Junior middle hitter Brittany Coyle (Middletown/Minisink Valley) was named the 2008 most valuable player as she helped lead the team to their first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament and a trip to the Elite Eight. New Paltz ended their season with a 32-10 record, the highest win total in the history of the volleyball program. Coyle led the Hawks with 375 kills and 118 blocks on the season. She earned first team all-conference honors, was selected to the SUNYAC and Regional All-Tournament teams, and garnered NCAA New York Region honorable mention. Coyle led the conference in hitting percentage (.369).
