04/15/2026
SUNY Cortland graduate Megan McConologue ’25 was chosen as a 2026 Major of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America.
The nation’s largest membership organization for health and physical education professionals, SHAPE America provides programs, resources and advocacy to support health and physical educators at every level, from preschool to university graduate programs. The organization’s National Standards for K-12 Physical Education serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country.
McConologue’s award recognizes outstanding college undergraduates in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance who were nominated by a faculty advisor or professor.
The Wappingers Falls, N.Y., native was honored during the professional organization’s 137th National Convention and Expo in Kansas City, Missouri, from March 17 to 21.
“The outstanding achievements of future professionals like Megan are integral to the future of SHAPE America and our profession,” said SHAPE America President Joe Deutsch, who leads an organization founded in 1885.
McConologue, a December 2025 SUNY Cortland graduate, completed her student teaching this past fall in Dutchess and Putnam county school districts and received a Bachelor of Science in Education in Physical Education.
“I hope to carry the values represented by SHAPE America into my future classroom and make a positive, lasting impact on the students I teach,” she said.
She currently teaches as a substitute at area schools while enrolled in SUNY Cortland’s Physical Education Leadership Online M.S.Ed. program. McConologue also coaches girls volleyball in the Downstate North Club, a national, regional and local competitive club located in La Grange, N.Y.
A first-generation college student, McConologue’s undergraduate GPA was 3.94.
In Spring 2025, she was recognized with the prestigious Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award from the New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
The same year, she also earned the Physical Education Department’s Major of The Year Award and its Bessie L. Park 1901 Award, two of many scholarships and honors presented to the frequent President’s List and Dean’s List scholar.
In January, she achieved New York State Physical Education teaching certification (K-12), adding to a long list that includes SHAPE Roadmap to Adapted Physical Education certification.
“During my time at SUNY Cortland, I worked to balance strong academic performance with meaningful field experiences, including student teaching, substitute teaching and coaching,” McConologue said. “In each setting, I have aimed to create a positive and inclusive environment where students feel encouraged to participate, build skills and develop confidence through physical activity.”
She credited SUNY Cortland for the opportunities that helped her grow as a leader and learner outside of the classroom, notably through her involvement in the Alliance for Physical Education Majors (APEM) Club and mentoring peers.
“I have been able to learn from others while contributing where I can,” McConologue said.
She played field hockey as a student at the Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls. After her high school graduation, she completed most of the coursework toward an associate’s degree at Duchess Community College.
While enrolled at Cortland, the non-traditional transfer student traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the need for good physical education programs in schools and presented at New York state conferences.
McConologue received letters of recommendation for the SHAPE America award from three faculty members in SUNY Cortland’s Physical Education Department: Professor Helena Baert, Lecturer Helene Schmid and Associate Professor and Department Chair Rebecca Bryan.
Baert credited her student’s engagement and maturity in class discussions and assignments.
“Megan is a learner and a teacher,” Baert wrote. “Her enthusiasm is infectious, positively influencing her peers and fostering a collaborative and energetic learning environment.”
Schmid also noted McConologue’s interaction with fellow physical education majors.
“Megan’s support has been instrumental in helping her peers develop and refine their skills, and her contributions have elevated the overall learning environment for all involved,” Schmid wrote. “In all her endeavors, Megan embodies the qualities of a passionate, driven and future focused professional in the field of physical education.”
Bryan praised several qualities beyond McConologue’s high GPA, notably her leadership with American Physical Education Majors Club (APEM) and her commitment to professional development.
McConologue said her participation in SHAPE America has helped stay connected to the field and develop her skills.
“This recognition means a great deal to me,” she said. “I see it as encouragement to keep learning and striving to make a positive impact.”
Select an image to begin a slide show
McConologue, right, and APEM Club co-chairs Grace Jervis, left, and Logan Babcock host a volleyball tournament
Motivating a girls soccer team with her back to the camera as a sport specialist at summer camp Ramaquois
Student teaching team handball defensive strategies to sixth graders at Unionville (N.Y.) Middle School
Working with three-year-old Maeve for a Fall 2024 Adapted Physical Education course