News

On the Field and Beyond, UMW Student-Athlete Built a Playbook for Success

When Jay Hooker ’26 first heard from University of Mary Washington men’s lacrosse coach Drew Delaney, he knew little about the small Virginia university. At the time, Hooker was attending a lacrosse recruiting showcase in upstate New York, weighing interest from several schools.

“I started peeling back the layers like an onion,” said Hooker, who grew up playing lacrosse at Jesuit College Prep School of Dallas. “UMW checked all the boxes.”

Those boxes included an AACSB-accredited undergraduate business program, a unique college town, close proximity to Washington, D.C., and the opportunity to compete as a student-athlete.

“At the Division III level, you’re encouraged to compete just as hard in the classroom as you do on the field,” said Hooker, a four-year defenseman on the men’s lacrosse team. “My coaches gave me the flexibility to do both, and that was really important to me.”

That philosophy has shaped his college journey, where he’s majored in accounting with a minor in financial and quantitative analysis, and pursued internships geared to a business-related career. As he’s grown academically, athletically and personally, he’s held increasing leadership roles, helping other student-athletes find their footing, too.

He progressed within Student Alumni Ambassadors, from member to vice president to president, while also serving as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Dean’s Student Advisory Board for the College of Business. He’s also a member of Mortar Board and other academic honor societies.

Through SAAC, Hooker has represented student-athletes both locally and nationally, encouraged communication among teams and with administration, and mentored younger teammates. “It doesn’t take a title to lead,” he said. “If you care about something and you’re willing to show up for others, that’s what matters.”

Delaney, who recruited Hooker as head coach of Eagles lacrosse, said it was clear from early in the recruiting process that Hooker was ambitious, driven and intent on maximizing his experience at UMW.

“He wanted to build a network and pursue leadership opportunities, and we worked together to make sure he could strike that balance,” said Delaney, who is now UMW’s assistant athletics director for internal operations. “But what stood out most during his time at UMW was his energy. No matter how much he had going on, he was always genuinely enthusiastic about whatever he was doing in that moment.”

Hooker talked about his college experience during an appearance on UMW’s podcast, What Matters Most With President Paino. Appearing with his fellow co-presidents of SAAC, he discussed balancing academics, athletics and leadership with UMW President Troy Paino. Hooker’s approach, he said, has helped him avoid burnout.

“Each activity is a break from the other,” he explained. “Lacrosse is a break from class. Leading an event is a break from practice. You’re resting one part of your mind while engaging another.”

He’s used a similar approach for professional development. Through summer internships in Texas that spanned accounting, corporate banking and private equity, Hooker has explored multiple facets of the finance world. For him, accounting became the foundation. “It’s the Swiss Army knife of business,” he said. “It gives you a set of tools you can use to do many things.”

Those experiences, combined with his academic work and leadership background, helped Hooker build what he calls the “evidence” for confidence. After graduation, he’ll put that confidence to work as he steps into a full-time role in the finance industry.

“If you’re nervous about taking the next step, that’s usually when you should jump,” he said. “And I’m ready to take on the world with the confidence I’ve been able to build at UMW.”