Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame
DIA (LaBELLA) ALBERDA
Dia (LaBella) Alberda, a women’s basketball student-athlete, played for the Pride from 1978 through 1982 and graduated as Hofstra’s all-time leading scorer with 1,840 points (a record since broken). During her four-year tenure, Hofstra posted a record of 92-40 and was the Eastern AIAW Division II champion in 1982.
Dia was the first Hofstra woman to reach the 1,000-point mark in her career and led the team in scoring in each of her first three seasons. As a freshman she was named the Most Valuable Player of the New York State Tournament. As a sophomore in 1979-80, Dia was selected to the state all-tournament team. In 1980-81, Dia averaged 14.7 points in leading the Flying Dutchwomen to a 25-12 record and a second-place showing in the Metropolitan Basketball Conference Championship. Her 516 points that season rank as the second-highest total in team history. As a senior in 1981-82, Dia averaged 11.5 points and helped lead Hofstra to the Eastern AIAW Division II championship and a spot in the AIAW National Tournament.
In addition to her career scoring mark, Dia ranks seventh in career free throws with 279, and is in the top 10 in four different single season categories. As a team, Hofstra set seven single-game and four season school records during her playing career.
After graduating with a degree in physical education, Dia went on to become fitness director at Gold’s Gym in East Northport, New York, a position she has held for the past 17 years. She serves as head trainer and provides strength training, conditioning and nutritional guidance for all fitness levels.
