Student-Athlete of the Month
The “We are Hofstra…We are Leaders” program recognizes the all-around success of select Hofstra University student-athletes. The key criteria includes excellence in academics, leadership and dedication in athletics, a commitment to community service, and the extent to which they serve as a role model for their peers.
Genna Kovar, senior forward from Hamptons Bays, NY has had an exceptional season for the Hofstra Field Hockey team. This year Kovar was able to set three single season Hofstra records and three career school marks. As of November 1, Kovar was ranked first in the nation in points (3.50), second in goals (1.30) and seventh in assists (0.90). She is a three-time CAA Player of the Week and was recently featured in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd. A 2009 Longstreth/NFHCA All-American, two-time All-Mideast Region first team selection and a two-time All-CAA first team pick, she recently became the sixth Hofstra field hockey player to be selected to the NFHCA Senior All-Star Game. Genna was asked have you been able to meet any influential people while here at Hofstra? If so, who and why are they influential in your life? Her response was, “My teammates helped me through everything here and are my family. They've taught me so many life lessons and have helped me grow into the person I am today, and I can't thank them enough.
QUESTION: Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?
GENNA KOVAR: The reason I chose Hofstra University is because I wanted to stay close to home so my family, friends, and Coaches could still come watch and support me. Originally, I wanted to teach on Long Island and I thought staying here and going to school would help me get a job here.
Q: What has it meant to be a member of the Hofstra women's field hockey team and to play for coach Kathy De Angelis?GENNA: It's been an honor playing for Kathy De Angelis, and I'm so thankful she gave me this opportunity. She's enabled me to be a part of a great program and I've loved every minute of it. Being a part of this team has been such a great experience and I wouldn't change it for anything. It is something I will always have with me.
Q: What has been your most memorable athletic achievement?
GENNA: As a team, my most memorable moment would have to be beating ODU in 2009. Individually, I would say this year as a senior, I was able to break six school records.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
GENNA: I plan on coaching at the college level. I would also love to keep playing field hockey as much as possible, and hopeful someday be on the US National Team. I know it's going to be a lot of work, but I'm up for the challenge!
Q: What is your definition of a leader?
GENNA: A leader to me is someone I know I can trust and who is able to take charge in every situation. They have a presence and a motivation to succeed that is tangible.
Q: What does it take to be a successful student while competing as a Division I student-athlete?
GENNA: It takes a lot of time management and discipline to stay focused. Make sure to attend all the meetings with coaches, advisors, and teachers as they are all trying to make sure everyone is on the same page with you to makes sure you are the best you can be on and off the field.
Q: What piece of advice do you have for incoming student-athletes?
GENNA: Don't be scared if you think it's overwhelming: all of us have thought that. You have so much support all around you so don't be afraid to ask for help.
Q: How has community service involvement positively impacted your development as an individual?
GENNA: It helps you understand how important it is to give back to your community and how working with the ones around you is essential to accomplish things. It taught me how important it is to help others because so many have helped me get to where I am today.
Q: What are your interests outside of your sport?
GENNA: Snowboarding, running, the beach, anything active, coaching, babysitting my favorite little kiddies, and spending as much time as I can with my friends and family.
