls, were not in school due to the fact that they were working both in the home and in the community to help support their families. She also noticed that many of the local children were undersized for their age, a product of malnutrition.

Because of those observations, Daly saw an opportunity to make a difference. She joined Mil Milagros, a local non-profit organization that allowed her to try and help change both of those things. She currently works as the In-Country Director, serving with local communities to ensure that the children in Guatemala graduate from primary school healthy, literate and prepared to continue their education.

Offering Advice to the Next Generation
With almost a decade having passed since she became a Colgate graduate, Daly has had some time to reflect on the impact that her Colgate experience, both on the field and in the classroom, has had on her life.

"My experience on the Colgate field hockey team will forever be with me," Daly said.   "In fact, I still dream sometimes about the timed mile, forgetting my goalie gear somewhere, or challenging head coach Cathy Foto to 1v1s. The friends I made on the team and the lessons I learned are some of the most valuable memories I have of Colgate.

"I couldn't have asked for a better academic experience than the one I found at Colgate. The professors were not only outstanding teachers, but also very welcoming, engaging, and interested in their students. I went to several professors' homes for both academic and social reasons. The liberal arts experience of being able to choose courses in several disciplines really meshed with my interests."

Her former coach also echoed those sentiments.

"Carolyn's journey from Newark Valley, to Colgate, to Guatemala is just such a fantastic story," Foto said. "She grew up so much while she was here and really got outside her comfort zone. She has always had a passion for life and for helping other people. It is so rewarding to see her at such a fantastic organization and making a difference in the world.

"Carolyn is a great example of just how far you Colgate experience can take you. I am so proud of everything she is doing and so happy for her and the life she has with her family in Guatemala."

When asked what advice she would give to current student-athletes and graduating seniors, Daly offered a few simple words of wisdom.

"I have two pieces of advice to current student athletes: Enjoy your time -- all of it -- even the beep test, and never underestimate the awesomeness of Halloween costumes, particularly on long bus rides.

"To graduating seniors: Don't stress out too much and don't over-plan your future. What is supposed to happen will happen, and it will be amazing."

Editors note: For more information about Mil Milagros, please visit their website at milmilagros.org

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