One Program, Two Journeys: The Hack Sisters and the CMS Scholar-Leader-Athlete Experience

At the Claremont Colleges, academic excellence is not a goal. It is a baseline expectation. Within Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athletics, that same expectation extends to competition, leadership, and personal growth. Student-athletes at CMS move constantly between classrooms, labs, practices, and competitions across three campuses, learning early how to manage their time, energy, and priorities in an environment that demands both independence and accountability.

Few stories capture that experience more completely than those of Corie Hack '19 and Rylie Hack '26. Though both sisters attend Claremont McKenna College, their paths through the CMS women's lacrosse program reflect two distinct journeys shaped by the same rigorous academic culture, shared team identity, and evolving roles within one program.

Corie Hack '19: A Foundation Built on Balance
Corie Hack arrived at CMS from the East Coast already knowing that lacrosse would play a major role in her life. She also knew that her education would come first.

"My priority for college was always academics," Corie explains. "That's what really drew me to the Claremont Colleges. I could put my education first at an incredibly strong academic institution while still playing the sport I loved at a competitive level."

A Science Management major with a focus in biotechnology, Corie balanced demanding coursework with four seasons as a midfielder. The expectations placed on CMS student-athletes were clear from the beginning. Small class sizes required active participation. Professors expected preparation and engagement. Practices, lifts, and competitions demanded focus and consistency.

Over time, Corie grew into a leader who thrived within that structure. She became a team captain and All-American, helping guide CMS through one of the most successful eras in program history. During her final three seasons, the team went undefeated in SCIAC play, a level of success Corie attributes to cohesion and trust rather than individual accolades.

"We truly worked as a unit, from the coaches down to the players," she says. "Everyone played to each other's strengths, challenged one another, and still found real joy in the friendships we built, both on and off the field, and in our time together outside the game. 

That balance between intensity and enjoyment became central to Corie's scholar-athlete experience. She learned how to manage long days that began in class and ended on the field, how to hold herself accountable while supporting her teammates, and how to view setbacks as opportunities for growth.

"Being a CMS student-athlete teaches you how to manage expectations without losing sight of the fun," she reflects. "The hard moments are real, but they end up being some of the most important learning opportunities."

From Alum to Mentor
After graduating in 2019, Corie stayed closely connected to CMS lacrosse through alumni events and prospect camps. In 2024, she returned to the program as an assistant coach, stepping into a mentorship role that allowed her to give back to the community that shaped her.

Coaching the same program she once played for gave Corie a unique ability to empathize and understand her players.

"I know how how difficult it can be mentally and physically to balance everything that's expected of you here," Corie says. "I wanted my players to know how valued they are, not just as athletes, but as people."

That season held added meaning, as it coincided with her younger sister Rylie's freshman year on the team. Watching practices, games, and team dynamics from the sideline offered Corie a unique perspective on the continuity of CMS culture across generations.

Rylie Hack '27: Growing Into Confidence
For Rylie Hack, the CMS experience began long before her first official campus visit. Growing up on Long Island, lacrosse was ever-present.

"I genuinely don't remember a time I wasn't playing lacrosse," Rylie says. With a mother who coached and an older sister who excelled at the collegiate level, the sport was woven into her daily life.

Still, Rylie was determined to find her own path. While Corie was careful not to influence her decision too heavily, Rylie could not ignore what she observed. "I saw how happy she was here and how much she loved her experience," Rylie says. "That meant a lot to me."

Once on campus, Rylie quickly learned that CMS required more than talent or enthusiasm. As a Science Management major with a biotechnology focus on the pre-med track, her academic workload was demanding from the start. Combined with the physical and mental challenges of collegiate athletics, the adjustment was significant.

"The academics here are no joke, and neither is CMS lacrosse," Rylie explains. "But that challenge is also what makes it so rewarding."

Early in her freshman season, Rylie faced a moment that would shape her confidence moving forward. A coach gave her the opportunity to step into a new role during a high-pressure game, trusting her to rise to the moment.

"I was a super shy, anxious freshman, and that opportunity changed everything for me," she recalls. "It gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and push myself harder every day."

Finding Her Voice Within the Program
Now entering her third season, Rylie has grown into a vocal and energetic presence on the team. Known for her enthusiasm and encouragement, she views leadership as something practiced daily rather than assigned.

"I try to make people feel supported and recognized all the time," she says. "We're all balancing so much, and sometimes just knowing someone sees your effort makes a huge difference."

Rylie also points to the broader CMS community as a defining part of her experience. From teammates across all three colleges to athletic trainers, strength staff, and classmates who attend games, she feels supported in every aspect of her life as a student-athlete.

"I love watching other CMS athletes compete and knowing how many people are rooting for you," she says. "You have so many familiar faces across campus who know you have a game and will wish you luck."

Shared Program, Distinct Experiences
Despite sharing a major, position, and program, Corie and Rylie's experiences at CMS reflect their different personalities. Corie describes herself as more reserved, while Rylie brings an outgoing and expressive energy to campus life. Both have found space to thrive within the same academic and athletic framework.

"Anyone reading this can probably tell that Rylie is way more extroverted than I am," Corie jokes. Rylie agrees, noting that the CMS environment allows student-athletes to define success on their own terms. "There isn't one way to be a CMS student-athlete," she says. "You find what works for you."

Perspective Across Generations
Sharing the CMS lacrosse program across different eras has given both sisters a deeper appreciation for the continuity of its values. Many traditions have remained the same, while the level of competition has continued to rise.

Returning as a coach while Rylie began her career allowed Corie to witness that evolution firsthand. "It's been really special watching her grow on and off the field," she says. "I can offer advice, but ultimately let her forge her own path."

For Rylie, having her sister on staff during her freshman season created moments she will never forget. After their final game together, they stayed on the field long after most of the team had left. "She hates hugging me," Rylie laughs, "but we both knew it would be our last time on the field together."

One Program, Lasting Impact
When Corie watches Rylie compete in a CMS uniform now, she does not think about legacy. "It's not my legacy. It's hers," she says. "I just get to watch and be proud."

Together, the Hack sisters represent the CMS scholar-leader-athlete experience in its fullest form. They are students who meet the academic rigor of the Claremont Colleges head-on, athletes who embrace the demands of competition, and leaders who elevate those around them.

Their stories show that even within the same program, no two paths are identical. What unites them is a shared commitment to growth, balance, and community, values that continue to define CMS lacrosse across generations.