Clara Flores-Reininger made a statement her first collegiate season as she landed the SUNYAC accolade of Rookie of the year. During her first meet as a Hawk, at the Vassar season starter, she managed to contribute to the side by side success of the 3k course when placing 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st with her older teammates. A week later, Flores-Reininger was back at Vassar competing at the annual Ron Stonitsch Invitational. During the women's 5k, she placed 11th out of 66, with a time of 19:44 which helped New Paltz earn second place out of seven schools. At the Rowan University Invite, during the women's 6k run, she placed 15th out of 166 contestants with a time of 23:46:91. Flores-Reininger was consistently contributing the Hawks success throughout the season. During her first SUNAC meet, Clara was the first freshman on the women's side to cross the finish line with a time of 26:19:1, placing 17th overall. Coach Trunkes states that he is very proud of Clara. "She worked hard this season and beat some really talented runners to earn this award." The last rookie of the year for New Paltz women's cross country was Emily Cavanagh in 2016.