University of Albany

Before UAlbany

• Bethlehem Central High School
  • Played four years varsity for Dawn Austin
  • Two-year captain
  • 2x All-New York State - 2024, 25
  • 4x Section II All-Star - First Team (2023, 24, 25), Second Team (2022)
  • 2025 Times Union Player of the Year
  • 2025 Max Field Hockey Northeast All-Region
  • Holds the school’s single-season points record (161)
  • 2x Section II Class AA Champion - 2022, 25
  • Team awards - 2023 Team Impact, 2024 MVP
  • Also played three years varsity ice hockey
    • 2025 Most Improved Player
• ADK Field Hockey
  • Played eight years for Jen Sykes

 

Personal

• Finleigh “Fin” McClain is the daughter of Amy and Cory
• Has one older brother, Owen, and three younger brothers, Eamon, Cabot, and Larkin
• Calls Feura Bush, New York home
• Intends to major in something health related
• Enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to Dunkin, and walking dogs
• Has spent time coaching youth field hockey and ice hockey, and is a part of the Challenge baseball program for kids with disabilities 

 

Why did you choose UAlbany?

I chose UAlbany because I spent my whole life playing field hockey in the Capital Region, so it felt like a natural fit. Staying close to home while competing at the Division I level, along with the welcoming atmosphere created by the coaches and team made it an easy decision.
 

Sykes on McClain

Finleigh has been part of our local ADK club and has been coached by Jen Sykes since she was little. We got to watch her grow as a player and a person throughout the years. As well as being a very good field hockey player, she is also a high-level ice hockey player, too, having played for the boys’ team at Bethlehem. We look forward to utilizing her attacking and defending skills and she will add a great deal to our team in a dynamic way.