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.

Stephen Bentz, a senior lacrosse player from Massapequa Park, NY, has been a consistent force for Hofstra's Men's Lacrosse program. Already a leader for his team and other student-athletes; he has been awarded the honor of being named team captain and is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).  The purpose of the SAAC is to serve as the voice of the student-athletes, act as the liaison with the athletic administration, enhance the student-athlete experience, and coordinate community service projects.  This year he has participated in numerous community service projects including Reading with Pride, where he was able to visit elementary schools along with other Hofstra student-athletes to bring the importance of reading to the youth and to read some of their favorite books.  Along with his teammates, Stephen is an avid supporter of the HEADstrong foundation, and the Friends of Jaclyn foundation through which the team adopted Dylan Beach on March 26, 2011.  Stephen has also participated in the "Have A Heart for the Homeless" candlelight vigil sponsored by Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, as well as the Tunnel to Towers Run which donated $2,000 in registration fees to the Stephen Siller "Let Us Do Good" Children's Foundation.  A starter for the past two years and one of the team's leading scorers this year, Stephen Bentz has stepped up his game to lead his team on and off the field to success.

Interview Questions:
Question: Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?
Stephen Bentz:  When I was looking at different schools it was very obvious to me that I would be a Hofstra guy.  When I first came here to visit with my coaches and I went on my official visit, I really fit in with the guys and I found a lot of them to be like me.  Also, since my family lives nearby, it would give them a chance to see a lot of my games. 

Question:  What has it meant to be a member of the Hofstra men's lacrosse team and to play for your head coach, Seth Tierney?
Stephen:  To be a member of the Hofstra Men's Lacrosse team and to play for Coach Tierney has been great.  Through my years, I was able to make a lot of memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.  Hofstra has become a real home for me and I will miss it next year.  As for the relationships I have made with my teammates, it has been nothing but an awesome time.  To be a member of the Hofstra Pride is an overall privilege.

Question:  What has been your most memorable athletic achievement?
Stephen:  I have a lot of memorable athletic achievements that our team has made since I have been here, including beating Johns Hopkins in an absolute monsoon of a day.  However,  I would have to say that my most memorable achievement was winning the CAA Championship my freshmen year at Drexel.  That is a feeling that I will never forget.

Question:  How did you make your decision on what major to choose?
Stephen:  Starting out at Hofstra I was a Business Management major, but after a while I realized that business was not for me.  Being great with kids and around kids with coaching and teaching the game, I knew that I could be a teacher.  I am planning to go to graduate school to get my master's degree in education and hopefully this economy shapes up, so that I can get a job.

Question:  What does it take to be a successful student while competing as a Division I student-athlete?
Stephen:  Being a student-athlete is pretty tough because you really have two full time jobs with your sport and your school work.  In order to be successful in both, you have to have an understanding of time management.  As a student I really learned that getting my work done and setting priorities have helped me stay on top of my school work.

Question:  How has community service involvement positively impacted your development as an individual?
Stephen:  Being involved with community service with the team throughout the year has given me a feeling of pride because you know at the end of the day you did something productive to change another person's life in a positive way.  Being allowed to help people a bit less fortunate then us really shows my team and I why it's important to give back to the community and to show our support. 

Question:  Have you been able to meet any influential people while here at Hofstra?  If so, who and why are they influential in your life?
Stephen:  Other than meeting great leaders and captains on our team through the years, there have been a few teachers that have made an impact on me as well.  One of the team's captains who graduated two years ago, Jack Vivonetto, is an overall great American with the best work ethic I have ever seen.  He is in the Navy and fighting for our country which is amazing.  Jack made a large impact on me and understanding what it takes to be great.  Make us proud Jack!

Question:  What is your definition of a leader?
Stephen:  My definition of a leader would be someone who would puts the team before his own personal needs every day.  A leader must also be able to find a way to win no matter what it takes, and also keep all those on the team meshed together at the same time. 

Question:  What piece of advice do you have for incoming student-athletes?
Stephen:  My advice to incoming student-athletes would be to cherish your college career, because some day you will be a senior and wonder where the last four years of your life went.  It went so fast for me, so I would have to say take it day by day and try to live and play in the moment every day.  I still can remember my first day of college practice and orientation; that's how fast it goes.

Question:  What are your interests outside of your sport?
Stephen:  Outside of lacrosse, I love to go fishing and crabbing with my family and I hope to get a lot of fishing in this summer with my grandfather who taught me as a kid how to fish.  I also love to not only play lacrosse during the summer but also love to coach kids.  I have coached and taught the game my whole life and believe that someday I will coach at a high school or maybe even a college level.

Question:  What has surprised you about Hofstra since arriving on campus?
Stephen:  What has surprised me the most about Hofstra since I have arrived here are all the things that have been improved and updated throughout the university starting with the medical school.  I am exciting to see that Hofstra was going to develop a medical school to expand the university. Another thing that surprised me was the Debate that was held at Hofstra in 2009, that was so cool for our school to get the attention it received.  It was a great experience and will stay with me forever.