Student-Athlete of the Month
The Student-Athlete of the Month 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.
Steve Bonanno, a redshirt Junior from Wantagh, NY, is taking full advantage of all opportunities placed before him from being a member of SAAC to internships to competing at the NCAA National Championships. Steve is currently in the Bachelor/Masters Accounting program which will allow his to leave Hofstra with both his undergraduate and master's degree. Every program needs at least one person who will step up and take the lead each season. Steve defines a leader as, “not always the person that has to voice his thoughts or "words of wisdom," rather it is the person who holds himself accountable for everything he does and speaks through his actions. It's always easier said than done is what a leader must keep in the back of his head, and when following that mindset a leader accomplishes what he set out to do.”
Interview Questions:
QUESTION: What has it meant to be a member of the Hofstra's wrestling program and to compete for your head coach, Rob Anspach?
STEVE BONANNO: Hofstra wrestling has predominantly been my lifestyle since my first day freshman year. I've always been proud to step onto the mat and represent the team and coaching staff because if not for them I would not have made it to the level of wrestling I am at today.
Q: Have you been able to meet any influential people while here at Hofstra? If so, who and why are they influential in your life?
STEVE: While here at Hofstra I'd have to say the most influential people have been my wrestling and strength coaches. They have changed my attitude towards everything I do on and off the mat. No matter what the circumstances I have learned that there is some way for me to dig down deep and overcome whatever obstacle has been put in front of me. I have been able to apply this kind of attitude to wrestling, school, and work especially when I have to balance all three at once.
Q: What piece of advice do you have for incoming student-athletes?
STEVE: College is supposed to encompass the best times of your life and I think you should take advantage of the opportunities you have, but when you're an athlete there is a responsibility you must hold onto otherwise you may forget why you came to school. If your highest priorities do not include working hard in the classroom and becoming a national champion then I think you may have to reassess your main reasons for being a Division I athlete.
Q: Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?
STEVE: There wasn't one reason in particular, as much as it was several that comprised my decision to come to Hofstra. School is only ten minutes from my house so I always get to go home whenever I need a break or relief from stress. Most importantly was Hofstra's reputation both on and off the mat. The business school is ranked among the top 50 in the nation and our wrestling team has consistently been among the top 20 and produced many All-Americans.
Q: What has been your most memorable athletic achievement?
STEVE: During my freshman campaign, we traveled to Penn State for a match when they were ranked 7th in the nation and I happened to be wrestling second to last in the lineup. I won my match in overtime and our team pulled the upset in front of an audience of over 3,000 people.
Q: How did you make your decision on what major to choose?
STEVE: After taking a couple accounting classes I realized that was the major for me, especially with all the opportunities on Long Island and in New York City.
Q: What does it take to be a successful student while competing as a Division I student-athlete?
STEVE: The most important thing is time management because without it you will be lost. Between all the practices, one on ones, and extra weight loss workouts, you have to make sure there is time to get schoolwork done. Sometimes the stress gets to me, but during those times you just have to figure out a way to get through.
Q: How has community service involvement positively impacted your development as an individual?
STEVE: The community service has helped me appreciate the little things in life, and at the same time give me a feeling that I am making a difference for somebody in some way. Since our team mostly does community service together it has also made us a closer knit group and more of a family.
Q: What kinds of aspirations do you have for playing at the next level, it any?
STEVE: The next level of wrestling is either working towards the Olympics or competing in mixed martial arts, which isn't of much interest to me.
Q: What are your interests outside of your sport?
STEVE: I mostly enjoy doing outdoor activities, mainly surfing and skiing. There's nothing better than hanging out with friends and family outside and listening to some country music, just taking advantage of another great day. When I am stuck inside, my housemates and I are super competitive while playing video games and if you ask any of them they'll tell you "I love scary movies."
Q: What has surprised you about Hofstra since arriving on campus?
STEVE: What's surprised me most about Hofstra since I came here is that the student body is so diversified, especially for a smaller private school. It's pretty cool to talk to people from other areas of the country or even other parts of the world and hear about their lifestyle back home and how it's changed since they came to Long Island.
